RE: Alpine A110 | PH Used Buying Guide
Discussion
Schmed said:
Admittedly, as with the Emira, the ethos of those cars certainly isn’t weight. 
No it isn’t, and never has been for a non-GT Porsche. That’s why you end up with something well-built from good quality materials, practical and reliable. The 981 did shave some 60kgs from the 987, but then gained a small amount of heft for the 718. They’ve obviously found the limit of what they can do in terms of weight whilst still providing the same attributes as a car at the Cayman/Boxter price point. The Issue with the 110 is that it tried to do the lightness thing, but didn’t manage to do it particularly well. So, it’s stuck in a middle ground. It isn’t as focussed as a proper light weight (Elise) and isn’t as well-finished or practical as the Cayman. It’s still great, but that’s why it appeals to a far smaller cohort.
Interested to see the reviews of the lotus, now that they’ve decided to throw away Chapmans long standing “add lightness” philosophy.
Edited by Royal Jelly on Wednesday 8th September 20:18
Royal Jelly said:
Glad you like it. I came away thinking any free-revving NA would complement it hugely, rather than forced induction. Hence the 6 idea, because you’d struggle to get the power from a 4 because it’s not ultra light-weight. It’s 1.5 elises.
Perhaps you’re right though, and the sole reason they put the 4cyl in
Is there an NA 6 still on general sale? And if so, does it meet modern emissions requirements? Perhaps you’re right though, and the sole reason they put the 4cyl in
By general sale I meant "with any chance of Alpine being able to use it". Which I'd think rules out the Porsche ones. I also read that they're rather heavy, as a consequence of being flat?
I think a turbo 3 or 4 was the only option. Alpine's were originally 4s (as, after all, were Porsches), and again traditionally had Renault engines.
I think a turbo 3 or 4 was the only option. Alpine's were originally 4s (as, after all, were Porsches), and again traditionally had Renault engines.
Royal Jelly said:
No it isn’t, and never has been for a non-GT Porsche. That’s why you end up with something well-built from good quality materials, practical and reliable. The 981 did shave some 60kgs from the 987, but then gained a small amount of heft for the 718. They’ve obviously found the limit of what they can do in terms of weight whilst still providing the same attributes as a car at the Cayman/Boxter price point.
The Issue with the 110 is that it tried to do the lightness thing, but didn’t manage to do it particularly well. So, it’s stuck in a middle ground. It isn’t as focussed as a proper light weight (Elise) and isn’t as well-finished or practical as the Cayman. It’s still great, but that’s why it appeals to a far smaller cohort.
Interested to see the reviews of the lotus, now that they’ve decided to throw away Chapmans long standing “add lightness” philosophy.
Porsche’s limitation with the Cayster platform is self imposed. It’s a platform for a convertible made out of some aluminium and steel.The Issue with the 110 is that it tried to do the lightness thing, but didn’t manage to do it particularly well. So, it’s stuck in a middle ground. It isn’t as focussed as a proper light weight (Elise) and isn’t as well-finished or practical as the Cayman. It’s still great, but that’s why it appeals to a far smaller cohort.
Interested to see the reviews of the lotus, now that they’ve decided to throw away Chapmans long standing “add lightness” philosophy.
Edited by Royal Jelly on Wednesday 8th September 20:18
Alpine have used a full aluminium platform for a coupe.
Alpine did what quite a few of us wanted- a more useable
Lotus. Light weight was important as 350kg less in a road car is hugely noticeable. I’d say they did a cracking job.
The fixed buckets are probably some of the best seats I’ve sat in and look superb as well. The wheel is great and, as for the rest of the interior, well, I spend all my time looking out of the windscreen but the odd time I need to look at it I’m perfectly happy- if I had to change one thing it would be the cheap plastic trim panel under the windscreen behind the dash- I’ve heard a rumour of carbon replacement options - but that change isn’t worth a 350kg weight issue.
Royal Jelly said:
No it isn’t, and never has been for a non-GT Porsche. That’s why you end up with something well-built from good quality materials, practical and reliable. The 981 did shave some 60kgs from the 987, but then gained a small amount of heft for the 718. They’ve obviously found the limit of what they can do in terms of weight whilst still providing the same attributes as a car at the Cayman/Boxter price point.
The Issue with the 110 is that it tried to do the lightness thing, but didn’t manage to do it particularly well. So, it’s stuck in a middle ground. It isn’t as focussed as a proper light weight (Elise) and isn’t as well-finished or practical as the Cayman. It’s still great, but that’s why it appeals to a far smaller cohort.
