Alpine A110 Sets a New Record in Debut at Pikes Peak

Alpine, the renowned French automotive manufacturer, made its historic debut at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in 2023, and the results were nothing short of spectacular. The Alpine A110 Pikes Peak, driven by Raphaël Astier, set a new record time in the Pikes Peak Open class, finishing the grueling 19.93 km course in a record-breaking time of 9 minutes, 17.412 seconds. This stunning feat not only surpassed Astier's personal best by over six seconds, but it also shattered the previous Pikes Peak Open class record by more than seven seconds.

Alpine's Pioneering Endeavor:

For the first time in its history, Alpine accepted the challenge of tackling the iconic Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. The event, held in the picturesque Rocky Mountains since 1916, presented Alpine and Signatech teams with a unique opportunity to test their mettle against a demanding field of competitors.

A Phenomenal Record-Breaking Run:

Behind the wheel of the specially adapted Alpine A110 Pikes Peak, Astier delivered an extraordinary performance. Astier completed the treacherous 19.93 km course, encompassing 156 turns, in a record-breaking time of 9 minutes, 17.412 seconds. This stunning feat not only surpassed his personal best by over six seconds but also shattered the previous Pikes Peak Open class record by more than seven seconds.

Double Podium Triumph:

Alpine's debut appearance at Pikes Peak was nothing short of remarkable. The Alpine A110 Pikes Peak secured a sensational third-place finish overall, outshining numerous seasoned competitors. Additionally, the car clinched second place in the Pikes Peak Open category, showcasing Alpine's prowess in a field characterized by diverse and powerful vehicles.

Rapid Project Development:

Alpine's foray into Pikes Peak was made possible through a concerted effort by their design office and the Bourges workshops. The project, which commenced in late autumn 2022, involved the transformation of the A110 GT4 Evo into the Alpine A110 Pikes Peak. The car underwent meticulous modifications, including the addition of aerodynamic elements and a purpose-built 500 hp engine. Through the collaborative efforts of leading partners such as Elf, Michelin, Oreca, and ALP Racing Suspension, the car's weight was reduced to 950 kg, ensuring optimal performance.

Extensive Preparation and Testing:

Prior to the race, Alpine conducted comprehensive testing and preparation. The team arrived in the United States on June 5, setting up their base camp in Colorado Springs. The Alpine A110 Pikes Peak underwent rigorous acclimatization and validation tests, enabling Astier to familiarize himself with the unique demands of the mountain. Over the course of two weeks, Astier fine-tuned the car's behavior on various sections of the climb, showcasing consistent progress and exceptional reliability.

Alpine's Versatility and Triumph:

Alpine's success at Pikes Peak demonstrates their versatility as a brand. Despite competing against prototypes, single-seaters, and high-performance concepts, Alpine emerged victorious in the mass-produced internal combustion-powered cars category. This triumph underscores Alpine's ability to hold its own against more powerful competitors, while staying true to their core values of agility, lightness, and driving

 

Alpine's debut at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb was an undeniable triumph. With a double podium finish, including a record-breaking time in their category, Alpine showcased their exceptional engineering prowess and the capabilities of the Alpine A110 Pikes Peak. This groundbreaking achievement paves the way for future challenges and reinforces Alpine's status as a formidable force in the world of motors.