Life after Cayman - My 2021 Alpine A110 Legende GT.
- Thread starter Brian_Innes
- Start date
Great news on passing your test Brian. On the subject of moving back to the Porsche fraternity it may be something to consider sooner rather than later due to the 718 ICE production closing in on its life end and the lack of allocations available. Current waiting times on a BGTS for example are close on a year and Caymans not much better and trying to get hold of an S or T is nigh on impossible. Obviously this only becomes an issue if you want one built to your specification.
I was told that when the end of production is close, Porsche usually introduce special editions with options left over from the parts bin. Potentially some good models could come to light but could also limit the options that you want.
Dan.
I was told that when the end of production is close, Porsche usually introduce special editions with options left over from the parts bin. Potentially some good models could come to light but could also limit the options that you want.
Dan.
Great result Brian. Your Edinburgh comment is spot on except you missed the universal 20mph speed limit. The roads are too bad for the Spyder!
"car-hostile Edinburgh was also passed with commendation I am pleased to say. No mean feat in a strange car, the test centre's car, in a busy and congested city. The many potholes and poor road surfaces in the city were also a feature worth noting, as were the bus lanes, cyclists, and hoards of pedestrians. "
"car-hostile Edinburgh was also passed with commendation I am pleased to say. No mean feat in a strange car, the test centre's car, in a busy and congested city. The many potholes and poor road surfaces in the city were also a feature worth noting, as were the bus lanes, cyclists, and hoards of pedestrians. "
Great to hear that you have surmounted the driving assessment hurdle. Excellent news.
It will be very interesting to discover how the wonderful little Alpine performs on Cup rubber.
You slipped in a tantalising hint of a future return to the Porsche fold. If that were a new car car, then you will have plenty of time to properly enjoy the Alpine as lead times are even longer than Dan quotes. A Boxster is now about a two year wait! And surely, were you to eventually move on from the Alpine it should be a Boxster rather than Cayman as the one thing the Alpine, no matter how good it is, cannot do is offer open air motoring which gives a whole new world of different motoring pleasures.
It will be very interesting to discover how the wonderful little Alpine performs on Cup rubber.
You slipped in a tantalising hint of a future return to the Porsche fold. If that were a new car car, then you will have plenty of time to properly enjoy the Alpine as lead times are even longer than Dan quotes. A Boxster is now about a two year wait! And surely, were you to eventually move on from the Alpine it should be a Boxster rather than Cayman as the one thing the Alpine, no matter how good it is, cannot do is offer open air motoring which gives a whole new world of different motoring pleasures.
Brian_Innes
Member
My thanks to all for your good wishes and support.
Two things stood out from my Edinburgh driving experience. The early morning rush hour traffic, in the dark, on the A720 and A702 was a test in itself, and the almost universal 20mph speed limit in Edinburgh city is a real pain, especially when switching back and forth between 20mph and 30mph. The cycle lanes also need care. What I can say is, I'm glad I live in the Highlands where such restrictions are still some way off........as yet!
Regarding reverting back to owning a Boxster or Cayman, that is a highly likely probability but not for at least a year and a bit away yet. I absolutely love the Alpine A110 Legende GT and I plan to make the most of my ownership experience during the next 12 months. It's a refreshing change of driving feel following 12 years of owning Caymans. The A110 is as light and responsive as you would expect an aluminium bodied Lotus chassis to be. I'm very much looking forward to seeing how it behaves on the track. That event will be the true test of its capabilities.
Looking ahead to future Porsche ownership, this will most likely be a 2.0t 4-pot. The taxation penalties for large capacity engines will become more extreme as the current decade progresses. Personally, 4.0 engines were never an option for me. Besides, the performance of the base 2.0t engine on my Highland roads will be more than enough for the type of driving I shall be doing. An approved used Boxster or Cayman T PDK would be a possibility or, as Dan has suggested a final run-out model special edition 2.0t Cayman or Boxster would attract my attention. I shall also be watching how the Lotus Emira develops. The 2.0t Mercedes 4-pot with DSG gearbox would be my choice of Emira should that option ever come to fruition. The powertrain technology of the Merc engine and gearbox is streets ahead of the ageing supercharged Toyota V6 and slush-box gearbox alternative. In my personal circumstances it has to be an auto gearbox.
