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Alpine A110-50

The Renault Alpine A110-50 is a one-off mid-engine concept sports car developed by Renault to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the original Alpine A110 Berlinette, unveiled on May 25, 2012, in Monte Carlo ahead of the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix.^[1]^[2] This prototype draws stylistic inspiration from the classic A110 while incorporating modern Renault design cues, such as flowing carbon fiber bodywork in a signature Alpine Blue finish, scissor doors, and slim LED headlights with crescent-shaped daytime running lights.^[3]^[2] The car's tubular chassis is derived from the Renault Mégane Trophy race car platform, stiffened by Tork Engineering, with a rear-biased weight distribution of 47.8% front and 52.2% rear, emphasizing its track-focused heritage.^[3] Powered by a mid-mounted 3.5-liter V6 engine (code V4Y) producing 400 horsepower and 311 lb-ft (422 Nm) of torque, the A110-50 achieves a power-to-weight ratio of approximately 0.45 hp/kg thanks to its lightweight construction, including a carbon fiber body and an overall kerb weight of just 880 kg.^[3]^[2] Drive is sent to the rear wheels via a semi-automatic six-speed sequential gearbox with a twin-plate cerametallic clutch and paddle shifters, paired with a limited-slip differential, Sachs adjustable dampers, and brakes featuring six-piston front calipers—no electronic aids are present to preserve a pure driving experience.^[3]^[2] The interior reflects its racing intent, with carbon fiber trim, a roll cage, Sabelt harness belts, and a minimalist dashboard featuring a color TFT screen integrated into the steering wheel for performance data.^[3]^[2] Although never intended for production, the A110-50 served as a showcase for Renault's sports car revival ambitions, signaling a potential return to lightweight, agile performance vehicles.^[2]

Development

Background

The Alpine A110, first introduced in 1962 as a lightweight sports coupé based on Renault 8 mechanicals, quickly earned a reputation as an iconic rally car due to its agile handling and competitive performance.^[4] It achieved significant success in international rallying during the 1970s, including victories in the Monte Carlo Rally and contributing to Alpine's constructors' titles in the International Championship for Manufacturers in 1971 and 1973, as well as the inaugural World Rally Championship for manufacturers in 1973.^[5] Renault acquired a majority stake in Alpine in 1973, integrating the brand into its operations while allowing it to continue producing sports cars.^[6] However, following the discontinuation of the A610 grand tourer, Alpine production ceased in 1995 amid declining profitability and shifting market demands, leading to a period of dormancy for the marque.^[7] This hiatus lasted nearly two decades, during which Renault explored various revival strategies in the 2010s to capitalize on the brand's heritage.^[8] The creation of the A110-50 concept in 2012 was directly inspired by the 50th anniversary of the original A110's debut, serving as Renault's announcement of intent to revive the Alpine brand with a focus on motorsport heritage. Under the leadership of then-Chief Operating Officer Carlos Tavares, the concept was developed to signal a potential return to production sports cars rooted in Alpine's rallying legacy.

Design process

The design process for the Alpine A110-50 began with the selection of the Mégane Trophy race car platform as its base, which was modified by Renault Sport Technologies to align with Alpine branding while retaining the core racing architecture. This platform provided a proven mid-engine layout and mechanical foundation, allowing for rapid adaptation into a concept vehicle that honored the original A110's heritage. The tubular chassis was stiffened by Tork Engineering to enhance rigidity for high-performance track use, incorporating a roll cage for added structural integrity.^[9]^[10] Construction of the prototype was handled by the Italian specialist firm Faster, responsible for crafting the full carbon-fiber bodywork, with final assembly completed by Protostyle. This approach ensured lightweight construction—targeting under 900 kg—while integrating the stiffened chassis seamlessly. The use of advanced composites not only reduced weight but also allowed for precise aerodynamic shaping, drawing on Faster's expertise in motorsport applications.^[9]^[11] The design team, led by Senior VP of Corporate Design Laurens van den Acker at Renault, included designer Yann Jarsalle and concept show-car director Axel Breun, who focused on blending retro Alpine design cues—such as the compact proportions and rounded forms—with modern aerodynamic principles. Their work reinterpreted the original A110's silhouette through the lens of Renault's emerging design language, emphasizing emotional appeal alongside functional performance. As Breun noted, "Developing this concept car was a great adventure... guided by our hearts and emotions," highlighting the balance between heritage inspiration and innovative engineering.^[9]^[10] The project was initiated in late 2011 to align with the 50th anniversary celebrations, culminating in completion by early 2012 and initial testing at the Mortefontaine track (CERAM) in May 2012, where the vehicle was evaluated for handling and dynamics using adjustable Sachs dampers. This timeline enabled a swift progression from concept sketches to a drivable prototype, with digital modeling handled by Renault Design, Koller, and Etudes Integral to refine proportions and feasibility.^[9]^[12] Aerodynamic development, overseen by Renault Sport Technologies, emphasized ground effect principles to generate over one-third of the total downforce without relying heavily on drag-inducing elements. Key features included a front splitter integrated into the bumper to create low-pressure zones, a rear diffuser to accelerate airflow under the flat floor, and an adjustable rear wing for tunable track performance. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were pivotal in optimizing these components, ensuring balanced downforce distribution across speeds while maintaining the car's low-drag profile. Van den Acker described the result as "resonating with its heritage," underscoring the successful fusion of classic aesthetics with cutting-edge aero efficiency.^[9]^[13]

