What's all this about?

Alpine has finally released full specifications for its A110 sports car. After what seems like an aeon since the Vision concept car was shown (it was only a year ago, in fact), we finally have the real lowdown on the new French hope, and the signs are good. Very good.

Quelle surprise...

Well, the A110 is going to be built at the historic Dieppe factory, and you'll struggle to think of a bad car ever to come out of that plant's hallowed doors. Extensive use of aluminium in its construction gives the A110 a kerb weight of only 1,080kg, and elements like Sabelt bucket seats and a lightweight exhaust system have also helped in this regard.

Adding lightness is fine, but what about power?

Figures like 252hp and 320Nm won't exactly set the world on fire these days, but with such a lack of weight for the 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine to push around, 0-62mph is dispensed with in 4.5 seconds. Downforce is aided by a flat floor and the car's sleek A110 Berlinette-inspired shape, something you'll be glad of as you run towards the 155mph speed limiter. A seven-speed DCT gearbox takes care of converting power into motion, and three switchable driver modes can be selected.

Will it handle?

Bet the house on it. Weight distribution is 44:56 front to rear, while double wishbone suspension is utilised front and rear. Fuchs (of Porsche wheel fame) provides the forged aluminium 18-inch alloys, and the braking system was sourced from Italian experts Brembo. UK deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2018, with left-hand-drive Premiere Edition cars arriving to European customers a little prior to that. We can't wait to try one.