New Alpine A110 facelift launched with two new 296bhp variants

An updated version of the Alpine A110 sports car has been revealed, with more performance, more technology and a new three-tier line-up that features a 296bhp S variant as the flagship.

Prices for the updated A110 start from £49,905 in the UK, and Alpine hopes the changes will help keep the car competitive against the likes of the Porsche 718 Cayman and the Audi TT.

Buyers can choose between three specifications in the new line-up, called A110, A110 GT and A110 S. The entry-level model comes with the same 249bhp turbocharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine as before, which is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

However, the GT and S variants feature a more potent version of the powertrain, which develops 296bhp and 340Nm of torque, which is good enough for the A110 to sprint from 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds, before reaching a top speed of 171mph (with the limiter removed, that is).

Little has changed on the styling front. Alpine’s target was to retain the retro lines of the A110’s grandfather from the Sixties, as they’re a big part of the car’s appeal. The biggest difference is the new rear wing on the range-topping S model.

Instead of focusing on the cosmetics, Alpine spent its time working on the A110’s equipment and infotainment. So, there’s a new seven-inch infotainment system inside, which features a voice recognition system, real-time traffic updates and fuel-price information.

The new screen is also optionally available with a telematics system that can display the car’s vital information (such as boost pressure, gearbox temperature and available power), as well as keep track of the driver’s performance on circuits.

Standard equipment for the entry-level A110 includes 17-inch alloy wheels shod in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres, 296mm Brembo brakes and Charcoal black-paint calipers. Inside, buyers benefit from the new infotainment system and adjustable sports seats trimmed in a blend of black microfibre and leather.

Alpine’s mid-range A110 GT is designed to be a little easier to live with over long distances, so it comes with slightly more accomodating leather seats, a premium Focal audio system and convenience features such as front and rear parking sensors, and a rear-view camera. Prices start from £59,355.

The range-topping A110 S is priced from £59,955. Like the pre-facelift car, it has a host of performance-minded upgrades designed to make the car feel sharper on a track. These include 18-inch alloy wheels, stiffer and lower suspension with different geometry, new anti-roll bars, larger-diameter 320mm Brembo brakes and a sports exhaust system.

There’s also an optional aero package, which includes a new chin spoiler and a huge rear wing, both of which are made from carbon fibre. Buyers can opt for a set of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 semi-slick tyres as an extra to add more grip.

Alpine has introduced new optional extras, too. The S variant can be specified with a pair of Sabelt racing seats trimmed in microfiber upholstery, while the GT and S model can be optioned with a microfibre pack. The latter package trims the steering wheel, headliner, centre console and dashboard in the suede-like material.

The A110 GT and A110 S models are also now available with a carbon fibre roof in place of the standard metal item. This shaves 1.9kg off their kerb weights; the A110 is still light, with the mid-engined model’s bespoke aluminium platform helping keep kerbweight down to a lowest 1,102kg.

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