Design

Exterior styling

The Alpine A110-50 features a lightweight carbon-fiber bodywork constructed by Faster, finished in a refreshed shade of the iconic "Alpine Blue" paint, contributing to an overall curb weight of 880 kg. This body pays homage to the original A110 Berlinette through its sculpted, low-slung silhouette, characterized by proud fender arches and flowing lines that evoke the classic proportions while adopting a modern, aggressive stance. The car's dimensions—4,330 mm in length, 1,961 mm in width, and 1,230 mm in height—emphasize its compact and agile profile, derived from modifications to the Mégane Trophy race car chassis.^[14]^[15] At the front, the A110-50 incorporates half-domed LED headlights with yellow lighting, a nostalgic reference to the original A110's design, integrated seamlessly with sculpted air intakes that channel airflow for engine and brake cooling. The scissor-style doors enhance the dramatic entry and accentuate the body's curvaceous form, while side vents further support thermal management by directing air to the brakes. These elements combine to create a visually dynamic exterior that balances heritage cues with contemporary sharpness.^[10]^[14]^[16] The rear design highlights a distinctive 3D transparent window that exposes the mid-engine layout, flanked by dual exhaust outlets and an aggressive diffuser that accelerates airflow under the body for improved stability. Aerodynamic enhancements include a fixed front splitter generating downforce, an adjustable large rear wing for tunable track performance, and strategic side vents, all optimizing the car's drag for high-speed circuit use. This configuration underscores the A110-50's racing-inspired aesthetics, prioritizing both visual appeal and functional efficiency.^[14]^[15]

Interior features

The Alpine A110-50 features a two-seater cockpit designed with a race-inspired minimalist layout to prioritize driver focus and performance. Exposed carbon-fiber sills frame the entry points, while the overall interior emphasizes lightweight construction and sportiness through predominant black finishes and high-quality materials.^[14]^[2] The seats consist of fixed-back Sabelt racing bucket units equipped with full harness belts, with the driver's seat featuring embroidered "Renault Alpine A110-50" badging in alternating shades of blue for a distinctive touch. These elements contribute to the cabin's spartan, competition-ready ambiance, free of non-essential distractions such as infotainment systems. An integrated roll cage is visible within the structure, enhancing safety while underscoring the car's motorsport heritage.^[14]^[2]^[17] The dashboard adopts an uncluttered design inspired by racing cockpits, centered around a Renault Design steering wheel that incorporates Formula Renault 3.5 series technology. This includes a color digital screen displaying essential data such as speed, engine RPM, and lap times, flanked by two analog gauges for immediate readability. Manual adjustments for the seats and mirrors maintain the analog, driver-centric ethos, with lightweight carbon-fiber accents throughout to support overall vehicle weight reduction.^[14]^[3]^[17]

Technical specifications

Powertrain

The Alpine A110-50 features a mid-rear mounted 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 engine with a 24-valve DOHC configuration, utilizing the Renault V4Y block derived from the Nissan VQ35DE unit and tuned for high performance in collaboration with Tork Engineering. This engine delivers 400 horsepower (298 kW) at 7,200 rpm and a peak torque of 422 Nm (311 lb-ft) at 6,200 rpm, contributing to the concept's lightweight power-to-weight ratio exceeding 450 hp per tonne.^[15]^[3] The powerplant incorporates a carbon fiber air intake system borrowed from the Mégane Trophy V6 race car, fed via a roof-mounted scoop for optimized airflow, and employs electronic fuel injection for efficient delivery.^[10]^[15] Power is transmitted through a six-speed semi-automatic sequential gearbox positioned longitudinally behind the engine, featuring paddle shifters on the steering wheel and a cerametallic twin-plate clutch for ultra-fast gear changes.^[3]^[18] This F1-inspired transmission integrates a mechanical limited-slip differential with disc and ramp mechanisms to enhance traction without relying on electronic intervention.^[3] The rear-wheel-drive layout emphasizes pure mechanical grip, with the drivetrain designed for endurance racing applications akin to the Mégane Trophy platform, eschewing electronic aids like traction control or stability systems to preserve the driver's direct connection to the car's dynamics.^[3] The exhaust system, integrated into the rear diffuser for aerodynamic efficiency and acoustic tuning, concludes with dual outlets that amplify the V6's characteristic howl while managing heat in a race-oriented package.^[18]

