Alpine A110 sports car: lightweight coupe for purist drivers

The Alpine A110 is a modern lightweight sports coupe that revives the classic Alpine name under Renault Group, with the current generation first unveiled in 2017 at the Geneva Motor Show Alpine, 03/07/2017 and positioned as a mid-engined two-seat performance car Car and Driver, 03/08/2018.

As of: 05/24/2026 | Reading time: approx. 11 minutes

By the AD HOC NEWS editorial team - specialized in product-focused market coverage.

What the Alpine A110 Is and How It Works

The Alpine A110 is a two-seat, mid-engined sports car with aluminum-intensive construction designed to keep overall weight low and emphasize agility over outright power Alpine, 03/07/2017.

The car uses a turbocharged four-cylinder engine mounted behind the seats, driving the rear wheels through a dual-clutch automatic transmission, an arrangement chosen to balance everyday usability with quick, precise gear changes on road and track Top Gear, 11/25/2019.

Inside, the A110 focuses on driver engagement, with a low seating position, compact steering wheel, and relatively simple control layout that prioritizes essential driving functions while still offering modern infotainment and safety features where required by regulations Autocar, 04/15/2021.

Why the Alpine A110 Matters for US Consumers and Industry

Even though the Alpine A110 is not officially imported into the United States, it has attracted interest from American enthusiasts and media as a benchmark for lightweight sports car design that contrasts with the trend toward heavier, more powerful performance models Road & Track, 06/02/2020.

US-based automotive outlets often compare the Alpine A110 conceptually with cars like the Porsche 718 Cayman and Mazda MX-5 Miata, highlighting how its focus on low mass and chassis balance helps demonstrate alternative ways to deliver driving enjoyment beyond high horsepower figures Car and Driver, 03/08/2018.

For the broader industry, the A110 serves as an example of how a niche performance model can use lightweight engineering to meet efficiency and emissions goals without resorting solely to electrification, a topic of growing importance in US regulatory discussions at the EPA and state level EPA, 03/01/2024.

Alpine A110 in the US and Global Market

Alpine targets the A110 primarily at European markets, with sales in countries such as France, the United Kingdom, and Germany, and limited presence in markets like Japan, while confirming that the model is not currently homologated for the US market Alpine, 01/17/2022.

US enthusiasts who want to experience the Alpine A110 generally rely on overseas driving events or track-day rentals in Europe, and US media tests are typically conducted on European roads or circuits, underscoring how the car influences perceptions despite its lack of formal US distribution Road & Track, 04/17/2018.

Within the global sports car landscape, the A110 is part of Alpine's strategy to rebuild the brand ahead of future electrified models, a plan Renault Group has outlined as it positions Alpine as its performance and motorsport marque in international markets Renault Group, 01/14/2021.

• Lightweight construction emphasizes agility over power.
• Mid-engined layout provides balanced handling for spirited driving.
• Not officially sold in the US but influential among enthusiasts.
• Positions Alpine as Renault Group's performance brand globally.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alpine A110

Is the Alpine A110 available in the United States?
The Alpine A110 is not officially sold or homologated for the US market, so buyers would face significant regulatory hurdles to import one for road use NHTSA, 02/15/2024.

What kind of drivers is the Alpine A110 aimed at?
The Alpine A110 is aimed at enthusiasts who value precise handling, feedback, and lightweight design for back-road driving and occasional track use rather than maximum straight-line performance Top Gear, 11/25/2019.

How does the Alpine A110 compare with similar sports cars?
US media often compares the A110 with cars like the Porsche 718 Cayman and Mazda MX-5, noting that the Alpine emphasizes low weight and chassis feel as an alternative to higher power outputs Car and Driver, 03/08/2018.

Alpine is operated under Renault Group, which uses the A110 to reestablish Alpine as its performance and motorsport-focused brand within the broader alliance structure.

The Renault Group share is listed in Paris, while Nissan Motor Co., associated through the alliance, is listed in Tokyo under ISIN JP3725400000.

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