That is all in the future, in the meantime I shall revel in the joys of driving and owning the agile and responsive Alpine A110. In my opinion and personal experience, all driving enthusiasts and sports coupe afficianados should own an A110 at some point in their life. This car is a pure joy to drive. Seriously.
Brian
Two things stood out from my Edinburgh driving experience. The early morning rush hour traffic, in the dark, on the A720 and A702 was a test in itself, and the almost universal 20mph speed limit in Edinburgh city is a real pain, especially when switching back and forth between 20mph and 30mph. The cycle lanes also need care. What I can say is, I'm glad I live in the Highlands where such restrictions are still some way off........as yet!
Regarding reverting back to owning a Boxster or Cayman, that is a highly likely probability but not for at least a year and a bit away yet. I absolutely love the Alpine A110 Legende GT and I plan to make the most of my ownership experience during the next 12 months. It's a refreshing change of driving feel following 12 years of owning Caymans. The A110 is as light and responsive as you would expect an aluminium bodied Lotus chassis to be. I'm very much looking forward to seeing how it behaves on the track. That event will be the true test of its capabilities.
Looking ahead to future Porsche ownership, this will most likely be a 2.0t 4-pot. The taxation penalties for large capacity engines will become more extreme as the current decade progresses. Personally, 4.0 engines were never an option for me. Besides, the performance of the base 2.0t engine on my Highland roads will be more than enough for the type of driving I shall be doing. An approved used Boxster or Cayman T PDK would be a possibility or, as Dan has suggested a final run-out model special edition 2.0t Cayman or Boxster would attract my attention. I shall also be watching how the Lotus Emira develops. The 2.0t Mercedes 4-pot with DSG gearbox would be my choice of Emira should that option ever come to fruition. The powertrain technology of the Merc engine and gearbox is streets ahead of the ageing supercharged Toyota V6 and slush-box gearbox alternative. In my personal circumstances it has to be an auto gearbox.
That is all in the future, in the meantime I shall revel in the joys of driving and owning the agile and responsive Alpine A110. In my opinion and personal experience, all driving enthusiasts and sports coupe afficianados should own an A110 at some point in their life. This car is a pure joy to drive. Seriously.
Brian
Brian_Innes
Member
With February being a very cold and wintry month so far, my A110 has been resting in the garage with the battery conditioner connected. The fitting of the Cup 2 tyres and wider wheels has also been postponed until warmer temperatures resume.
Meanwhile, I've booked hotels for a car tour to north Norfolk in June. This is unexplored territory for me so I'm looking forward to discovering more about this region. I made enquires at Snetterton circuit regarding the availability of owner-driver performance driving courses but sadly these are not available at this venue. The next closest option is the CAT driver training course at Millbrook. The June date for PCGB members could possibly be fitted in to my schedule although it means giving up a whole day including a 4 hour round trip from north Norfolk. At ÂŁ485 this course is expensive compared to my Knockhill driver training session already booked for the end of March. If any readers have past experience of this CAT course as applied to Porsche Club members, I would appreciate an opinion on value for money.
As an Alpine A110 owner I received the latest info on the 2022 model range. Both the A110S and Legende GT now have the 300bhp engine upgrade. The A110S has revised aero additions including a fixed rear aerofoil with revised spring rates and ride height. An improved infotainment pack is now standard across all models. This was overdue. Compared to the Porsche infotainment package, the previous A110 offering was decidedly inferior. Revised prices range from ÂŁ50,000 for the base model to ÂŁ69,000 for the A110S. This 2022 model revision must surely be the last evolution of the ICE powered A110 before the move to all-electric. I'm not tempted to change. My 2021 Legende GT is all the car I need at present. I'm very much looking forward to experiencing the car on the Cup2 tyres and wider wheels. Knockhill should be a revealing experience. I still hold the Cayman as the car to beat as the best all-rounder for my requirements.
Brian
Meanwhile, I've booked hotels for a car tour to north Norfolk in June. This is unexplored territory for me so I'm looking forward to discovering more about this region. I made enquires at Snetterton circuit regarding the availability of owner-driver performance driving courses but sadly these are not available at this venue. The next closest option is the CAT driver training course at Millbrook. The June date for PCGB members could possibly be fitted in to my schedule although it means giving up a whole day including a 4 hour round trip from north Norfolk. At ÂŁ485 this course is expensive compared to my Knockhill driver training session already booked for the end of March. If any readers have past experience of this CAT course as applied to Porsche Club members, I would appreciate an opinion on value for money.
