Alpine has outdone itself with the latest, and final, special edition of its mid-engine A110 coupe—an eye-watering swan song dubbed the A110 R Ultime. Priced at an astonishing €330,000 (about $360,000), this four-cylinder sports car now costs as much as some supercars, making it one of the most expensive vehicles of its kind ever produced.
The A110 R Ultime shares its heart with the Renault Megane RS Ultime, sporting a turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. While in the hot hatch, this engine pushes out 300 horsepower, Alpine has tweaked the setup to produce 345 horsepower in the A110 R Ultime, though torque remains unchanged at 309 lb-ft (420 Nm). The result? A 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) sprint in just 3.8 seconds, thanks in part to a launch control system and a six-speed dual-clutch transmission—modified to handle the extra power.
Alpine’s price justification goes beyond the engine tweaks, as the A110 R Ultime comes equipped with premium performance components, such as adjustable Öhlins dampers, an Akrapovič titanium exhaust, and upgraded AP racing brakes with 330-mm discs. The lightweight sports car features forged 18-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels, wrapped in high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. A more aggressive body kit enhances both its looks and functionality, boosting downforce by 353 pounds (160 kilograms) at top speed compared to the A110 R Turini.
The exclusivity factor further drives up the price. Only 110 units of the A110 R Ultime will be built, and of those, just 15 will be the La Bleue edition, featuring a unique combination of Alpine Vision Blue and Abysse Blue exterior finishes. Inside, the limited-run model is decked out in Poltrona Frau and Sabelt blue leather, adding a touch of luxury to the already extreme sports car.
While the base A110 costs around €65,000 ($71,000), the A110 R Ultime commands a premium with its limited production, track-focused upgrades, and exclusivity. The La Bleue edition displayed at the 2024 Paris Motor Show stood alongside Alpine’s electric and hydrogen-powered future concepts, signaling the end of an era for the A110 as the brand looks to transition toward greener technologies.
Despite its supercar price, Alpine’s A110 R Ultime remains a celebration of old-school driving pleasure, with precise handling and lightweight engineering, aimed at collectors and enthusiasts looking for a unique piece of automotive history.
