America Could Finally Be Getting the Legendary French Sports Car It’s Always Deserved

The Alpine A110, one of automotive history’s greatest legends, is apparently one step closer to coming to our shores. AutomotiveNews reports that the French-based Renault-owned automaker is currently crash-testing its halo sports car for US federal safety compliance.

While it’s neither hard nor official confirmation, the fact that the automaker is crash-testing its vehicles for American standards is a significant and meaningful step. All the more so since crash-testing is a very expensive process for any automaker.

Alpine

But this is also a major moment for many other reasons. It requires we go back to the beginning of the World Rally Championship.

If you’ve never heard of the Alpine A110 (pronounced “al-peen”), that’s okay. Grab a beverage and some snacks, because a lovely history lesson is in order.

What is the Alpine A110, and why is it significant?

The Alpine A110 is an absolute automotive and motorsports icon, mainly because it was the first manufacturer’s victor of the inaugural World Rally Championship in 1973. But it wasn’t just any win.

It smashed the competition against heavy hitters from Porsche, Lancia and other major manufacturers. And in short, all of the WRC-homologated cars, like today’s Subaru WRX STIs, Mitsubishi Lancer Evos, and modern Audis, owe their pedigree to the Alpine A110.

McKlein – WRC

Because of this victory, it immediately earned its legendary status. But sadly, its claim to fame was short-lived after competitors quickly caught up. Mainly the Lancia Stratos, which scooped up the championship trophies in the following three years.

A legendary underdog

Despite having only won a single major title, its victory during the first-ever official WRC event holds greater notoriety since the A110 was from an automaker that didn’t have as much prominence as others. It was most certainly a score from left field, a big case of the underdog taking the win.

McKlein – WRC

Alpine itself is a small, French automaker known specifically for making low-volume sports and race cars. Founded in 1955, Alpine rooted its origins by digging into Renault’s parts bins to initially create a post-war economy car to help remobilize the battered French masses.

However, its fame and recognition didn’t start until its grassroots motorsports efforts in the following years. Alpine dedicated much of its efforts to racing, because its founders believed motorsports was the only way to prove their capabilities.

Alpine

It certainly paid off during its initial years, as the brand successfully contested and won multiple class events throughout some of the biggest racing spectacles in Europe, including the Coupe des Alpes, Mille Miglia, Sebring and even Le Mans.

That success eventually led to its participation in the first WRC event.

The A110’s rebirth

Alpine

Alpine produced the original A110 between 1963 and 1977, before being replaced by the A310. After struggling through the 1980s, even after being acquired by Renault in the 1970s, Alpine went dormant in 1995.

In 2017, the French automaker revived the Alpine brand as Renault’s performance division by producing an A110 successor. It has since become a beloved sports car in Europe and its export markets for its lightweight performance and relatively affordable price tag.

Alpine

With its bonded aluminum frame and punchy 252-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder, the A110 zips to 60 mph in around 4.5 seconds. It also stickers for around €60,000, or roughly $68,811 with today’s conversion.

While not priced like a Miata, it aims to undercut some heavy rivals from Porsche and BMW.

Alpine

To continue its success, Alpine and Renault decided to canvas the US market for the A110 in recent years. And now, its even closer to becoming a reality.

Alpine

As of today, Alpine has never sold vehicles in North America. So, its availability in the States would be a major first for the brand.

The A110 could be America’s next-big affordable sports car

Alpine

Since Renault and Alpine began expressing interest in the US market (especially because of the brand’s relationship with Nissan), the automaker has seen North America as a potentially profitable market for the A110. Originally, the division, under former CEO Luca de Meo’s supervision, had concrete plans to break into the US market.

However, after snags arose from a weakening electric vehicle market and tariffs imposed by the Trump Administration, Alpine’s efforts were put on hold. Alpine also had plans to introduce an all-electric SUV to America, the A390, which it sells in Europe.

Alpine

Speaking with CEO Phillipe Krief, he did say the plan is back in motion with hopes of a market debut in 2027. But he stopped short of a “final decision.”

“We’re now focusing on Europe, because the business is built for Europe, but naturally the growth could be in the U.S.,” the former Ferrari chief engineer told AN. “At least, I would not want to avoid that opportunity in the U.S.”

Alpine

Originally, Alpine envisioned debuting the A110 as an all-electric sports car. But given the market’s volatility on the subject, the automaker remains undecided.

Regardless, the fact that Alpine is taking serious measures, such as performing expensive crash testing in America, makes for an exciting prospect for such a storied automobile. And in our SUV-crazed part of the world, another unique sports car is all the more welcome.

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