The Alpine A110 Berlinette, one of the rally legends of old, turns 50 this year and to mark the event, parent company Renault has crafted a new concept model in its name that will make its world premiere at the Monaco Grand Prix this weekend.
“We wanted to make a Berlinette that was of our time, and which boldly embodies Renault’s passion for motorsport. We were guided by our hearts and emotions,” said Renault Concept and Show Car Director, Axel Breun.
Instead of developing and designing a concept model from scratch, Renault stylistically modified the body of the production-intent, all-electric DeZir sports coupe concept from the 2010 Paris Motor Show, and placed it atop of the Megane Trophy racecar, which as you may imagine, is not mechanically related to the production model.
The carbon-fiber bodywork of the A110-50 study combines a new shade of blue that reinterprets the famous original ‘Alpine Blue’ with orange accents. Being a track focused model, the Alpine also features an array of aero components such as the front spoiler, protruding side skirts, a rear diffuser and a large wing.
Other differences over the DeZir include the Alpine A110-inspired half-domed additional lamps that feature LED yellow lighting, air-intakes on each side of the car and 21-inch wheels with a single central nut that are wrapped around in road homologated Michelin tires.
Opening the scissor doors reveals an uncluttered, competition-focused cockpit with Sabelt bucket seats and full harness belts, a roll cage and a racing steering wheel that incorporates a color screen, which houses the same technology as a Formula Renault 3.5 single-seater to provide drivers with all the information they need.
Under the carbon fiber body lies a strengthened version of the Megane Trophy’s tubular chassis. The wheelbase of the Alpine A110-50 is identical to that of Mégane Trophy at 2,625mm, while the track is slightly wider at 1,680mm on the front and 1,690mm on the rear. According to the automaker, the Alpine A110-50 has a kerb weight of 880kg or about 1,940 pounds. Renault says the final weight distribution is almost ideal, with 47.8 percent hanging over the front wheels.
The Alpine A110-50 makes use of the Megane Trophy’s V4Y engine, which is Renault’s internal designation for the Nissan VQ 3.5-liter V6. In this application, the V6 delivers 400hp at 7,200 rpm and 422Nm (311 lb-ft) at 6,200 rpm. A semi-automatic six-speed sequential gearbox drives the rear wheels through a limited slip differential.
Renault says that in order to improve driver feedback, it has not fitted the car with any type of driving aids like ABS and traction control. Stopping power is provided by large 356mm-diameter steel discs with six-piston calipers at the front, and 330mm discs with four-piston calipers at the rear.
While the French automaker has not publicized any plans to produce the Alpine A110-50 Concept, the automaker’s top brass has suggested that it would like to re-introduce the Alpine brand in the very near future.
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