French brand Alpine has made a racing version of its soon-to-be-released A110 sports car that will take part in its own race series.
Called the A110 Cup, it comes with a 1.8-litre turbocharged, four-cylinder engine that produces 266bhp and is paired with a six-speed sequential gearbox.
Weighing just over a tonne at 1,050kg, the chassis of the standard road car has been adapted to accommodate race suspension and a reduced ride height, as well as roll cage mounting points.
Coming with a fully-comprehensive safety setup, such as a fully-sanctioned roll cage, a six-point harness with HANS (Head And Neck Safety) system, automatic fire extinguisher and racing bucket seats, this version of the A110 is fully prepared for the track.
These cars will compete in the FIA-registered Alpine Europa Cup, which will take place on six European race circuits and involve two races at each.
Silverstone, Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona, France’s Paul-Ricard circuit and Dijon-Prenais track, and one in Germany have been chosen to host the events. The races will take place between June and October next year.
To sign up for the event and purchase the car, it will cost £108,000. Alpine also estimates season running costs of £90,000 per car with the potential of £142,000 prize money.
Alpine deputy managing director Bernard Ollivier said: "The fact we have created the Alpine A110 Cup and a dedicated competition in which they will compete, the Alpine Europa Cup, is yet further evidence of our love of motor racing.
“We wanted the A110 Cup to be a genuine race car, a particularly refined machine equipped with high-end features geared towards performance. Alpine Europa Cup competitors will therefore be able to enjoy driving a very beautiful car, which will set new standards in terms of efficiency.”
Ollivier added: “The organisation of the competition will also meet Alpine’s demanding requirements, featuring rigour and professionalism on the track, but a fun and friendly atmosphere in the paddock. The Alpine Europa Cup will equally be used as a means of reaching out to our community of fans throughout Europe."