Interested to see the reviews of the lotus, now that they’ve decided to throw away Chapmans long standing “add lightness” philosophy.
so the compromise doesn't work for you. strange how Porsche fanbois always find their compromise as the perfect solution?The Issue with the 110 is that it tried to do the lightness thing, but didn’t manage to do it particularly well. So, it’s stuck in a middle ground. It isn’t as focussed as a proper light weight (Elise) and isn’t as well-finished or practical as the Cayman. It’s still great, but that’s why it appeals to a far smaller cohort.
Interested to see the reviews of the lotus, now that they’ve decided to throw away Chapmans long standing “add lightness” philosophy.
Edited by Royal Jelly on Wednesday 8th September 20:18
for sure, the Cayman compromise is a best seller. And I'm a fan, it's a wonderful package. But for a keen driver the Alpine has an attraction. Most car owners, even most Porsche owners, aren't keen drivers, let's be honest. The Elise didn't sell well either. probably a crap driver's car.
the Alpine may not sell in great numbers, but that's a separate criticism as to whether it's a worthy driver's car.
(btw, I'm not an Alpine owner)
CABC said:
Royal Jelly said:
No it isn’t, and never has been for a non-GT Porsche. That’s why you end up with something well-built from good quality materials, practical and reliable. The 981 did shave some 60kgs from the 987, but then gained a small amount of heft for the 718. They’ve obviously found the limit of what they can do in terms of weight whilst still providing the same attributes as a car at the Cayman/Boxter price point.
The Issue with the 110 is that it tried to do the lightness thing, but didn’t manage to do it particularly well. So, it’s stuck in a middle ground. It isn’t as focussed as a proper light weight (Elise) and isn’t as well-finished or practical as the Cayman. It’s still great, but that’s why it appeals to a far smaller cohort.
Interested to see the reviews of the lotus, now that they’ve decided to throw away Chapmans long standing “add lightness” philosophy.
so the compromise doesn't work for you. strange how Porsche fanbois always find their compromise as the perfect solution?The Issue with the 110 is that it tried to do the lightness thing, but didn’t manage to do it particularly well. So, it’s stuck in a middle ground. It isn’t as focussed as a proper light weight (Elise) and isn’t as well-finished or practical as the Cayman. It’s still great, but that’s why it appeals to a far smaller cohort.
Interested to see the reviews of the lotus, now that they’ve decided to throw away Chapmans long standing “add lightness” philosophy.
Edited by Royal Jelly on Wednesday 8th September 20:18
for sure, the Cayman compromise is a best seller. And I'm a fan, it's a wonderful package. But for a keen driver the Alpine has an attraction. Most car owners, even most Porsche owners, aren't keen drivers, let's be honest. The Elise didn't sell well either. probably a crap driver's car.
the Alpine may not sell in great numbers, but that's a separate criticism as to whether it's a worthy driver's car.
(btw, I'm not an Alpine owner)
Saying Alpine didn't do the lightness thing well is daft. You could say the same of the later Elises. And the Atom etc.
Royal Jelly said:
No it isn’t, and never has been for a non-GT Porsche. That’s why you end up with something well-built from good quality materials, practical and reliable. The 981 did shave some 60kgs from the 987, but then gained a small amount of heft for the 718. They’ve obviously found the limit of what they can do in terms of weight whilst still providing the same attributes as a car at the Cayman/Boxter price point.
The Issue with the 110 is that it tried to do the lightness thing, but didn’t manage to do it particularly well. So, it’s stuck in a middle ground. It isn’t as focussed as a proper light weight (Elise) and isn’t as well-finished or practical as the Cayman. It’s still great, but that’s why it appeals to a far smaller cohort.
Interested to see the reviews of the lotus, now that they’ve decided to throw away Chapmans long standing “add lightness” philosophy.
I mean, that is just a totally personal perspective on things. The Issue with the 110 is that it tried to do the lightness thing, but didn’t manage to do it particularly well. So, it’s stuck in a middle ground. It isn’t as focussed as a proper light weight (Elise) and isn’t as well-finished or practical as the Cayman. It’s still great, but that’s why it appeals to a far smaller cohort.
Interested to see the reviews of the lotus, now that they’ve decided to throw away Chapmans long standing “add lightness” philosophy.
Edited by Royal Jelly on Wednesday 8th September 20:18
The Apline does 'lightness' better than its peers, because it is lighter! The compromises are just that, you either accept a purer drive or you want to folow a different path. I think the issue generally is that certain Porsche owners really have bought into their cars being 'it'. A Cayman is not anymore practical really and nobody is comparing the Alpine to an Elise, which it compares more favorably than the Cayster anyway.
My fast estate and my suvs are more practical than either but are no good as a sports car.
In three years of ownership there are a handful of occasions when I couldn’t use the Alpine as it was too impractical -
Taking the children to school - I need a three seater but cannot afford an F1 (keeping an eye out for a Matra)
Moving Mylar race sails that couldn’t be folded- had to use the estate.
