Alpine A110: Will the French Sports Car Finally Arrive in the U.S.?

For years, American enthusiasts have watched as one of Europe’s most exciting lightweight sports cars remained out of reach. Designed with a focus on balance, agility and driver engagement, the Alpine A110 has earned widespread praise as a rival to the Porsche 718 Cayman. Despite growing interest, it has never been officially offered in the U.S. Market.

That situation may be changing. Alpine has recently taken steps suggesting a potential expansion beyond its traditional markets, fueling speculation that its acclaimed sports car could soon be available stateside. While nothing has been confirmed, the signs point to a shift in strategy that could open the door for American buyers.

If it arrives, the Alpine A110 would bring a refreshing alternative to the segment, prioritizing lightweight engineering and driving purity over outright power. For enthusiasts, that could make it one of the most exciting new additions to the U.S. Sports car market.

Alpine’s Progress Towards a U.S. Launch

Rumors about Alpine’s potential entry into the North American market have circulated for some time. The brand already has plans to enter the Canadian market in the next couple of years. Recent moves suggest a U.S. Launch is becoming increasingly likely.

In December 2023, Alpine CEO Philippe Krief told Auto Express that the brand wanted to launch in the U.S. With the A110, believing it to be the “heart of the brand.” More recently, Automotive News Europe reported that Krief revealed the brand is currently crash testing the A110 in America. While a final decision hasn’t been made, crash testing is a significant and expensive step towards selling cars in the U.S., indicating a serious commitment to the market.

Who is Alpine?

Alpine is a French automaker and a subsidiary of Renault. Initially, Alpine planned to enter the U.S. With larger electric SUVs, but tariffs led them to reevaluate that strategy.

What to Expect from the Alpine A110

The current iteration of the A110 is highly praised by driving enthusiasts, with a starting price around $75,000 (converted from Euros). It’s similarly priced to the Porsche Cayman and offers comparable levels of engagement and driving experience.

The A110’s 1.8-liter turbocharged inline-four engine produces between 252 and 296 horsepower, and 236-251 lb-ft of torque. Its lightweight design – around 2,425 pounds – contributes to its agility and balance. Top Gear noted in 2019 that the Alpine is faster than a standard Cayman in acceleration tests.

A110 Specs

• Engine: 1.8-liter turbocharged inline-four
• Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
• Horsepower: 252-296 HP
• Torque: 236-251 LB-FT
• Driveline: RWD
• 0-60 MPH: 3.9-4.4 seconds
• Top Speed: 155-177 MPH

The Next Generation A110: Electric and Beyond

While excitement builds for the current A110, the next generation, slated for a 2027 launch in Europe, will be electric. However, Alpine CEO Philippe Krief recently revealed that the new A110’s platform is designed to accommodate a gasoline engine as well, potentially offering enthusiasts a choice.

A realistic timeline for the A110 to reach America is likely around 2030.

Beyond the A110: Other Alpine Models

Alpine offers other models that could potentially approach to the U.S. Market, including the A290 hatchback and the A390 SUV.

The A290 is a sporty EV hatch based on the Renault 5, producing up to 220 horsepower with a range of 235 miles. The A390 is a coupe-styled EV SUV offering between 400 and 470 horsepower and a range of 310-345 miles.

Alpine’s arrival in the U.S. Could create serious competition in the sports car and EV segments, offering enthusiasts exciting new options.