Los Angeles YouTubers drove the Alpine A110 through California and now they’re upset for one big reason

The Alpine A110 is a lightweight sports car and mid-engine coupe that made a rare appearance in California this month, and it didn’t take long to highlight a frustrating reality.

Driving through the Angeles Forest, Los Angeles-based creators found themselves behind the wheel of a car that feels engineered for the road, not a spec sheet.

The balance, weight, and mechanical grip made it clear why this car has built such a following overseas.

But in the United States, it remains completely out of reach.

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A rare appearance that underscores a growing gap

The car featured in a YouTube video from TheSmokingTire, where it was brought in under a carnet de passage, a temporary travel document for vehicles that allows limited legal use.

As a result, it was driven on foreign plates and cannot be registered or sold within the country.

Even so, it offered a rare chance to compare the Alpine A110 against the few lightweight sports cars still offered in the US.

With a curb weight of just 2,450LBS, the Alpine A110 prioritizes agility over power.

It uses a 1.8-liter turbo engine, a responsive dual-clutch gearbox, and double wishbone suspension, a setup rarely found even in higher-end mid-engine coupes.

Every steering input feels natural, and the car reacts without delay.

The transmission shifts with clarity. The chassis holds composure through corners without needing oversized brakes or heavy reinforcements.

Interior space is minimal, and there’s not much in the way of tech.

But the Sabelt seats, quality materials, and stripped-down layout reflect a focus on driving.

For a lightweight sports car, it delivers more comfort and compliance than expected.

The suspension is firm but never punishing. It rides better than many heavier, more expensive alternatives.

There are no gimmicks, no artificial enhancements, and no unnecessary features to inflate numbers.

The Alpine A110 is a pure mid-engine coupe designed to make the most of its size and weight. It’s not trying to be dramatic, it just works.

How the Alpine A110 fits into the broader sports car world

Since its return in 2017, the Alpine A110 has been a consistent benchmark across Europe.

Critics praise its connection to the road and its rejection of unnecessary complexity.

Some call it a modern alternative to the Miata.

Others say it delivers a more connected experience than a Cayman.

Renault has added versions like the A110 GT and A110 R, expanding its performance and usability.

But, sadly, none of them meet US regulations.

Without certification for emissions or crash safety, the Alpine A110 remains locked out of the market.

Renault has, however, hinted at bringing Alpine to North America through electric models.

That may eventually change the brand’s visibility, but it won’t solve the immediate frustration.

The version that just ran through California proves that a car can still be engaging without chasing horsepower numbers or overengineering.

It just has to be built that way from the start.

The Alpine A110 shows what’s possible when weight, balance, and driver engagement take priority.

It is a reminder that American enthusiasts are still waiting for something that delivers all of that, without compromise.

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