RE: Alpine launches 'intense' 292hp A110S
Discussion
Well I also think it looks great and clearly with dynamic & power improvements to justify the price even if a bit steep.
I'm pleased there are still manufacturers doing this sort of car, and while it is a shame they don't offer a manual gearbox (at the sacrifice of a few CO2's, mpg & 0-60 stats) it is also a refreshing change to the typical German offerings out there and would love to drive and potentially own one while we can. Something for PH to be positive about surely!
I'm pleased there are still manufacturers doing this sort of car, and while it is a shame they don't offer a manual gearbox (at the sacrifice of a few CO2's, mpg & 0-60 stats) it is also a refreshing change to the typical German offerings out there and would love to drive and potentially own one while we can. Something for PH to be positive about surely!
WokkaWokka said:
I love this and the brand in general I think they’ve done a fantastic job. Looks great in the photos.
I do also find it very funny how it ticks every box for what a small fun performance car should be but still everyone complains.
I find it funnier that people, who presumably can read, dismiss it as an expensive remap.I do also find it very funny how it ticks every box for what a small fun performance car should be but still everyone complains.
Felix79 said:
It's a shame that this small, lightweight car, has no 6-speed manual option, but I would hazard to guess that they will keep it with it's auto (not sure if it's a dual clutch system) as it gives a better 0-60mph and MPG/emission figures.
The packaging will prevent this. They'd have to add a load of linkeage in - I wouldn't hold your breath for a manual version.That said, the 6 speed version in the Clio 220T was great when you were really going for it, I only found it a bit frustrating on roundabouts and things where it couldn't seem to get the right gear. There's always the Elise Cup if you want a manual though....(similar price too - though admittedly, not such a great daily).
I’d wager that the majority of people moaning about the lack of a manual are most likely ‘used car’ people who would never buy a new one anyway.
The manufacturers know their customers best, they make what sells new (not 10 years down the line) and what improves the CO2 stats. Whether we appreciate those factors or not matters not. Sadly, manuals just aren’t desired in enough volumes for some of these fairly niche models.
The good news - there is still a used market - cherish your manuals guys, they are disappearing fast.
The manufacturers know their customers best, they make what sells new (not 10 years down the line) and what improves the CO2 stats. Whether we appreciate those factors or not matters not. Sadly, manuals just aren’t desired in enough volumes for some of these fairly niche models.
The good news - there is still a used market - cherish your manuals guys, they are disappearing fast.
mooseracer said:
I find it funnier that people, who presumably can read, dismiss it as an expensive remap.
While it's clearly more than a remap and has quite a few bits as standard that are options on other models , I would have to agree it's pricey. It's 4500 euros more than a Pure to a similar spec. Give that the suspension changes and remap actually cost Alpine precious little, the cosmetic changes are quite expensive. That said can't see them having any trouble selling them. 3000 euro for the grey paint is extracting the urine - Porsche are no longer the only ones performing this funcion.bcr5784 said:
mooseracer said:
I find it funnier that people, who presumably can read, dismiss it as an expensive remap.
While it's clearly more than a remap and has quite a few bits as standard that are options on other models , I would have to agree it's pricey. It's 4500 euros more than a Pure to a similar spec. Give that the suspension changes and remap actually cost Alpine precious little, the cosmetic changes are quite expensive. That said can't see them having any trouble selling them. 3000 euro for the grey paint is extracting the urine - Porsche are no longer the only ones performing this funcion.Not often a car manufacturer does a 4mm ride height drop and a 100% increase in roll bar stiffness 
Will be interesting to see how the latter is judged by the road testers. The current car seems to have a fair bit of roll but that it offset by testers saying it feels natural and helps the driver know the limits.
It would be a shame for the car to now become a go kart for professionals. Let's see though.
It is quite a chunk of money for a car battling against the German opposition which has a large inbuilt advantage.
PS I wonder if the roll bar stiffness is 100% both front and back or unequal increase?