There is plenty of space in the frunk for hard bodied cabin baggage (I have two Alpine cases) and the rear boot, albeit an odd shape, can fit a few soft bags.
I’ve put 25k miles on a “toy” as it is just so useable on a daily basis and turns a dull journey into one I look forward to.
Yes the Cayman has more storage space but there isn’t an occasion I’ve had so far where the Cayman would have been less compromised.
In three years of ownership there are a handful of occasions when I couldn’t use the Alpine as it was too impractical -
Taking the children to school - I need a three seater but cannot afford an F1 (keeping an eye out for a Matra)
Moving Mylar race sails that couldn’t be folded- had to use the estate.
There is plenty of space in the frunk for hard bodied cabin baggage (I have two Alpine cases) and the rear boot, albeit an odd shape, can fit a few soft bags.
I’ve put 25k miles on a “toy” as it is just so useable on a daily basis and turns a dull journey into one I look forward to.
Yes the Cayman has more storage space but there isn’t an occasion I’ve had so far where the Cayman would have been less compromised.
Miserablegit said:
Royal Jelly said:
No it isn’t, and never has been for a non-GT Porsche. That’s why you end up with something well-built from good quality materials, practical and reliable. The 981 did shave some 60kgs from the 987, but then gained a small amount of heft for the 718. They’ve obviously found the limit of what they can do in terms of weight whilst still providing the same attributes as a car at the Cayman/Boxter price point.
The Issue with the 110 is that it tried to do the lightness thing, but didn’t manage to do it particularly well. So, it’s stuck in a middle ground. It isn’t as focussed as a proper light weight (Elise) and isn’t as well-finished or practical as the Cayman. It’s still great, but that’s why it appeals to a far smaller cohort.
Interested to see the reviews of the lotus, now that they’ve decided to throw away Chapmans long standing “add lightness” philosophy.
Porsche’s limitation with the Cayster platform is self imposed. It’s a platform for a convertible made out of some aluminium and steel.The Issue with the 110 is that it tried to do the lightness thing, but didn’t manage to do it particularly well. So, it’s stuck in a middle ground. It isn’t as focussed as a proper light weight (Elise) and isn’t as well-finished or practical as the Cayman. It’s still great, but that’s why it appeals to a far smaller cohort.
Interested to see the reviews of the lotus, now that they’ve decided to throw away Chapmans long standing “add lightness” philosophy.
Edited by Royal Jelly on Wednesday 8th September 20:18
Alpine have used a full aluminium platform for a coupe.
Alpine did what quite a few of us wanted- a more useable
Lotus. Light weight was important as 350kg less in a road car is hugely noticeable. I’d say they did a cracking job.
The fixed buckets are probably some of the best seats I’ve sat in and look superb as well. The wheel is great and, as for the rest of the interior, well, I spend all my time looking out of the windscreen but the odd time I need to look at it I’m perfectly happy- if I had to change one thing it would be the cheap plastic trim panel under the windscreen behind the dash- I’ve heard a rumour of carbon replacement options - but that change isn’t worth a 350kg weight issue.
https://www.evo.co.uk/supertest/21777/alpine-a110-...
I reckon the run-out Elises weren't far short of 1000kg
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/lotus/elise-s...
"Launch control is the order of the day for all three of these cars, making straight-line figuring fairly straightforward. Schoolboy French is needed to translate the Alpine’s instructions (Sport or Track mode, left foot on the brake, pull both paddles, then mash the throttle), but once sorted it sets a respectable 4.6sec for the 0-60mph dash – although the engagement of the clutch is always a little slurred, suggesting a few tenths are literally slipping away."
I reckon they've changed that - mine engages a lot more abruptly than that.
Miserablegit said:
Another Alpine owner managed a figure of 4.2 measured by the onboard system.
I must admit I’ve not used launch once!!
I've not used mine either however the engine feels much punchier after 4,000 miles than say 1,500. Performance for me is plenty for road use and will see off most Cayman/Boxsters..I must admit I’ve not used launch once!!
BarryGibb said:
I reckon the run-out Elises weren't far short of 1000kg
Not far off a Pure on price, either, especially if you add options to match the spec. Still a different prospect though, the A110 is undeniably less raw and more usable. For me that's a good thing, for others it won't be.BarryGibb said:
I reckon the run-out Elises weren't far short of 1000kg
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/lotus/elise-s...
931kg according to that link.https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/lotus/elise-s...
By the way, where is this 350kg from? Isn't an Alpine ~ 1100kg, a Cayman ~ 1350kg-1385kg and an Emira projected to be 1405kg?
ks when the features and weights of the cars are unrepresentative. A long standing problem with tests.Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff