Shortly after the debut of the A110 R, some time ago, Alpine brought a surprise to deep-pocketed Formula 1 fans. Here's the Fernando Alonso version, a limited special edition priced at 148,000 euros in France, where the regular R variant retails for 105,000 euros.
Yes, you're looking at the most expensive car that Renault's performance division has ever sold. Only 32 units will be made, and of course there is a reason.
The veteran Spaniard won 32 races during his brilliant F1 career, starting in 2001 at the Australian Grand Prix with Minardi.
As you may have heard, this Alpine driver has decided to join Aston Martin to replace Sebastien Vettel, next season. Despite being 41 years old, Alonso insists that he has no plans to retire anytime soon.
Okay, but what's so special about this car that it costs 43,000 euros more than the regular A110 R? First, it comes exclusively in matte blue like the Alpine F1 and gets Alonso's signature on the rear windshield.
The French flag has been replaced by Alonso's signature blue-yellow-orange scheme, with the latter colors also being used on the brake calipers and cabin area.
In the interior, there is an embroidered racer's signature on the headrest.
The biggest change is probably the carbon fiber hood, which is now painted a matte blue. There are also individually numbered plaques to prove the exclusivity of this special edition, while the sun visor reads Alonso's motto: "There is more than one way to the top of a mountain."
A replica helmet with the driver's signature is also included when purchasing the vehicle. The A110 R Fernando Alonso is still equipped with a 1.8-liter turbocharged petrol engine with 300 horsepower and 340 Newton-meters (250 pound-feet) of torque.
Especially for track use, the ride height is lowered by 10 millimeters (0.4 inches). The car gets 18-inch carbon fiber wheels with 320mm Brembo brakes, and all the other items from the regular A110 R.
As a final note, it is worth mentioning this is not the first sports car to be signed by Fernando Alonso. About a decade ago, there was also a Ferrari 599 GTB made by the Maranello manufacturer to celebrate 60 years of victories in F1.
