the prototype of the electric A110 is revealed, it does not deny its sporting DNA
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Only a few hours after the publication of a mysterious teaser, it is already being revealed. On the occasion of the Formula 1 Grand Prix de France, Alpine presents the Alpine A110 E-ternité, a prototype of the future electric Alpine A110. Regarded by the manufacturer as a laboratory on wheels, this model was developed by a “command team” in less than a year.
According to the Dieppe company, the Alpine A110 E-ternité aims to celebrate the sixtieth anniversary of the famous Berlinetta by inscribing itself as a link between the thermal past and the electrified future. The car takes its name from a phrase by Renault Group boss Luca de Meo: “I want to electrify Alpine to inscribe it in eternity”. The 100% electric car is the prelude to Alpine’s future zero-emission coupe, which is expected to see the light of day by 2025.
The convertible roof, a premiere
Alpine A110 Eternity (2022)Credit Photo – Alpine
While maintaining the general design of the thermal A110 on this A110 E-ternity, there are still a few specifics to note. The front section has new headlight bezels, the rear window is partly covered with linen, as are the paneling of the hood, the roof, the radiator grille and the rear apron. And then there’s this unique convertible roof that Alpine wanted to make “simple and light”. The manufacturer claims not to have changed the car’s rigidity by integrating this device, which consists of two roof shells “injected with recycled carbon”.
Electric, but still efficient
Alpine A110 Eternity (2022)Credit Photo – Alpine
Finish the 1.6 engine under the rear hood of this Alpine A110 E-ternité. The Norman Coupé has an electric motor with 178 kW or around 242 hp for 300 Nm of torque. Alpine has set a goal with this prototype: “to electrify the A110 by matching the performance, balance and agility of the thermal version”.
A specially developed gearbox
Alpine A110 Eternity (2022)Credit Photo – Alpine
The bet seems winning as the A110 E-ternity sprints from 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds versus 4.2 seconds for the most powerful A110 petrol engine. However, top speed is lower, at 250 km/h for the A110 E-ternité versus 280 km/h in thermals. Note that this prototype is equipped with a new transmission. Developed in-house, it features a DCT dual clutch and electronic controls with “clutches designed for high torque”. An essential feature of an electric motor as it delivers instantaneous torque.
Up to 420 kilometers on a single charge
Alpine A110 Eternity (2022)Credit Photo – Alpine
On the underbody, Alpine installed identical battery modules as in the Renault Mégane E-Tech. Structural battery cases were specifically designed for this prototype. A total of four battery modules are located in the front and eight in the rear. Alpine explains that despite adding these batteries, it has managed to keep the car’s weight down: the car is only 258 kilos heavier, for a total weight of 1,378 kilos. According to the WLTP approval cycle, the range is around 420 kilometers. The recharge time is not specified at the time of writing this article.
No screen on board, just a simple tablet mount
Alpine A110 Eternity (2022)Credit Photo – Alpine
Alpine brings some innovations to the cabin of the A110 in this E-ternity prototype. With no touchscreen, the dashboard can now accommodate the driver’s personal tablet to display the infotainment system. The car is also equipped with a state-of-the-art eight-speaker audio system. Linen can be found on the seat shells, the rest of the upholstery consists of leather and Alcantara. There is a white insert on both the steering wheel and the doors. Finally, in the storage compartment of the center console, Luca de Meo’s famous phrase is engraved on a brushed aluminum plate.
This Alpine A110 E-ternité, on show at the Paul-Ricard circuit in Le Castellet (Var) during the French F1 GP on Sunday 24 July 2022, should logically be on the brand’s stand at the Paris Motor Show be present in 2022.
In summary
For a surprise, it’s a surprise! On the occasion of the Formula 1 Grand Prix de France in July 2022, Alpine is presenting the Alpine A110 E-ternité. This prototype leaves the Dieppe 1.6 engine to adopt an electric motor of 178 kW or approximately 242 hp for 300 Nm of torque. The A110 E-ternité accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 250 km/h. Visually, the car differs from the thermal A110 by its headlight covers, its rear window partially covered with canvas or its unique convertible roof. On the rise, despite the integration of batteries from the Renault Mégane E-Tech, the total weight still remains at 1,378 kilos. The autonomy of this A110 E-ternité is set at 420 kilometers.
