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A day on the track with the Alpine A 110.
I was invited by an Alpine Authorized Dealer to test the Alpine on the track. I already tested it on the small roads of Normandy, and on the highway, too, I had to go farther and have some fun on the track to test its limits, and to get some notions on how to pilot a car on a track, too.
We had an appointment at 9.00 AM, and I arrived a bit earlier, the Volvo C 70 T5 being a pretty fast car. 
The first surprise? The cars in presence. Half an hour before, two race cars were there, two Alpine A 110 Cup, with a reworked exhaust, a different electronic gestion, a steering wheel borrowed to the GT 4, new suspensions for a much lower car ( -40 mm ) and a different sequential gearbox.
The other surprise? The presence of the first A 110 with a special historical paint, here in ... Pink, for the Alpine Workshop.
Another surprise came a bit after... The number of " Alpinists " who attended the event with their A 110. Not 5, 6 or 10, but a bit more than 30!
As expected, the Blue was the most popular. There were a good number of " S ", too, which is the sporty version of the A 110. And I suspect a few have installed a special exhaust, from what I heard on the track...
The A 110 S I tested a few weeks ago:
But the most important was, of course, the experience on the track, the feelings when you brake like a mad man way before the curves, the way you pass the curves, the drifts, the way you have to look at the track, the incredible balance of the car, the sensations...
I couldn't make a video on the cars when I tested two of them, a normal one and the... A 110 Cup, with its official pilot, Laurent Hurgon, who is currently 2d in the european championship. Seeing him driving, piloting the car at only 80% of its possibilities makes you realize the difference which separates a professional pilot to an amateur. You really take a lesson of humility and feel a lot of respect for these " guys ". When they drive, you think it is really an easy thing. Try, and you will see, it is not that evident...
Here is the video:
It makes you want to enhance your poor driving skills, just to have a decent level.
And, better or worse, it really gives you the will to own one of these cars.
But that is another story. I will review the A 110 and its different versions in a later post.
I would like to thank the Alpine Dealer for this invitation, or should I say, incitation...
It was an unforgettable moment, truly.
Best,
Nicolas
Nico, the best way to fight temptation is to yield :)
Great story, great pictures, great car. A day spent at the track "bonding" with your car is humbling for sure and rewarding in so many ways...
Nice pictures sir, must have been a wonderful and fun day.
The white S with the black wheels is very nice and also the dark grey in picture number 8. The pink one with the white wheels on the other hand looks awful.
Too many blue ones, do you have a preference already?
I will not go for the Blue. I am focusing on the dark grey you mentioned, or the white S. My idea? The dark Grey with the black wheels of the White A 110 S... [nt]
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The dark grey with the black wheels would be awesome, the colour gives the car a chic look and the black wheels gives it a bit mean look.
and the tires need to be nice clean and shiny!
It reads and looks like you had an incredible experience.
I hope you get your Alpine soon my friend. I too have experienced the humility of driving at a track and then watching the professional pilot my car. What an incredible difference. Did you experience a deep sleep that night? My professional pilot told me I was going to sleep very well that night. I didn’t believe him, but he was right. The adrenaline during the day and the mental focus on the track created for the best sleep. Best wishes and best of luck getting your Alpine.
I was totally exhausted, for sure. Thank you so much, mon ami. We'll soon see if I can get my A 110. Let's see things are going in the good way. [nt]
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Fantastic report and pictures! now you are poisoned with track driving and racing - poor man ;-)
Since I did my first track day some 20 years ago I have done a lot of these experiences as regular trainings for an official European race license which I obtained some ten years ago. It is so much fun 
My current track car is the Alfa 4C which is way better for that purpose than R8 or Porsche (which I tracked before).
My current track car is the Alfa 4C which is way better for that purpose than R8 or Porsche (which I tracked before).Go ahead and purchase the A110!
I am sure you had more fun with the 4C than with the much heavier R8 or Porsche. I still have a lot to learn! Enjoy, mon ami. I hope that one day, we'll have fun together! [nt]
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Looks like a tremendous event!
I would love the opportunity to attend one of these track days some time...
I can tell you really enjoyed yourself. Driving that kind of horse power on a track is a humbling expierence. Most people think its easy but you know differently [nt]
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Looks like fun! Any pictures of the interiors?
What color would you go for? I'd go for the darker blue or the grey.
No pictures of the interiors for the moment, but I will review them. As for the color, I would go for the grey. Thanks,Patrick. [nt]
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Now that is how you sell sports cars! Looks like it was a great even and a dealer/brand that knows how to appeal to enthusiasts!
Good luck getting an a110! In addition to he car itself, it looks like a great community of owners which really completes the experience.
Yes, it was a great event. I am also invited to the historical factory in Dieppe! Thanks, Fastwong, I am working hard on getting one. [nt]
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Sounds like so much fun, and more importantly a great opportunity to get yourself in these cars and be able to push them a little.
Is this something you can have (if you ordered) in a short time frame or is there a long lead on delivery?
Are you now fully committed or are there still hesitation?
The delivery? Count 6 good months. But there are some used car with a few kilometers which are a relatively good deal... [nt]
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Surprisingly, used Alpine A 110 are very often as expensive as a new one, if not a bit more... [nt]
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I noticed this as well, just a testament to how cool the car is but the trend will reverse, sooner or later [nt]
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It will all depend on the life of the A 110. If short, they may reach some higher levels, new or used. [nt]
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that would be very sad news, I was hoping they keep this line and do a refresh every 10 years [nt]
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I too hope that Alpine will do the same than Porsche with the 911. [nt]
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I’d be looking at the used and save myself some Euros. Assuming your build is available. [nt]
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