A110 for the track

[HokumPokum]

I know everyone raves about the ride and how it handles but I want to buy a car that sees 70 track/ 30 road that has an auto box.
I also want it to be lightweight so consumers can be kept in check.

I'm also looking at a porsche 987 cayman with PDK. yes it's half the price but it's also 10 years older and quite a bit hevier as caymans are.


as a stock car, I was simply going to stick on some pads and better brake fluid plus cup tyres for track duty...

Bad idea?

[Miserablegit]

I’d start with the life 110 settings and see how you go.

Next step would probably be getting the clubman suspension kit from KW

[iKenndac]

For heavy track duty I'd make sure you have a car with the larger brake option - and of course, the S models have a more track-friendly suspension setup (stiffer springs/antiroll bars, etc) — though if you plan to swap all that out anyway, it doesn't make much of a difference.

If you get a second-hand model, if it's an earlier one there are some bits and pieces you can get that're fitted at the factory on newer cars that supposedly increase airflow/cooling at the front.

[Max13]

I did my first track day in my (new to me) PE on Wednesday at Silverstone. There was another Alpine there - anyone on here?

Like you I was deciding between a 987 Cayman with PDK and an Alpine. I am so impressed with this car, on track it really excelled itself. As standard it is fun, controllable and adjustable on the limit, without being snappy. And it's quick enough to overtake slower traffic where necessary. I have fitted the Life110 paddles which are a big improvement, especially on track, making it easier to select a gear with a bit of lock on, and I was going to do the geometry too, but to be honest the car was so much fun I am now having second thoughts...

I think I would would go for some more aggressive brake pads and braided hoses etc, just for a bit more initial bite and pedal feel. There was no issue with the brakes on the day though, so just my personal preference.

As for tyres, I like the fact that it has less outright grip, the chassis is so good it makes it more fun to drive, however I know from past experience that some Cup 2's would be interesting and may give them a go in the future.

I'd be interested to know what the additional cooling bits are on newer cars though?

[Miserablegit]

Max13 said:

I'd be interested to know what the additional cooling bits are on newer cars though?

There are additional holes cut into the front wheel arch liner - I understand it can be a DIY fix - and there is also a hole cut at the back of the front section of the flat-floor - again a DIY possibility - Look at the FAR Alpine Renault forum.

[Max13]

Miserablegit said:

There are additional holes cut into the front wheel arch liner - I understand it can be a DIY fix - and there is also a hole cut at the back of the front section of the flat-floor - again a DIY possibility - Look at the FAR Alpine Renault forum.

Interesting thanks will take a look

[BarryGibb]

HokumPokum said:

I know everyone raves about the ride and how it handles but I want to buy a car that sees 70 track/ 30 road that has an auto box.
I also want it to be lightweight so consumers can be kept in check.

I'm also looking at a porsche 987 cayman with PDK. yes it's half the price but it's also 10 years older and quite a bit hevier as caymans are.


as a stock car, I was simply going to stick on some pads and better brake fluid plus cup tyres for track duty...

Bad idea?

I was at a cold and wet Bedford today - perfect conditions and the standard Michelins were excellent. I'm not convinced that you need Cup tyres - you are going to be faster than 90% of the other traffic as standard - any quicker and it becomes a game of continual overtake.

[Gyroo]

Here’s an interesting thing for those intending to track their cars: on the new S, if you buy one with the aero kit then the car also gets different ecu software installed which removes the speed restriction.

A110 and A110GT limited to 155mph
A110S non aero limited to 161mph
A110S aero unlimited. Likely 170mph

[BarryGibb]

Gyroo said:

Here’s an interesting thing for those intending to track their cars: on the new S, if you buy one with the aero kit then the car also gets different ecu software installed which removes the speed restriction.

A110 and A110GT limited to 155mph
A110S non aero limited to 161mph
A110S aero unlimited. Likely 170mph

It's unlikely you will hit those speeds on the track

[BarryGibb]

BarryGibb said:

HokumPokum said:

I know everyone raves about the ride and how it handles but I want to buy a car that sees 70 track/ 30 road that has an auto box.
I also want it to be lightweight so consumers can be kept in check.

I'm also looking at a porsche 987 cayman with PDK. yes it's half the price but it's also 10 years older and quite a bit hevier as caymans are.


as a stock car, I was simply going to stick on some pads and better brake fluid plus cup tyres for track duty...

Bad idea?

I was at a cold and wet Bedford today - perfect conditions and the standard Michelins were excellent. I'm not convinced that you need Cup tyres - you are going to be faster than 90% of the other traffic as standard - any quicker and it becomes a game of continual overtake.