Chassis and handling

The chassis of the Alpine A110-50 concept is constructed from a tubular 25CD4S steel frame with semi-load-bearing engine and gearbox integration, providing a lightweight and rigid structure derived from the Renault Mégane Trophy racing platform.^[14]^[19] The design features a wheelbase of 2,625 mm, front track of 1,680 mm, and rear track of 1,690 mm, achieving a near-ideal weight distribution of 47.8% over the front axle to promote balanced handling.^[14]^[19] Stiffened by a modified roll cage and bracing, the chassis was lowered by Tork Engineering to enhance stability and lower the overall center of gravity, emphasizing the car's track-focused dynamics.^[14] The suspension system employs an independent double-wishbone setup at both ends, equipped with adjustable two-way Sachs damper and spring assemblies and a front anti-roll bar, allowing extensive tuning options including caster, camber, alignment, ride height, and anti-roll stiffness.^[14] This configuration delivers precise control and high cornering capability, with the system's race-bred tuning prioritizing agility on twisty circuits over everyday comfort.^[20] Braking is handled by ventilated steel discs measuring 356 mm at the front with six-piston AP Racing calipers and steel discs measuring 330 mm at the rear with four-piston calipers, providing robust stopping power suited to the car's performance without electronic aids like ABS for an unfiltered, analog driving experience.^[14]^[20] The absence of traction control or stability systems further underscores the pure, driver-centric ethos.^[14] The car rolls on 21-inch aluminum alloy wheels—8x21 inches front and 9.5x21 inches rear—shod with Michelin tires in sizes 245/35 ZR21 front and 265/35 ZR21 rear, optimized for grip in high-performance scenarios while maintaining road-legal compatibility.^[14] Integral pneumatic jacks facilitate rapid wheel changes, a nod to motorsport efficiency.^[14] Handling is characterized by neutral balance and responsive steering, aided by ground-effect aerodynamics including a front splitter, rear diffuser, and adjustable rear wing that generate significant downforce to sustain high cornering speeds.^[14] The mid-engine layout and minimal weight—around 880 kg—contribute to sharp turn-in and predictable behavior, making the A110-50 a homage to the original Berlinette's agile legacy in a modern, track-oriented package.^[19]^[2]

Reception and legacy

Unveiling and initial response

The Renault Alpine A110-50 concept car made its world premiere on May 25, 2012, at the Monaco Grand Prix circuit, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the original Alpine A110 Berlinette.^[2] It was subsequently displayed at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, which opened on September 27.^[21] The following year, on June 22, 2013, it appeared in the Parade des Pilotes at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, marking its first public track outing.^[22] Initial media coverage highlighted the A110-50's success in capturing the original model's lightweight, agile spirit through modern interpretation, with its carbon-fiber bodywork and mid-engine layout evoking the Berlinette's heritage.^[23] Outlets such as Top Gear praised its aggressive styling and raw, unassisted driving experience, noting the "hellish racket" of its 3.5-liter V6 engine as a standout feature among typically silent concepts.^[24] Similarly, Digital Trends lauded its dramatic, contoured design as visually compelling and a bold revival signal.^[25] Public and expert reactions showed strong enthusiasm among Alpine enthusiasts for the concept's tease of a brand revival, reigniting nostalgia for the marque's rally-winning legacy.^[26] Promotional efforts included official videos featuring rally driver Jean Ragnotti, who demonstrated the car's handling on the Mortefontaine test track alongside a classic A110, underscoring its philosophy of performance without electronic driver aids like stability control or traction systems.^[27] These clips emphasized the sequential six-speed gearbox and rear-wheel-drive purity, positioning the A110-50 as a motorsport-inspired homage.^[28] At the time, Renault offered hints of broader Alpine model plans without firm production commitments for the A110-50 itself, signaling ongoing exploration of a sports car lineup under the revived brand during the 2012 Paris event.^[29]

