Alpine is in an expansion phase following its renaissance as a sports brand in 2017. To date, the bulk of its competition activity has focused on Formula 1, WEC (World Endurance Championship), and He’ll be adding another challenge to his schedule: Pikes Peak International Hill Climbthe most famous climb in the world.
The French brand has high hopes that this year’s edition, scheduled for June, will compete with a new version of the A110 designed specifically for this type of mountain racing. The Alpine A110 Pikes Peak is equipped with specific aerodynamics for this trailmore powerful engine and less weight, all with the aim of searching for optimal performance in 19.93 kilometers of climb and, why not, achieving absolute victory and breaking all the records within their reach.
It should be noted that French driver Romain Dumas set the absolute record with his Volkswagen ID R Pikes Peak, an electric prototype with which he achieved in 2018 a time of 7:57.148; This was the first time in the history of the event that it was under 8 minutes. It should be noted that this same duo also has the best time on the UK’s most famous climb, the Goodwood Hill Climb, where ID. R, with a different setup, achieved a time of 39.90 seconds.
Alpine A110 Pikes Peak, well groomed
Convertible A110 sports car It was made by the Alpine Design Bureau in collaboration with Signatech. The aggressive aerodynamic components added to the concept include a prominent front apron, a generous diffuser, and an equally striking rear spoiler that splits in two, between which is another aerodynamic element in the shape of a shark fin. All with the sole aim of keeping the car glued to the ground in 156 Pikes Peak Curve.
The black rims have also been revised to improve air resistance, and at the rear of the roof We find an engine cooling air intake, located in the rear central positionSame configuration as the street model. The mirrors were also reduced to a minimum expression in order to offer less aerodynamic resistance (similar to those used on the WEC prototype), while the A110’s original headlights were replaced with ones with a central LED strip.
As far as the mechanical improvements made, Alpine has hardly provided details on them, other than commenting on that It produces about 500 horsepower. They also don’t specify if that power comes from the same block-turbocharged 1.8 four-cylinder used by the A110 street cars (delivering up to 300 hp), although that is the most likely option. Weight data is given: 950 kg, 132 kg less than the A110 R.
And who will be behind the wheel of the A110 Pikes Peak? The chosen one is Raphael Astairethe 2022 FIA R-GT Cup winner with the A110 Rally, which has already laid out a schedule of preparation tests. The Frenchman who has already participated four times in the examwill fly with the team to Colorado Springs on June 25, where they will work on their final preparations.
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