1989 Renault Alpine GTA V6 Coupe
Result: PASSED IN
Specifications
| Engine | 2.8L V-6 |
|---|---|
| Gearbox | 5-Speed Manual |
| Body Work | Coupe |
| Colour | Metallic Blue |
| Interior | Charcoal |
| Trim | Velour |
| Wheels | Cast Alloy |
| Brakes | Discs |
Description
The GTA was the first official Alpine launched under complete Renault ownership, replacing the ageing A310. Designed as a French competitor to the established German sportscars (Porsche in particular), the Renault Alpine GTA was introduced in 1984, powered by a rear-mounted 2849cc V6 and clothed in glassfibre and polyester body. Initially, the normally aspirated cars produced 119kW (160bhp) and weighed a relatively light 1140kg, offering quarter mile performance in the realm of 15.5 seconds. 1985 saw the debut of the 2.5-litre Turbo version, with 149kW (200bhp) on call and mid-14s for the quarter mile- truly quick for its time. The design was sleek and slippery, the original version setting a world record for drag co-efficient in a production vehicle with a 0.28cd. Both left and right-hand drive forms were produced, though production heavily favoured LHD for its home market. Indeed over a production run that ceased in 1995, only 649 examples of all GTA derivatives (non-turbo, turbo, Le Mans, and the last, 3.0-litre 250bhp A610s) were produced in RHD, 6642 LHD. Though there are relatively few in Australia, the Alpines have a strong following in Australia and hence aftermarket support is more plentiful than one may have imagined.