As an Alpine A110 owner I received the latest info on the 2022 model range. Both the A110S and Legende GT now have the 300bhp engine upgrade. The A110S has revised aero additions including a fixed rear aerofoil with revised spring rates and ride height. An improved infotainment pack is now standard across all models. This was overdue. Compared to the Porsche infotainment package, the previous A110 offering was decidedly inferior. Revised prices range from ÂŁ50,000 for the base model to ÂŁ69,000 for the A110S. This 2022 model revision must surely be the last evolution of the ICE powered A110 before the move to all-electric. I'm not tempted to change. My 2021 Legende GT is all the car I need at present. I'm very much looking forward to experiencing the car on the Cup2 tyres and wider wheels. Knockhill should be a revealing experience. I still hold the Cayman as the car to beat as the best all-rounder for my requirements.
Brian
Hi Brian, as you know we used to live in Norfolk. Snetterton is a brilliant circuit. Although the circuit themselves might not do such things, it occurred to me that perhaps suitably qualified individuals might offer courses at the circuit. My first search showed up this https://safelyfast.co.uk/snetterton-driver-coaching/. This is by no means a recommendation and it may not be what you want but might be worth a call. We still have some good contacts in PCGB Norfolk & Suffolk who might know of more so let me know if I can help (probably an email would be best).
Hi brian
several of us have one cat millbrook course,and quite a few two of them in a kind of series.
they are quite expensive in my opinion but offer a great experience and I learned a lot both about physics and how to get the most out of my 911
however I would not consider myself an expert by any stretch and looking at your CV I’m not sure you’re not already as knowledgable as the teachers are!!
great fun though
several of us have one cat millbrook course,and quite a few two of them in a kind of series.
they are quite expensive in my opinion but offer a great experience and I learned a lot both about physics and how to get the most out of my 911
however I would not consider myself an expert by any stretch and looking at your CV I’m not sure you’re not already as knowledgable as the teachers are!!
great fun though
Brian_Innes
Member
Thanks for the above replies.
Regarding the Millbrook courses, there is no doubt they are great fun as well as providing valuable tuition on car handling dynamics which can only be properly explored on private test track facilities.
Even though I am more than familiar with performance driving techniques and chassis dynamics through my previous life as a successful motorsport competitor, I take the view that these skills need nurturing and honing, particularly as we get older. I am now half-way through my 70's and like riding a bike, I have not forgotten how a car feels at speed when leaning on the tyres on a race track. The fact of the matter is that with age comes the inevitable decline in physical and mental capabilities. Some drivers, either due to genetic characteristics or lifestyle habits are better equipped to fend off the deficiencies of age than others. I also take the view that you are never too old or experienced to benefit from professional driving tuition.
As my previous post explained, I have recently subjected myself to rigorous physical, mental, cognitive, and road driving tests to establish my fitness to drive for the benefit of my forthcoming DVLA driver's licence renewal. My plan is to further augment these tests with a few track based performance driving courses as a testimonial for myself that I have still "got it". I also prefer driving at speed on a challenging and technical race circuit. My preference is for driving on these tracks rather than the high speed curves of say, Thruxton or Goodwood. This preference also plays well with my current choice of car, the Alpine A110.
At Knockhill next month I'm hoping to get an instructor that has not appraised me previously. This will provide an unbiased opinion of my track driving and car handling abilities. It will also be a further opportunity for the tutor to observe my steering control and the impact, if any, of my right hand disability on controlling the car at speed on the corners and dips of this challenging circuit. It will be as much a test of myself as well as the car. The comparison with the Cayman will also be an interesting side show.
Brian
Regarding the Millbrook courses, there is no doubt they are great fun as well as providing valuable tuition on car handling dynamics which can only be properly explored on private test track facilities.
