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Life after Cayman - My 2021 Alpine A110 Legende GT.

First of all by way of an introduction, the back-story leading to my new car choice.

Having made the decision to sell my Macan Turbo while current residual values were at record levels, the question was which car to replace it with. The 13 months and 8700 miles ownership of the Macan, while being practical, comfortable, and powerful, and as I liked to quote, "a lovely car to drive”, it failed to extinguish my hard-wired desire for a sports car which satisfied my need for agility, quick change of direction handling, and a tactile connection with the road that only a true sports car can provide.

I had registered an interest in the forthcoming Lotus Emira, but the ever extending waiting lists and unproven build quality control and reliability concerns, caused my enthusiasm to wane with each passing month. I decided at that point to move on to pastures new.

Having owned 5 Cayman models from the base 2008 987.1 2.7 5-speed manual, leading to a new 2010 987.2 3.4 Cayman S 6-speed manual, followed by the superb 2012 Cayman R 6-speed manual. I passed by the 981 model range, preferring to stick with the Cayman R until the launch of the 4-cylinder turbo 718 Cayman S PDK. This proved a real eye-opener with its big, flat, torque curve and revised chassis giving the car dynamic capabilities at least as good, if not exceeding, that of the iconic CR. So impressed was I by the 718 2.5t, that I had no hesitation moving on to the amazingly capable 2019 718 Cayman 2.5t GTS PDK. All my Caymans were driven extensively both on road and track. The wonderful Cayman R was campaigned during 2014-15 for my successful 2 year return to competitive motorsport following a 27 year absence. To my great relief, it proved I hadn’t lost my touch. I won another 5 trophies and awards in circuit sprints and hill climbs to add to my existing collection of silverware spanning the three decades of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. It was especially satisfying at my advanced time of life having many of the competitive rivals in my class more than 25 years my junior. As a direct result of this motorsport experience, I grew to completely master the Cayman R. I felt totally in command of it. Man and machine in perfect harmony. It was an absolute gem of a car. It’ll come as no surprise that of all my Caymans, the two joint favourites are the sublime Cayman R manual, and the immensely capable 718 2.5t Cayman GTS PDK. My car had the optional 9.5”x10.5” wider 20” alloys shod with Michelin PS4S tyres, -20mm sports suspension, and Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes. It’s one fast car in this spec, believe me.

As I am now into my 70’s, I felt now was the time to move back to a sports car while still being relatively slim and fit. The only requirement being it had to be a PDK or similar due to my right hand weakness disability. With the current Cayman 4.0 range failing to appeal, I was initially considering a used 6-cylinder or 2.5t 4-cylinder PDK Cayman. Then something happened that turned my attention to a completely different brand. My good friend and contributor to the Cayman forum AndrewT, happened to mention if I would be interested in the Alpine A110 as an alternative. Coincidently, Andrew and I had both booked an Alpine Thrill experience at Thruxton race circuit last year. Unfortunately the subsequent covid lockdown scuppered that opportunity. Nevertheless the seed of enquiry had been sown in my mind regarding this rather specialised lightweight sports coupe. Browsing the used Alpine websites revealed strong residuals with even the base 246bhp A110 Pure model still fetching north of £40K, with the more powerful A110 S model topping £50k. Enquires on the official Alpine website revealed the limited edition Legende GT model of which only 300 copies would be produced. This numbered limited edition example had the more powerful 292bhp 1800cc 4-cylinder turbo engine mated to a close ratio DSG gearbox. Other cosmetic and dynamic enhancements included leather trim with contrasting stitching, 6-way sports comfort seats, pale gold Alpine insignia, storage pack, Alpine telematic package, sat nav and infotainment pack, a numbered plaque, sports exhaust, larger Brembo brakes with gold callipers, unique black and silver 18” alloy wheels, and a lowered ride height. The Legende GT is available in only two colours, Abyss Blue Metallic and a special paint colour Mercury Silver Matt, the latter colour being particularly appealing. It was with considerable surprise that I discovered Alpine Centre Manchester had one of each colour available for delivery within a couple of weeks. The two cars were the last available new Legend GT’s in the UK out of a total allocation of only 30 RHD cars in UK spec. Production has now closed on the Alpine range. Following a positive telephone conversation with an Alpine A110 owner in Aberdeen, I considered this too good an opportunity to miss and placed a deposit with Alpine Centre Manchester to reserve the Matt Mercury Silver car the very next day. Delivery was scheduled for September 30th, with transport delivery provided to my home in the Highlands. The sports car quest was now job done. Although I had not driven the A110, I knew in my heart and head that this was the ideal car for me at this time of my life.

