Alpine A 110 Legende : 5th stage of improvements.
amanico
If you remember the previous episodes, I first worked on the chassis ( I changed the chassis of the Pure / Legende to get the tougher S set ), then on the engine / exhaust, the brakes, the rims, I found the rear spoiler of the Cup, now I am trying to improve the whole work.
There are some themes which will take some time, such as the suspensions. That chapter will most probably be treated next year. Or the interior, as I have to find the right professional to get what I really want. Some other details are work on progress, but I am nearly touching the end with this new stage of improvements.
So, what are the new changes?
1/ The rims.
If you remember, my first step was to change the original rims for lighter ones, the Fondmetal RR 18, which represents a gain of 7 kilos. I found the ones I will keep, the definitive ones.
A set of Braid forged aluminium rims which are uber light, saving some 12 kilos compared to the original ones! And I came back to a neutral color. I kept the black RR 18 for the track.
The design is quite cool, I must say. Even nicer in real life than in pictures.
2/ The carbon roof:
This is something I wanted for some years, but the availability was somewhere between impossible and problematic.
In the first years of the A 110 production, the carbon roof was available, then it disappeared for the Pure and the Legende, and it became an option for the S version only.
But, a few months ago, I found a solution to get one, and when I say one, I mean a carbon roof coming from Alpine, not an aftermarket! Needless to say that I jumped on the opportunity.
The advantage of a carbon roof? You save two more kilos. And chromatically, it works very well with the grey hue of the body.
3/ The front carbon spoiler:
Same problem as the carbon roof, you can only have the carbon front spoiler if you choose the " Aero option " including what I feel to be a weird rear spoiler. And it is available as an option for the S version only. BUT you can try to order one. The waiting list is worse than for a Rolex Daytona, though.
The surprise of the carbon roof came with another surprise, the front carbon spoiler!
Why is it such a good thing? The behaviour of the A 110, at high speed, is quite lively. It needs some downforce, rear AND front. The rear spoiler solved it, I needed the same solution for the front, and the original front spoiler is really efficient, as I could test it. Especially with all the engine improvements I had!
4/ Carbon central console:
As I am planning some changes in my interior, I started with something I found in the MP REZEAU catalog, MP REZEAU being the provider of competition parts for Alpine and Signatec, a nice looking carbon central console, whose aesthetics is strong, and saving 2, 1 kilos! The price is not crazy, either, so it is a good change.
Before
After ( Photo of the central carbon console in a A110R, provided by the dealer )
Less GT, more " sporty ".
5/ Larger tires:
The original tires are 205/18 for the front, and 235/18 for the rear.
Here, I went 225/18 for the front, and 245/18 for the rear. I didn't change the brand nor the version, the Michelin PS4S. But the original dimensions were a bit limited in grip with the power improvements. I just had to recalibrate the ABS, which is quite easy to do.
Now, the grip is much better, with more " balance ".
6/ Small details:
- A more efficient alternator pulley, the original being a tad too fragile, I don't want to take risks.
- Aluminium undertray lightweight bolt set. Why? The reason is simple: The 80 aluminium " screws " allow you to save 1 kilo! At 150 Euros the set, it would be silly not to get it.
Here we are... Now, the next stage, as previously said, will be the suspensions, lower, lighter, and more efficient, as well as a stunning air intake in aluminium and carbon... A project for next year, as I have to find the right product, and the funds! But I am not far from perfection.
Best,
Nicolas
Comments:
KMII December 1st, 2025-09:28
Wow - this really is a product of love 👌🏻👍🏻🏁 And I am sure it drives that way, too! Thanks for taking us along on the journey - will allow others to potentially follow some of the steps 😊👍🏻
amanico December 1st, 2025-09:33
Well, I already have a 6th stage of improvements, and will stop with a 7th one. ;)
KMII December 1st, 2025-10:20
I can only imagine 😊👍🏻 Especially since you started from an excellent base already 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
xto December 1st, 2025-09:56
It is a beautiful cat and an admirable accomplishment But I'm not sure that watch lovers know the term 'stop" - or it has a modified meaning
amanico December 1st, 2025-10:01
Ha! I will stop on the areodynamics and on the mechanic improvements. I will explain that later. The brakes calipers may be included on stage 7. Am still deliberating on the interior, though.
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KMII
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