Even though I am more than familiar with performance driving techniques and chassis dynamics through my previous life as a successful motorsport competitor, I take the view that these skills need nurturing and honing, particularly as we get older. I am now half-way through my 70's and like riding a bike, I have not forgotten how a car feels at speed when leaning on the tyres on a race track. The fact of the matter is that with age comes the inevitable decline in physical and mental capabilities. Some drivers, either due to genetic characteristics or lifestyle habits are better equipped to fend off the deficiencies of age than others. I also take the view that you are never too old or experienced to benefit from professional driving tuition.
As my previous post explained, I have recently subjected myself to rigorous physical, mental, cognitive, and road driving tests to establish my fitness to drive for the benefit of my forthcoming DVLA driver's licence renewal. My plan is to further augment these tests with a few track based performance driving courses as a testimonial for myself that I have still "got it". I also prefer driving at speed on a challenging and technical race circuit. My preference is for driving on these tracks rather than the high speed curves of say, Thruxton or Goodwood. This preference also plays well with my current choice of car, the Alpine A110.
At Knockhill next month I'm hoping to get an instructor that has not appraised me previously. This will provide an unbiased opinion of my track driving and car handling abilities. It will also be a further opportunity for the tutor to observe my steering control and the impact, if any, of my right hand disability on controlling the car at speed on the corners and dips of this challenging circuit. It will be as much a test of myself as well as the car. The comparison with the Cayman will also be an interesting side show.
Brian
Brian_Innes
Member
Last Sunday I attended by invitation a pop-up event at a riverside hotel in Inverness hosted by Aberdeen Porsche Centre. The main thrust of this event was to introduce the Porsche brand both to the city and the wider Highland community, as a warm-up to the forthcoming opening of a new Official Porsche Centre in Inverness sometime in Q4 of 2022.
The irony of this announcement was not lost on me having recently moved on from the Porsche brand after 13 years loyal service involving five Caymans and one Macan Turbo. (One Macan was enough).
Living where I do, Porsche dealerships are far, far, away, the closest of which is Aberdeen, over 100 miles distant with Perth being the next closest at 110 miles followed by Edinburgh at 135 miles. I therefor decided to attend the event out of curiosity and also to register my interest in the new OPC when it opens.
I had interesting conversations with the sales staff regarding availability and delivery schedules for the new build Cayman range as applied to Aberdeen Porsche Centre. I was told the current expected new build delivery status for any non-GT 718 Cayman is Q4 2022 to Q1 2023. I also discovered that the Cayman T model is now available as a special order only, with delivery into the later quarters of 2023. This leads me to believe that this particular model, never a big seller anyway, is on the cards for obsolescence.
Meantime I'll keep all my options open and enjoy the coming year driving my Alpine A110. Assuming of course that DVLA Medical Group grant me another 3 year driver's licence. Today I completed and posted by special delivery the 10 pages of renewal forms together with supporting medical documents confirming my fitness to drive. With only a little over 7 weeks remaining before my current driver's licence expires, I'm hoping for a positive result with another 3 years of driving enjoyment ahead.
Brian
The irony of this announcement was not lost on me having recently moved on from the Porsche brand after 13 years loyal service involving five Caymans and one Macan Turbo. (One Macan was enough).
Living where I do, Porsche dealerships are far, far, away, the closest of which is Aberdeen, over 100 miles distant with Perth being the next closest at 110 miles followed by Edinburgh at 135 miles. I therefor decided to attend the event out of curiosity and also to register my interest in the new OPC when it opens.
I had interesting conversations with the sales staff regarding availability and delivery schedules for the new build Cayman range as applied to Aberdeen Porsche Centre. I was told the current expected new build delivery status for any non-GT 718 Cayman is Q4 2022 to Q1 2023. I also discovered that the Cayman T model is now available as a special order only, with delivery into the later quarters of 2023. This leads me to believe that this particular model, never a big seller anyway, is on the cards for obsolescence.
Meantime I'll keep all my options open and enjoy the coming year driving my Alpine A110. Assuming of course that DVLA Medical Group grant me another 3 year driver's licence. Today I completed and posted by special delivery the 10 pages of renewal forms together with supporting medical documents confirming my fitness to drive. With only a little over 7 weeks remaining before my current driver's licence expires, I'm hoping for a positive result with another 3 years of driving enjoyment ahead.
