The Renault Alpine GTA and the succeeding A610 are sports coupés built by Renault-owned Alpine between late 1984 and 1995. The GTA replaced the slow-selling Alpine A310 and was itself replaced by the A610 in 1991.
Renault Alpine GTA/A610 at a glance
| Maker | Alpine, Dieppe, France |
|---|---|
| Production | late 1984–1995 |
| Layout | rear engine, rear-wheel drive |
| Engine | PRV V6, naturally aspirated or turbocharged |
| Body | polyester and glassfibre panels |
| Drag coefficient | 0.28 naturally aspirated, 0.30 Turbo |
| Market names | Alpine V6 GT and V6 Turbo in Europe, Renault GTA in Britain |
| Replaced | Alpine A310 |
| A610 | from 1991 |
Based on one source, the English Wikipedia article on the Renault Alpine GTA and A610.
History of the Renault Alpine GTA/A610
The first Alpine made wholly by Renault
The Grand Tourisme Alpine, or GTA, was launched in 1985 as the successor to the Alpine A310 and the first Alpine produced entirely by Renault, although the two companies had been linked for years and earlier Alpines used many Renault parts. It was longer, wider and taller than the A310, effectively an update of that car’s silhouette with modern features such as body-integrated bumpers and a triangular C-pillar with a large rear window. Like its predecessor it used the PRV V6 in a rear-engined layout and made extensive use of polyester plastics and fibreglass for the body panels, which made it lighter and quicker than rivals such as the Porsche 944.
Body, room and aerodynamics
Passenger room increased, making the rear seat more usable, and equipment was far more complete, including power locks. The car was one of the most aerodynamic of its time: the naturally aspirated version achieved a record 0.28 drag coefficient in its class, while the Turbo, with bigger tyres and more cooling intakes, reached 0.30. The GTA name stands for Grand Tourisme Alpine, but in most markets the car was sold as the Renault Alpine V6 GT or V6 Turbo, and in Britain simply as the Renault GTA, because Sunbeam, then Chrysler/Talbot, had used the Alpine badge there since the 1950s.
Small panels, big changes
Rather than being moulded in a single piece like the A310, the new Alpine’s body was made of a large number of small separate panels. That required a significant overhaul of the Alpine plant, of which only the sandblasting machinery remained. The GTA was replaced by the A610 in 1991, which continued the line until 1995.
Design and features
- Rear-engined PRV V6: the same layout and engine family as the A310.
- Glassfibre panels: many small separate mouldings, lighter than steel.
- Aerodynamic shape: a class record 0.28 drag coefficient for the naturally aspirated car.
- Alpine name game: sold as Renault GTA in Britain because of the Sunbeam Alpine badge.
Renault Alpine GTA/A610 versions
- Alpine V6 GT: the naturally aspirated GTA.
- Alpine V6 Turbo: the turbocharged version with a 0.30 drag coefficient.
- Renault GTA: the British market name.
- A610 (1991–1995): the final development of the line.
The GTA replaced the Alpine A310 and led to the A610 described here; its Renault Sport stablemate was the Renault Sport Spider. More cars are in the Renault collection.
Video: A610 on Top Gear
Video by MatraEtAlpine on YouTube.
Sources
- Renault Alpine GTA/A610, English Wikipedia: design, engines, aerodynamics, production
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