Current fuel and transport shortages permitting, the car is due to be delivered to my home near Inverness tomorrow, Thursday September 30th. Photos will follow in due course. The subsequent appraisal will cover build quality and cabin ambience, and my initial first impressions of the car. Over the next four weeks I shall post reviews based upon my driving impressions compared to the Cayman, and also the practical experience of taking the Alpine A110 on tour to Derbyshire and Cheshire towards the end of October. Just to be clear, this review will not simply be an advert for the A110. I shall endeavour to be as honest and objective as I possibly can. The Cayman as the benchmark mid-engined sports coupe, sets a very high bar in both performance dynamics, and cabin quality comfort. The Alpine A110 Legende GT has a very hard act to follow. The comparison will hopefully provide interesting reading to Cayman owners, if only to illustrate just how good a sports car it is.

Brian

 
I’m sure that you won’t be disappointed Brian, and hope that delivery and handover goes smoothly tomorrow.

Looking forward very much to your initial impressions of the Alpine and on a longer-term appraisal.

Jeff

 
Sounds like a good move Brian. I've seen and heard nothing but good things about the Alpine and the Legende GT looks like the pinnacle in terms of specification and power and perfect for the Scottish highland runs. I'm not sure about the durability of matt metallic paint and those intricate wheels look as if they will take some cleaning but I'm sure your neighbour will be lined up for the initial detailing. There still doesn't seem to be many Alpines around in the Manchester area, I can count on one hand the number I've seen! I look forward to seeing the photos and your opinions over the coming weeks. Enjoy!

Regards,

Gary

 
Arrival. First Impressions.

Always an exciting day collecting a new car. This was no different. I felt the same eager anticipation and excitement as I have felt in the past when collecting a new Porsche. Age doesn't dim the rush of expectation with a new car.

My new Alpine A110 arrived on the back of a recovery truck. No Porsche Chester covered Brian James trailer here! It was like a repo job in reverse. That said, the car was none the worse from its long journey north from Manchester. The truck driver reported passing cars on the motorway taking photos of the A110. It attracted quite a bit of attention apparently.

Following the unloading, inspection, and signing acceptance documentation, first stop was for fuel. The fuel gauge was in the red, with fuel access apparently a problem in Greater Manchester with petrol stations running dry. No fuel supply problems in my locality, no queues, and a full tank from the red reserve sector to the brim took only 37.66 litres E5 97RON super unleaded. Ok, small fuel tank then. Noted.

First drive for a quick photo shoot in the countryside, and a return via my favourite local B road. Immediately one thing stood out. Exceptional responsiveness to all driver inputs. You wouldn't need to put this car on scales to know it is a lightweight. The steering is almost telepathic in directness, with a "fizz" at the steering wheel rim to telegraph to the driver precisely the feedback from front wheels and tyres. Same as with my CR and 718 GTS. The double wishbone suspension is quite firm but sufficiently compliant not to cause any jarring over uneven road surfaces. The in-line 4 turbo engine sounds completely different to the 718 2.5t 4-pot, with a pleasant burble to the exhaust note in normal mode. In contrast to the Porsche 2.5t which droned at normal road speeds in higher gears.

Having only 9 miles on the clock I kept the revs below 3500rpm and only used Normal mode throughout my short trip. The DSG gear shifts were quick and smooth, with the manual override working well, exactly the same as PDK. One thing is very different however. The gearshift paddles are attached to the steering column and not the wheel. I found this no detriment at all, due to the paddles being much larger in their arc behind the steering wheel. The steering inputs are so small, having a very quick rack ratio, so the paddles are never a problem to find while turning the wheel. The paddle action is crisp and confidence inspiring, same as with PDK. The dash display is entirely digital and easy to read. The rev counter also shows revs as a numerical figure as well as with the usual needle and dial display. Quirky but effective.

Seating in full leather with contrasting stitching is very comfortable, with excellent support during this sedate trip. Headroom is plentiful with the double-bubble roofline. Headlining is the Alpine version of Alcantara, and the interior trim is mainly hard plastics which I don't mind at all, never having had full leather trim on any of my Caymans. The cabin itself is well laid out and easy to navigate. There is no central gear selector. In its place are three large buttons, D, N, and R. There is a Sport button on the steering wheel and an engine stop-start button on the central console. Its all very different to what I've been accustomed to after 13 years with the Porsche brand. Storage inside the cabin is sparse. No door pockets, and no glove compartment. A central console storage area with one cup holder between the seats is all you get. The front luggage compartment is more of a tray than a deep trunk, and the rear luggage compartment is tiny. I shall be travelling light. As a single traveller, I always have the front passenger footwell to use if need be.

Back at home I successfully paired my phone and set the radio stations to my preferred channels. This is all done via the central touch screen in much the same way as with PCM. There is a comprehensive data logging capacity in the Alpine Telematics programme. This is mainly for track use, and would provide endless fun examining data after a track day. Launch control is also featured as with PDK Sport Chrono. I'll need to read up the Telemetric and Infotainment handbook to fully appreciate its capabilities.

I always say you never really get to know the outside of the car until you wash it by hand. This was a pure joy to do compared to the big bus Macan. I needed a standing platform to reach the roof area. No such problems with the A110, it has the same dimensions as a Cayman and washing it is a breeze. I took time to study the build quality during the wash. The body is all aluminium and the panel fit is what you would expect from that type of construction. A few details grate, the side repeater indicators look tacky and cheap. almost as if they are stuck on as an afterthought. The fuel filler flap has an attractive "A" in script form on it. Pity they hadn't paid the same attention to the side repeater indicator. The panel fit on the door sills is not to Porsche standards, neither are the exposed fixing bolts visible on the rear luggage compartment sill. It's more Renault than Porsche in some instances. The rear diffuser though, is a work of art. You can see why the A110 does away with the retractable aerofoil as on the mainstream Caymans. Underbody airflow has obviously been paid great attention to here. The matt silver paintwork is stunning to look at and silky smooth to the touch. My neighbour Mike the valeting man, is checking out the correct ceramic coating to apply in due course. I has to be matt finish and not glossy. Work in progress here.

That about covers the first impressions of this quirky, but amazingly appealing little sports coupe. Its light weight is so apparent when driving. Little wonder the tyre sections are modest. Michelin PS4 tyres come as standard, 205 x 40 x R18 Front, and 235 x 40 x R18 Rear. Its light on its feet this A110, and fuel mpg should be thrifty hopefully. That small fuel tank is a minor concern at present bearing in mind my touring trips coming up. My Cayman R had a small capacity fuel tank, and I recall I had to keep an eye on the fuel gauge on remote touring trips. I often carried a 10 litre can as a back up. I've a feeling this will have to be revisited with the A110.

Some photos to follow.

Brian











 
The side profile looks best with good proportions. The gold brake callipers and all alloy hubs suit this matt silver colour.

 
The cabin is a nice place to be, if a bit short on storage. The steering wheel angle is more tilted forward than in the Cayman, but after adjustment fore and aft and up and down, I found a comfortable driving position.

 
how is it to get in and out ? it looks low, I remember trying one and thinking it's not ideal. Be fun to try though one of these, they get great reviews.

 
David,

You are right, the A110 is low. Fortunately for my age I am still quite flexible and I don't notice any difference getting in and out compared to my Caymans. My car has the comfort sports seats, the models with carbon buckets may be a different matter.

As I put more miles on the car I'll discover more about it. At present it is still in the evaluation stage.

Brian

 
Looking good Brian. Surprisingly little storage space front and rear - as well as interior - compared with the Cayman, but I think that it’s quite a bit shorter? Very impressive rear diffuser … and good luck cleaning those wheels! 😀

They’re rare beasts; in fact, I don’t recall having seen one on my travels locally.

Keep the updates coming.

Jeff

 

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