Renault Alpine GTA/A610

Alpine wanted to launch a complete range of models. Three models were announced for public use.[9]

Alpine GTA V6 GT

Presented in November 1984, it is the base version. With a C_x of 0.28, and an SC_x of 0.48, the V6 GT set a record for aerodynamics at the time for a car in this category.

The first model introduced was the naturally aspirated V6 GT (D 500), which entered production in November 1984, although press photos had been released in September 1984.[10] The car was first shown at the 1985 Amsterdam Rai, immediately after which it also went on sale.[11]

The Europa Cup was initially rolled out in July 1985. The model was conceived for racing during the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Europe, hence its name. Of the 69 cars manufactured between 1984 and 1987, it is estimated that only seven remain in the "civilian" version. All cars left the production lines of the Alpine factory in Dieppe with their registration certificate, but to recover the VAT, some Europa Cups no longer carry the proper paperwork for registration.[12]

In July 1985, the Europa Cup model appeared; this limited edition model was intended for a single-make racing championship, and 69 cars were built (54 in 1985 and 15 more in 1987).[13] In September 1985 the turbo model (D 501) followed, which increased the power of the PRV unit to 200 PS (147 kW).

It was introduced in September 1985. With a larger rear spoiler grille to improve cooling. The C_x increases from 0.28 to 0.30. Like the Renault 25 V6 Turbo, the GTA benefits from the 2.458 cc V6 PRV turbocharged engine.

Alpine GTA V6 Turbo in red titien.

Sales of the naturally aspirated model were always sluggish, but with the more powerful turbo, things picked up considerably.[7] At the 1986 Birmingham Show, the right-hand-drive version was presented and UK sales, as the Renault GTA, commenced.[11]

In early 1987 a catalyzed version appeared, with fifteen fewer horsepower. This meant that the Turbo could finally be sold in Switzerland and later in other European countries such as Germany and the Netherlands when they adopted stricter legislation. The catalyzed model had lower gearing in the fourth and fifth gears to mask its power deficit.[14] In 1988 anti-lock brakes became available.[15] For the 1989 model year the Mille Miles version appeared. With the non-catalyzed engine, this model heralded a re-focus on the Alpine name. The Renault logo was gone from the car, with an alpine logo up front and a large "Alpine" print appearing between the taillights. However, as the name 'Alpine' could not be used in the UK the name Alpine was removed from cars destined for the UK; there was no large print at the back of these cars and a UK specific logo was fitted to the front of the car. The Mille Miles, a limited edition of 100 cars, also featured a special dark red metallic paintjob, polished aluminium wheels, and a large silver-gray triangular stripe with the Alpine "A" across the left side of the front.[15]

In February 1990 the limited edition Le Mans arrived, this car had a more aggressive body kit with polyester wheel arch extensions and a one piece front with smaller headlights. Wheels were 3 piece BBS style produced by ACT, 8x16" front & 10x17" rear. Many of these changes were adopted for the succeeding A610. The regular V6 GT and V6 Turbo ended production during 1990, while the Le Mans version continued to be produced until February 1991. 325 of these were built in total. Also in 1990, Renault was forced to install the less powerful catalyzed engine in cars destined for the home market, leading to grumbling amongst Alpine enthusiasts about the loss of power (down to 185 PS or 136 kW) while the 25 Turbo saloon actually gained power when it became catalyzed. In response Danielson SA, a famous French tuner, created an upgraded version of the Le Mans with 210 PS (154 kW).

Alpine GTA USA.

Renault and Alpine quickly considered exporting the GTA to the United States through American Motors, then-partially owned by Renault.[16] A model derived from the V6 Turbo was therefore designed and finalized to adapt to local constraints. In compliance with North American regulations, it lost its front lights under the canopy in favor of retractable optics, its bumpers were more protruding and deformable, and side lights were inserted into the bumpers and integrated into adhesive protections. The front bumper grille was widened to improve cooling. The front turn signals were orange. A third brake light was inserted under the rear spoiler. The GTA USA benefitted from a major redesign of the chassis. The tubes of the front structure were replaced by pressed sheet metal. Energy dampers for the shields were added. The sides were reinforced with bars in the doors and doubled side reinforcements. Many of the developments made for the GTA USA chassis were reused on the A610.

Renault had planned a federalized version of the Alpine V6 Turbo, originally for the 1986 model year, but development proceeded slowly.[17] The US model had an emissions cleaned engine with 180 hp (134 kW; 182 PS), bigger bumpers, and flip-up headlamps.[17] Various crash safety improvements were also carried out, and it was planned to install softer suspension. AMC/Renault was planning a mid-1987 introduction, hoping to sell 3,000 Alpines per year (with an additional 300 cars slated for Canada).[18] In March 1987, however, Renault sold its share in American Motors to Chrysler and began to withdraw from the American and Canadian markets. Commentators had already expressed concern about AMC dealers being able to handle such an expensive and complicated car.[17][16] By the time of the withdrawal, 21 pre-series cars had been finished. Twelve of these were sold by Alpine directly to specially selected customers in France.

Renault Alpine Le Mans (1990-1991)

Alpine GTA Le Mans.

The Le Mans is released in February 1990. It is planned to build 300 units. 325 will be built until February 1991. It adopts the catalyzed evolution of the V6 Turbo, and its power drops from 200 to 185 hp. It is equipped with a body kit derived from the one proposed by a German tuner. The fenders are widened, and the front turn signals migrate from the fender tips to the bumper. The fenders and front mask are formed in one piece and rocker panels are added. It has specific ACT wheels "BBS style" with a false central nut. Only three colors are offered: Alpine Blue (No. 488), Imperial Red (No. 570) and Beetle Green (No. 592). This body kit will give the outline of its successor, the A610.

In 1990, Alpine is obliged by French regulations to clean up its engines. Contrary to the Renault 25 V6 Turbo which sees its power going from 182 to 205 hp, the V6 Turbo of the GTA goes from 200 to 185 hp. Alpine fans cry treason when they see this difference in treatment between the two cars. However, the V6 PRV of the Alpine is not strictly identical to that of the Renault 25 since it had to be adapted, in particular for the implementation of the gearbox. With a totally different engine environment, the engineers cannot optimize the GTA's pollution control at a reasonable cost without reducing power. The sales volumes of the Alpine do not allow such investments. Apart from the top speed, which drops from 250 to 240 km/h (160 to 150 mph), the decrease in performance is not noticeable.

With the help of the Danielson SA company, the after-sales service nevertheless develops a simple and inexpensive engine preparation intended to calm the discontented. The engine management is optimized and the power increases from 185 to 210 hp. The registration was modified accordingly. The Danielson "Le Mans" has almost the same performance as the non-catalyzed V6 Turbo. In acceleration, it can be as fast as a Porsche 911 (964) Carrera 2 or a Ferrari 348 TB (from 100 to 140 km/h (62 to 87 mph) in 9.3 s in fifth gear). This preparation cost at the time 16 000 FRF in addition to the 375 000 FRF of the basic car.

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  Alpine GTA Le Mans in blue Alpine.
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  Alpine GTA Le Mans in imperial red.