Will be interesting to see how the latter is judged by the road testers. The current car seems to have a fair bit of roll but that it offset by testers saying it feels natural and helps the driver know the limits.
It would be a shame for the car to now become a go kart for professionals. Let's see though.
It is quite a chunk of money for a car battling against the German opposition which has a large inbuilt advantage.
PS I wonder if the roll bar stiffness is 100% both front and back or unequal increase?
GTEYE said:
I’d wager that the majority of people moaning about the lack of a manual are most likely ‘used car’ people who would never buy a new one anyway.
I agree, and they can't have it both ways : by never buying new they can't influence the manufacturers. It's like not voting and moan about a democratic result.sidewinder500 said:
Exactly this!
So a MP4 12C becomes better value with each passing day...
If an MP4 12C was priced at 20k it still wouldn't be better value as it has the potential to cost you more than 50k in a year of ownership.So a MP4 12C becomes better value with each passing day...
Once theres are around 30k second hand i will consider it. Not a fan of automatics though and i don't care if a manual transmission is slower, it just feels better and more involved and enjoyable. Granted if you are plowing up the motorway on a daily basis to work than an automatic is probably better but this car is supposed to be a fun weekend car so it doesn't add up why they went with the auto.
lotuslover69 said:
If an MP4 12C was priced at 20k it still wouldn't be better value as it has the potential to cost you more than 50k in a year of ownership.
Once theres are around 30k second hand i will consider it. Not a fan of automatics though and i don't care if a manual transmission is slower, it just feels better and more involved and enjoyable. Granted if you are plowing up the motorway on a daily basis to work than an automatic is probably better but this car is supposed to be a fun weekend car so it doesn't add up why they went with the auto.
It's NOT supposed to be a weekend fun car - it's an every day fun car. Manuals don't sell in enough numbers - it's that simple. I can only assume you haven't driven one, any number of people who have (even if they would have a natural preference for a manual) conclude it really doesn't matter. It's just one of the most fun cars you can buy. And I say that as a Lotus fan - and Elise and Caterham owner and someone who considered a manual Evora as an alternative to the Alpine. Only the Caterham was more fun - but at a price.Once theres are around 30k second hand i will consider it. Not a fan of automatics though and i don't care if a manual transmission is slower, it just feels better and more involved and enjoyable. Granted if you are plowing up the motorway on a daily basis to work than an automatic is probably better but this car is supposed to be a fun weekend car so it doesn't add up why they went with the auto.
Edited by bcr5784 on Friday 14th June 11:55
anonymous said:
[redacted]
Agree and it swerves most of the ingredients that were once very sought after in a drivers car(no N/A engine/no manual gearbox/no LSD). Obviously it follows the current trend for turbo engines and auto gearboxes because Alpine know that they sell well and it is what punters want now. I like the Alpine a lot don't get me wrong and I don't mind turbo engines either(I can't get excited about an auto though), and I respect its lightweightness and it is quick too.
I guess that people want different things from their performance cars nowadays...and a dinosaur like me just needs to get used to it!!
anonymous said:
[redacted]
Well, with extra work you could do anything, but Alpine have said they weren't planning on putting a manual in this right from the start.The paddles and gear shifter will be fly-by-wire. They'd have to add quite a bit of linkage in to get a proper physical gear stick to work. (something that's taken Lotus until the S3 Elise to get right!).
Not sure what gearbox options they have either. All the other cars using this engine are front engined, front wheel drive.
(Don't get me wrong though, I'd love to see a manual option for this).
framerateuk said:
anonymous said:
[redacted]
Well, with extra work you could do anything, but Alpine have said they weren't planning on putting a manual in this right from the start.The paddles and gear shifter will be fly-by-wire. They'd have to add quite a bit of linkage in to get a proper physical gear stick to work. (something that's taken Lotus until the S3 Elise to get right!).
Not sure what gearbox options they have either. All the other cars using this engine are front engined, front wheel drive.
(Don't get me wrong though, I'd love to see a manual option for this).
Not to say they'll do it though. I'm sure they know their market.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff