RE: Alpine A110 - Geneva 2017
Discussion
herebebeasties said:
wemorgan said:
Even more impressive then to be ~250kg lighter for a similar sized vehicle. This can't be in the aluminium body structure alone, so I presume trim quality and spec will be quite a bit different too.
The thing is, the Porsche is genuinely lardy. It's the same weight as a Skoda Superb, for goodness sake!On paper it hits quite a neat hole between an Elise/Exige and a Cayman. Given that a 718 has a turbo 4 and most are bought with PDK, I don't think either will necessarily be a killer. It can't surely be that hard to produce something that sounds nicer, but they certainly need something much better than the Clio box if it is going to be well received by the press.
Luggage capacity could be an issue - the rear boot is Elise size and if the frunk is just full of petrol it won't be the long distance car they suggest.
It's the same width as a Cayman, which given the narrower wheels seems like a mistake.
I suppose we will be stuck with PAS, but given the low weight they could probably do without any assistance on the move if they don't use too much caster.
As has been said, just hope they do a better job than the 4C.
On paper I'd probably prefer to a 718, but reality might be quite different.
Luggage capacity could be an issue - the rear boot is Elise size and if the frunk is just full of petrol it won't be the long distance car they suggest.
It's the same width as a Cayman, which given the narrower wheels seems like a mistake.
I suppose we will be stuck with PAS, but given the low weight they could probably do without any assistance on the move if they don't use too much caster.
As has been said, just hope they do a better job than the 4C.
On paper I'd probably prefer to a 718, but reality might be quite different.
Max_Torque said:
dunnoreally said:
we have hear a sports car boasting about its lightness which isn't available in manual
If you think about it, a DCT was more or less inevitable, given the parent company!HINT: it's really, really, REALLY, hard to make a nice shifting transverse rear mid gearbox from a fwd one. (This is because all the levers come out the wrong side of the box. So, you either have a VERY expensive job to recast transmission casings and redesign the shift rods etc (which will be a Tier 1 validated part) or you end up with a snake put full of rods, cable, bell cranks and god knows what else to try to connect up to the original linkages. Compare that to the almost zero cost task of just making a couple of wires about 3 foot longer.........)
wemorgan said:
Manufacturers tend to use the ligh-weight index to describe a vehicle's stiffness as a function of it's mass and size.
I wonder how the Alpine and Cayman compare?
I'd be surprized if the Alpine was as stiff (relative to it's weight) as the Cayman - and probably doesn't need to be. The Boxster is stiff enough and unlike many convertibles doesn't suffer from scuttle shake or body shudders of many open cars. The Cayman inherits (is lumbered with?) practically the same floorpan which has been designed for an open car. As a result it is heavier than a car designed purely as a coupe.I wonder how the Alpine and Cayman compare?
Edited by wemorgan on Wednesday 8th March 09:39
As a result the Alpine designers have an opportunity to create a lighter car. Remains to be seen what kit is included in the quoted weight.
I know this is playing to every stereo type there is, but, there is a reason most people aim for Porsche and miss.
Its where they see the money and the business model they want a portion of.
But aiming for it with an expensive automatic French coupe (Yes pretty though it is)and stating it is 0.2 seconds to 60 faster is not the way to get it.(It didn't work last time around)
As for the purist, he is not really catered for either as its auto only, so whilst I like the look of it I think it falls between two stools, only time will tell if all the people on here who love it go and buy one............. the sceptic in me thinks they wont.
Its where they see the money and the business model they want a portion of.
But aiming for it with an expensive automatic French coupe (Yes pretty though it is)and stating it is 0.2 seconds to 60 faster is not the way to get it.(It didn't work last time around)
As for the purist, he is not really catered for either as its auto only, so whilst I like the look of it I think it falls between two stools, only time will tell if all the people on here who love it go and buy one............. the sceptic in me thinks they wont.
Oddball RS said:
I know this is playing to every stereo type there is, but, there is a reason most people aim for Porsche and miss.
Its where they see the money and the business model they want a portion of.
But aiming for it with an expensive automatic French coupe (Yes pretty though it is)and stating it is 0.2 seconds to 60 faster is not the way to get it.(It didn't work last time around)
As for the purist, he is not really catered for either as its auto only, so whilst I like the look of it I think it falls between two stools, only time will tell if all the people on here who love it go and buy one............. the sceptic in me thinks they wont.
But they are all sold out already, so surely a good amount of people have already decided!Its where they see the money and the business model they want a portion of.
But aiming for it with an expensive automatic French coupe (Yes pretty though it is)and stating it is 0.2 seconds to 60 faster is not the way to get it.(It didn't work last time around)
As for the purist, he is not really catered for either as its auto only, so whilst I like the look of it I think it falls between two stools, only time will tell if all the people on here who love it go and buy one............. the sceptic in me thinks they wont.
I think the press reviews will be make or break time, if it drives as good as they say then I can't see it being anything other than a success.
blacky555uk said:
But they are all sold out already, so surely a good amount of people have already decided!
I think the press reviews will be make or break time, if it drives as good as they say then I can't see it being anything other than a success.