And I think it depends what kind of track driving you prefer

https://blog.cargurus.co.uk/alpine-a110s-review-di...

"So for the kind of hooligan behaviour that might get you black-flagged on a trackday, the A110 is the one to have."

an A110 on standard tyres will give you plenty of that

[a110au]

A pro driver takes an A110S around Silverstone learning about the car as he goes ..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0wBekhgnec

[tail slide]

a110au said:

A pro driver takes an A110S around Silverstone learning about the car as he goes ..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0wBekhgnec

After halfway that's a good illustration of the extra 'help' that's removed by knocking off the ESC switch even in 'Track'.

I had great fun sliding a fair amount but still so easy to control at Anglesey last Sunday .....& avoided the black flag

Edited by tail slide on Tuesday 7th December 17:05

[BarryGibb]

tail slide said:

a110au said:

A pro driver takes an A110S around Silverstone learning about the car as he goes ..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0wBekhgnec

After halfway that's a good illustration of the extra 'help' that's removed by knocking off the ESC switch even in 'Track'.

I had great fun sliding a bit but still so easy to control at Anglesey last Sunday .....& avoided the black flag

Edited by tail slide on Tuesday 7th December 16:34

Did you turn off ESC? I watched the video a few weeks back and avoided the "watch this" button at a very wet Bedford based on the difference.

[dontdobends]

tail slide said:

a110au said:

A pro driver takes an A110S around Silverstone learning about the car as he goes ..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0wBekhgnec

After halfway that's a good illustration of the extra 'help' that's removed by knocking off the ESC switch even in 'Track'.

I had great fun sliding a fair amount but still so easy to control at Anglesey last Sunday .....& avoided the black flag

Edited by tail slide on Tuesday 7th December 17:05

Green one? looked sweet!

[tail slide]

dontdobends said:

Green one? looked sweet!

Thanks, handled sweet too, & good dry track for us. BG - yes was fine in dry without ESC, sounds like more of a challenge in the wet, on higher speed corners !

[dontdobends]

tail slide said:

dontdobends said:

Green one? looked sweet!

Thanks, handled sweet too, & good dry track for us. BG - yes was fine in dry without ESC, sounds like more of a challenge in the wet, on higher speed corners !

I was surprised how quiet it sounded from the pit Wall, is the car stock?

[BarryGibb]

tail slide said:

dontdobends said:

Green one? looked sweet!

Thanks, handled sweet too, & good dry track for us. BG - yes was fine in dry without ESC, sounds like more of a challenge in the wet, on higher speed corners !

Right, need to wait for a dry track and give it a go on the slower corners

[HokumPokum]

From what I remember
Esc was too intrusive in the dry. Better with it off

I know it kinda defeats the road aspect but the standard suspension for the S is too soft on track. This will be further compounded when you put semi slicks on

Still think as a road car the pure A110 is best and as a track car, A110 pure also the best as you need to upgrade suspension anyways.

[HokumPokum]

After deliberating for a year and taking delivery of my 718 spyder, I still feel the need to replace my e46 m3 trackcar with an alpine

The e46 is great but weighs 1350kg fully fueled and smg gearbox is a bit fragile. not to mention consumables on brakes and tyres are not insignificant.
I don't think it is that much faster than an A110 either so might just retire it for road use.

at 50k and hopefully delivery within 6 months, I'm really thinking of pulling the trigger.

Optionswise,I am only going to go for rear parking sensors (do I really need this? Parking visibility is bad but is it a case of just getting familiar?) and deep black paint.
The car will need to be road legal but will only be used on trackdays for fun (and driving to them)
- proper track biased suspension and geo
- proper Cup wheels and tyres (will 17s fit upgraded brakes?)
- remap? Is the drivetrain on both A110 and A110s the same? Not too bothered by power tbh although I'd like more rpm than a peak 6500
- The base brakes will need upgrading to proper calipers (they are the same calipers on the A110S?) and floating 2-piece setups
- seats and harness setup. what's the difference between the 1-piece sport and racing Sabelt buckets? they look awfully similar.

That's it. Hopefully within a modest budget

[t3boy]

I have just my first track day in the Alpine (Friday at Goodwood) and have to say what a great car on track. I have had a few mods from Dave on it; lowering springs, geo, braided lines, brake pads and higher temp brake fluid. I feel its perfect for my needs and my skill level at the moment and nothing I would really change/add besides some track wheels and the map (On the high speed straights, could do with a little more ommph)

As a beginner, I left it with ESC on and yes, did feel it cutting in from time to time but as I am learning and being Goodwood, I thought I should play it safe!