Influence on Alpine revival

The Alpine A110-50 concept car played a pivotal role in Renault's decision to relaunch the Alpine brand in 2017, serving as a stylistic and philosophical bridge to the production A110 by emphasizing a lightweight mid-engine layout and a renewed focus on the marque's rally heritage.^[30] Unveiled in 2012 to mark the 50th anniversary of the original A110 Berlinette, the one-off prototype revitalized interest in Alpine's performance identity, prompting Renault to confirm the brand's revival later that year with plans for a new sports car built in Dieppe starting in 2016.^[31] This conceptual foundation influenced the lightweight aluminum architecture and rear-wheel-drive configuration of the 2017 A110, which weighed under 1,100 kg and prioritized agile handling over outright power.^[30] The A110-50's design language influenced subsequent concepts and the production 2017 A110.^[30] Although the A110-50 featured conventional doors, its aggressive, low-slung silhouette contributed to the evolution of later Alpine designs, which further bridged to the Vision's aerodynamic form and the A110's compact proportions, reinforcing Alpine's commitment to pure sports car aesthetics.^[30] In motorsport, the A110-50 reinforced Alpine's performance legacy, drawing on the original A110's 1973 World Rally Championship success to inspire the brand's return to competition, including the Signatech-Alpine Racing team's victories in the 2013 and 2014 European Le Mans Series.^[30] This momentum contributed to Alpine's 2018 entry into the FIA World Endurance Championship's LMP2 class via a partnership, evolving into the 2023 Le Mans Hypercar program with the A424, which upholds the marque's racing ethos through hybrid powertrains and lightweight construction.^[32] As a non-production showpiece, the A110-50 held significant cultural value, enhancing Alpine's collector appeal and fanbase loyalty within the Renault-Nissan alliance by symbolizing a strategic pivot toward premium sports cars amid Renault's broader electrification goals.^[30] While the prototype itself saw no further development after 2012, its 400 hp naturally aspirated V6 philosophy influenced later powertrain explorations, including the 2025 announcement of a turbocharged V6 hybrid for Alpine's 2028 supercar, blending high-output internal combustion with electric assistance to sustain the brand's dynamic heritage.^[33]

References

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Renault Alpine A110-50 - Site media global de Alpine
The Alpine Berlinette turns 50 this year and, to mark the event, Renault has created aconcept car named Renault Alpine A 110-50.
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2012 Renault Alpine A110-50 Concept Debuts: Video - Motor Authority
May 25, 2012 · Power comes from a 3.5-liter V-6 engine rated at 400 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque and sending drive to the rear wheels via a sequential manual ...
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May 25, 2012 · The Alpine A110-50 features a 3.5 liter 24-valve V6 Renault V4Y engine block putting out 400hp. Renault have mounted it in the middle of the car ...
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Feb 9, 2013 · Its notable achievement included winning the world rally championships in 1971 and 1973, and sweeping the first three places in the most ...
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Acquired by Renault back in 1973, Alpine has recently been revived and serves as the French company's sports car subsidiary.
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Rating 52% · Review by SupercarWorld.comBased on the Sport Megane Trophy race car, the 110-50 came complete with ground effect carbon fibre bodywork, F1 style transmission and a highly tuned 400hp V6 ...
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May 28, 2012 · Designer Yann Jarsalle and concept show-car director Axel Breun helped create the new front end based on Acker's beginnings. The new front-end ...
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Jun 2, 2012 · Produced by Faster, the carbon-fibre bodywork features a new shade of blue which refreshes and reinterprets the famous original 'Alpine Blue'.
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Produced by Faster, the carbon-fibre bodywork features a new shade of blue which refreshes and reinterprets the famous original 'Alpine Blue'. Every opening ...
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May 25, 2012 · 6 speed Sequential. Drive, Rear wheel drive. Dimensions. Weight, 880 kilo / 1,940 lbs. Length / Width / Height, 4,330 mm (170.5 in) / 1,961 mm ...
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May 25, 2012 · With a kerb weight of just 880kg, 396bhp and 318lb-ft (422Nm) of torque, the Alpine A110-50's performance is bound to be impressive, but since ...
[19]
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May 21, 2012 · The concept is a two-seater model with the interior combining carbon-fiber elements with a pretty cool black paint. The driver's seat features ...
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May 28, 2012 · Developed on the same technical platform as Mégane Trophy, the Alpine A110-50 – which sits on a tubular 25CD4S steel chassis – has a ...
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Dec 5, 2012 · The car sits low and wide and the new Alpine A110-50 features proud fender arches, a wild split-wing rear spoiler and scissor doors.
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File:Alpine A110-50 - Paris Motor Show 2012.jpg
Summary ; DescriptionAlpine A110-50 - Paris Motor Show 2012.jpg, Mondial de l'Automobile de Paris 2012. ; Date, 11 October 2012, 12:45 ; Source, Alpine A110-50.Missing: unveiling | Show results with:unveiling
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Apr 24, 2016 · The Renault Alpine A110/50 concept making it's appearance during the Parade des Pilotes of the 2013 Le Mans 24 Hours in France.
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May 25, 2012 · Alpine may be back, but only as a zombie: Officially, the A110-50 is a concept only. For a concept, is has real world parameters. The engine is ...
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