2026 Alpine A110 R Ultime — The Ultimate French Sports Car
2026 Alpine A110 R Ultime — The Ultimate French Sports Car
The Alpine A110 R Ultime is the pinnacle of Alpine’s modern revival. Building on the lightweight mid-engined platform that made the A110 a modern icon, the R Ultime pushes performance, aerodynamics, and driver engagement to the limit.
A Legend Reborn
The original Alpine A110 won the World Rally Championship in 1973, and the modern version has carried that spirit forward since its 2017 revival. The R Ultime is the most extreme road-legal variant yet — a car designed for track days that still wears number plates.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.8L turbocharged inline-4 (mid-engine) |
| Power | ~345 hp |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| Weight | ~1,100 kg (2,425 lb) |
| 0–100 km/h | ~3.8 seconds |
| Top speed | ~285 km/h (177 mph) |
| Construction | Aluminium monocoque |
| Built in | Dieppe, France |
The R Ultime features carbon fibre wheels (saving ~12 kg unsprung mass), a fixed rear wing with Gurney flap, a vented engine cover, and a titanium exhaust. Every panel change serves aerodynamics or weight reduction.
What Makes It “Ultime”?
The R Ultime takes the already hardcore A110 R and adds:
- More power — upgraded turbo and ECU mapping lift output beyond the standard R’s 300 hp
- Track-tuned suspension — Öhlins adjustable dampers with stiffer springs
- Carbon aero package — front splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser, and dual-element rear wing
- Weight reduction — carbon seats, polycarbonate rear window, deleted sound deadening
- Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyres as standard
Unlike some competitors, the A110 R Ultime doesn’t add hybrid systems or all-wheel drive. It stays true to the Alpine philosophy: light weight, mid-engine balance, and pure driving pleasure.
Alpine Today
Alpine has grown from a niche revival into Renault’s performance brand. The line-up now includes:
- A110 — the core sports car (various trims)
- A390 — upcoming electric fastback (2026)
- Alpenglow — hydrogen hypercar concept
The brand is preparing for an all-electric future while perfecting the combustion-engined sports car swan song.
Why It Matters
In a world of 2,000 kg electric SUVs and digitally augmented driving, the Alpine A110 R Ultime is a refreshing counterpoint. It’s light, loud, and analogue. It demands skill to drive fast — and rewards it generously.
The A110 has proven that a small French manufacturer can build a world-class sports car. The R Ultime is the proof that they’re not done yet.
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What do you think of lightweight sports cars like the Alpine? Is 345 hp in a 1,100 kg car more fun than 600 hp in a heavy supercar?