UK allocation of Premiere Edition wasn't sold out as of yesterday. In Europe it is sold out that's because the Germans and French really rate AlpineI think the press reviews will be make or break time, if it drives as good as they say then I can't see it being anything other than a success.
blueg33 said:
UK allocation of Premiere Edition wasn't sold out as of yesterday. In Europe it is sold out that's because the Germans and French really rate Alpine
About 3 of the RHD numbers have gone since I started looking. Not sure if all of these are coming to the UK but whatever the case, I suspect Alpine ownership in the U.K. will continue to be a fairly limited experience. I also wonder about the lack of communication reagrding dealer network.
If I was selling a premium priced experience, I certainly wouldn't pitch its success against a lambda Renault dealer. Perhaps that's a bit snobbish but I guess some people would be thinking the same.
Looking at the website, there seems to be no mention of 'service centres' or 'showroom'.
If I was selling a premium priced experience, I certainly wouldn't pitch its success against a lambda Renault dealer. Perhaps that's a bit snobbish but I guess some people would be thinking the same.
Looking at the website, there seems to be no mention of 'service centres' or 'showroom'.
xRIEx said:
Gadgets like, say, pneumatic tyres?
Only a purist 'gets it':
If you're not smoking around in (on?) one of those, don't call yourself a purist: you're not.
Good to see a proper tiller rather than one of those silly wheel thingies to steer with. Wheels belong on the ground and not in your hands.Only a purist 'gets it':
If you're not smoking around in (on?) one of those, don't call yourself a purist: you're not.
blacky555uk said:
Oddball RS said:
I know this is playing to every stereo type there is, but, there is a reason most people aim for Porsche and miss.
Its where they see the money and the business model they want a portion of.
But aiming for it with an expensive automatic French coupe (Yes pretty though it is)and stating it is 0.2 seconds to 60 faster is not the way to get it.(It didn't work last time around)
As for the purist, he is not really catered for either as its auto only, so whilst I like the look of it I think it falls between two stools, only time will tell if all the people on here who love it go and buy one............. the sceptic in me thinks they wont.
But they are all sold out already, so surely a good amount of people have already decided!Its where they see the money and the business model they want a portion of.
But aiming for it with an expensive automatic French coupe (Yes pretty though it is)and stating it is 0.2 seconds to 60 faster is not the way to get it.(It didn't work last time around)
As for the purist, he is not really catered for either as its auto only, so whilst I like the look of it I think it falls between two stools, only time will tell if all the people on here who love it go and buy one............. the sceptic in me thinks they wont.
I think the press reviews will be make or break time, if it drives as good as they say then I can't see it being anything other than a success.
Oddball RS said:
Well that all depends if they are drive or to stick in a classified add the day after it turns up doesn't it.
The sales trend seems to be following that of Alpines of old. Popular on the continent but a bit of a geek choice in the U.K. The LHD allocation sold quickly but hardly any RHD have got deposits on them. I certainly wouldn't gamble on putting a deposit down to make a quick return. This isn't a Focus RS.
The old Alpines were great cars in their day and even today, get a well looked after on and they are fun but despite good press coverage, few found buyers over here.
I would love to see this car meet Renault's expectations as I like it very much. That contradicts what I've said elsewhere but that was because I would love to buy one at 18 months old at bargain money as I did with previous Alpines but better to see it do well and be well supported.
Shoegrip said:
The sales trend seems to be following that of Alpines of old. Popular on the continent but a bit of a geek choice in the U.K. The LHD allocation sold quickly but hardly any RHD have got deposits on them.
I certainly wouldn't gamble on putting a deposit down to make a quick return. This isn't a Focus RS.
The old Alpines were great cars in their day and even today, get a well looked after on and they are fun but despite good press coverage, few found buyers over here.
I would love to see this car meet Renault's expectations as I like it very much. That contradicts what I've said elsewhere but that was because I would love to buy one at 18 months old at bargain money as I did with previous Alpines but better to see it do well and be well supported.
where did you hear that very few had been reserved? I've heard exactly the opposite, and that the UK allocation was sold out before the showI certainly wouldn't gamble on putting a deposit down to make a quick return. This isn't a Focus RS.
The old Alpines were great cars in their day and even today, get a well looked after on and they are fun but despite good press coverage, few found buyers over here.
I would love to see this car meet Renault's expectations as I like it very much. That contradicts what I've said elsewhere but that was because I would love to buy one at 18 months old at bargain money as I did with previous Alpines but better to see it do well and be well supported.
blacky555uk said:
where did you hear that very few had been reserved? I've heard exactly the opposite, and that the UK allocation was sold out before the show
Just checked - 72 left. Given that the price/spec is completely unclear, it's surprises me that anyone is going to sign a blank cheque for a car which may prove hugely disappointing (just as the 4C has been). unlike buying a limited edition Porsche which generally look like a safe bet. Ultimately it may prove a great car - but I'd personally avoid a completely new design for at least a little while until the initial teething problems are sorted.
Edited by bcr5784 on Wednesday 8th March 17:31
blacky555uk said:
where did you hear that very few had been reserved? I've heard exactly the opposite, and that the UK allocation was sold out before the show
I'm signed up to the app which allows you to reserve one. There were 195 allocated RHD and as of 5 mins ago, there are 191 available. Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff