The Alpine A110 is a rare sight on American roads. The French sports car brand, owned by Renault, has been absent from the U.S. market for decades, leaving enthusiasts to admire its sleek and lightweight coupes from afar. But that might change soon, as Alpine has announced a special edition of the A110 called the Pikes Peak, designed to tackle one of the most challenging and iconic hill climbs in the world.
The Alpine A110 Pikes Peak edition is based on the A110S, the most powerful and sporty variant of the A110 lineup. It features a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 292 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The A110S can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 161 mph, according to Alpine.
But the Alpine A110 Pikes Peak edition is not just about straight-line speed. It also boasts a number of enhancements to improve its handling and agility on twisty roads. For starters, it has a lower and stiffer suspension with adjustable coil-overs and anti-roll bars, as well as a mechanical limited-slip differential and high-performance brakes. It also wears wider and stickier Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires on 18-inch forged wheels.