The Alpine Berlinette turns 50 this year and, to mark the event, Renault has created the Renault Alpine A110-50, a concept built around the racing Megane Trophy car. The Renault Alpine A110-50 concept car translates the most characteristic design features of the original A110 in a modern and spectacular way. The shade of blue is a refreshed interpretation of the original Alpine Blue seen in the Berlinette. The A110-50 has a carbon fibre body.
Designer Yann Jarsalle and Concept and Show Car Director Alex Breun were entrusted with the task of reinterpreting the Berlinette design and adding a touch of Laurens van den Acker’s design introduced in the DeZir. “Developing this concept car was a great adventure. It was a catalyst for creativity. We wanted to make a Berlinette that was of our time, and which boldly embodies Renault’s passion for motorsport. We were guided by our hearts and emotions.” Axel Breun.
“For everybody on the team, it was a dream come true to work on an Alpine concept car. We wanted to put this car firmly in the modern day, while resonating with its heritage” said Laurens van den Acker, Senior VP, Corporate Design.
The most prominent of the reinterpreted design cues from the original Alpine A110 would be half-domed additional lamps, at the centre, now using LED technology and appearing as thin semi circles and staying true to the original in colour yellow. The characteristic 3D rear window gives a view into the mid-rear engine. Air intakes on each side are reminiscent of the ducts on the rear wheel arches of the Berlinette. The one on the right cools the gearbox whereas the one on the left cools the engine bay.
Renault ensures no stone is left unturned to ensure you realize the sporty intent of this car as soon as you’re in it.
Carbon fibre door sills, driver’s seat featuring embroidered ‘Renault Alpine A110-50’ badging, Sabelt full harness belts and different, attractive shades of blue establish this car’s relationship with the original Alpine A110 and its sporting intent.
The Renault Design-created steering wheel incorporates a colour screen and houses the same technology as a Formula Renault 3.5 single-seater to provide drivers with all the information they need.
Much thought ha also gone into selecting the materials for the inside, the orange coloured bits contrast with the rest of the interior.
Engine & Transmission
The Renault Alpine A110-50 concept car is developed on the same technical platform as the Mégane Trophy, a proven beast on the track. Powering the A110-50 is the Renault V4Y engine block, a 3.5 litre 24-valve 400hp V6 mounted in a mid-rear position. The crankcase (semi-wet), moving parts (pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft), valve train (camshafts and valve springs) and exhaust system have been engineered specifically for the A110-50 concept. The Renault Alpine A110-50 uses the carbon air intake employed in the Mégane Trophy V6.
The Renault Alpine A110-50 concept car is fitted with a semi-automatic six-speed sequential gearbox, as well as a twin-plate clutch that can be controlled using either with the clutch pedal or a paddle on the steering wheel. The gearbox is fitted longitudinally behind the engine and incorporates a limited-slip differential (discs and ramps) with adjustable pre-loading. The cerametallic twin-plate clutch is also engineered for this car. It is activated automatically when downshifting, and Renault assures this leads to fast and reliable gear changes.
Chassis
The tubular chassis from the Mégane Trophy has been stiffened and undergone several developments before being used for the Renault Alpine A110-50.The roll cage and bracing in the engine bay were lowered. The final weight distribution is at 47.8% over the front wheels. The concept car also has integral pneumatic jacks derived from systems used in endurance racing.
Aerodynamics
At the front, a splitter hidden in the bumper generates low pressure, which results in significant aerodynamic downforce. At the rear, a diffuser accelerates air flow beneath the floor. These two contribute to nearly one third of the car’s downforce. The massive split wing accounts for the other two thirds.
The wheelbase of the Renault Alpine A110-50 is identical to that of Mégane Trophy (2,625mm), while the track is slightly wider at 1,680mm front and 1,690mm rear. The 21-inch wheels, with a single central nut are fitted with road legal Michelin tyres. The Sachs dampers can be adjusted in compression and extension, and are mounted directly onto the lower wishbones. There are numerous different set-up options: castor, camber and alignment, ride height, anti-roll. Renault has stripped the car of ABS, traction control, and other electronic gadgetry to keep the driving experience pure.
