The New Alpine A110 Looks Gorgeous!

Let's start with a bit of basics. What is Alpine, and why's the return of the A110 a big deal? Well, think of Alpine as evil scientists that used parts from simple unassuming Renaults to make track-gobbling, rally-crossing race cars. In closed circles, they're sometimes touted to be the French equivalent of Porsche. And, that's big praise innit? 

The A110 shot to fame when it won the world's first rally championship for Alpine-Renault. Back then, it featured a modest 1.6-litre motor that pumped out 155PS. Yes, that doesn't sound like an awful lot, but dial in the fact that it weighed just about 700 kilograms, and you know you've got a rabid rabbit on hand. Add the compact proportions to the mix, and the A110 was bound to be a hoot and a half. 

And that's exactly the mantra Alpine insists on following with the new A110. Renault's recently resurrected sub-brand has released a couple of pictures of the new coupe, and we think it looks absolutely gorgeous. There's a likeable modern meets old-school theme going on, and personally, I can't help swoon looking at it. The super compact dimensions, massive wheels and, more importantly, the fog lamps on the bumper make the A110 look like nothing else that's on sale. 

There's a lot of wizardry behind the design too. The body is made out of aluminium and other light materials to keep the weight low. Rumours suggest it's likely to be a whopping 400kgs lighter compared to the Porsche Cayman, weighing just 1000kgs. Alpine also claims that the A110 is so aerodynamic, it doesn't need a rear wing to aid down force! 

The manufacturer has remained tight-lipped about specs, but rumours suggest a 250PS 1.6- or 1.8-litre motor to be in the offing. Alpine has claimed a 0-100kmph time of just 4.5 seconds, which makes it a notch faster compare to the 718 Cayman. We'll know what's what when the coupe gets its official debut on March 7 at the Geneva Motor Show. We have a hunch it's going to be good!