Porsche Cayman's worst nightmare

In many ways, the all new faster, powerful and more aggressive A110S is the version of Alpine's iconic mid-engine two seater car enthusiasts have been waiting for all along. If ever there was a criticism of the A110, it lacked a bit of a muscle in the straight line; especially when compared with to Porshe's Caymen with which it competes.

With an extra 39bhp from its 1.8litre turbo-charged engine and with a chassis more stiffer and focused, The A110S should put any such issues to bed in a heartbeat. 

Showcased inside and out in a mega gallery shot in Portugal, the latest and greatest Alpine of the modern era also happens to be quicker by a tenth of a second while top speed levels up to 260km/hrs with torque being rated at 320Nm.

A concern for drivers was that whether Alpine has ruined the vehicle by adding the letter 'S' to it. So have they spoilt it? Absolutely not. In contrast to the regular A110, the automobile is quite different. Alpine themselves have admitted to it saying its 'different' and more focused and aggressive.

Everything the car does is immediate with the suspension being stiffer, providing drivers with lot more control while driving. Compared to regular street cars, the vehicle is sharper and has less movement.

On the outside, the 'S' is distinguished by black Alpine scripting across its tail, carbon fibre flag details on the rear pillars, orange brake callipers and a quartet of dark-grey GT race wheels. It sits 4mm lower on the road.        

Knowing that the A110 series has a limited number of customers, Alpine is looking to expand the line-up with a more affordable, practical and usable driver's car. The Alpine SUV could be shown as a concept as early as 2020, and in terms of size, the French brand from Dieppe is rumoured to take on the Porsche Macan with the yet-to-be-named utility vehicle.