Brian
Brian_Innes
Member
Interesting to see the Alpine A110 Legende GT voted one of the top 5 cars to own in 2022 by Autocar mag. Not a Porsche model among them. Autocar quite rightly states that the Alpine A110 was never a big seller. It remains one of those cars under the radar of many sports car enthusiasts. Badge taking precedence over reality?
Autocar also states; the all aluminium body and chassis, punchy engine, Getrag 7-speed DSG, and Lotus double-wishbone suspension, make it the car of choice for those who know a true driver's car. Unlike a few other more extreme driver's cars, the A110 is a car you can use every day.
All I can say regarding my 5 months ownership experience, is that I couldn't agree more with Autocar's sentiments. In these days of EV's being hyped up in the press as the sun-lit uplands of private car transport, it is good to know that there still remains a few "affordable" ICE sports cars on the market which will stand the test of time in the decades to come, and perhaps become an appreciating asset.
The current ICE A110 range is due to be discontinued in 2024 in favour of an all EV range. Somehow, I can't see these models attaining the same adulation by the keen driver's cognoscenti. We are a dying breed.
Brian
Autocar also states; the all aluminium body and chassis, punchy engine, Getrag 7-speed DSG, and Lotus double-wishbone suspension, make it the car of choice for those who know a true driver's car. Unlike a few other more extreme driver's cars, the A110 is a car you can use every day.
All I can say regarding my 5 months ownership experience, is that I couldn't agree more with Autocar's sentiments. In these days of EV's being hyped up in the press as the sun-lit uplands of private car transport, it is good to know that there still remains a few "affordable" ICE sports cars on the market which will stand the test of time in the decades to come, and perhaps become an appreciating asset.
The current ICE A110 range is due to be discontinued in 2024 in favour of an all EV range. Somehow, I can't see these models attaining the same adulation by the keen driver's cognoscenti. We are a dying breed.
Brian
Brian_Innes
Member
After a long delay the Gtechniq EXO V4 ceramic treatment is currently being applied to the Matt Mercury Silver paint on my A110 by my valeting and detailing neighbour who is trained in this work. The job is being done in my own garage, which is very convenient as you will imagine. The work is completed over two days with the first application needing curing overnight. So far the results look very good. The Matt finish is retained and preserved with this Gtechniq product. No mechanical buffing is used. A light rub over with a microfibre cloth afterwards is all that is required.
I'll post photos of the finished results later.
Brian
I'll post photos of the finished results later.
Brian
Brian_Innes
Member
The Matt finish paintwork seems to enhance the subtle styling contours on the roof and bonnet panels more so than on a normal gloss finish.
This photo shows the ceramic solution being applied to a small section of the panel at a time.
Brian
This photo shows the ceramic solution being applied to a small section of the panel at a time.
Brian
Brian_Innes
Member
No polishing is required with this particular Gtechniq product. A light wipe over with a microfibre cloth afterwards is all that is needed. Having checked the car tonight after the first application, the matt finish is retained. It's a protective product, not a gloss finish as is the case with other similar products.
I'll post photos of the completed results later for your interest.
Brian
I'll post photos of the completed results later for your interest.
Brian
Brian_Innes
Member
The two coats of Gtechniq EXO V4 paint treatment have now been completed on my A110 and I am delighted with the results. The matt silver finish is retained better than new. It now resembles the silver finish on a Mac Book Air laptop.
This should protect and increase the durability of this special paint finish against bird droppings, tree sap, tar, and road grime. Two 50ml packs of EXO V4 were required for this work.
Brian
This should protect and increase the durability of this special paint finish against bird droppings, tree sap, tar, and road grime. Two 50ml packs of EXO V4 were required for this work.
Brian
Wow, the end result is stunning Brian - looks amazing!
Must be a great feeling to know that it's protected now as well as it can be and the ongoing upkeep to keep it that way must be a lot easier too.
Must be a great feeling to know that it's protected now as well as it can be and the ongoing upkeep to keep it that way must be a lot easier too.
Brian_Innes
Member
I have to say I'm very pleased with the finished result. This particular Gtechniq product is specifically made for Matt and Satin paint finishes. Following treatment the tactile feel of the Matt paint surface is absolutely superb to the touch. It was good before the treatment, it's simply superlative now. The summer insect splatter will also be much easier to remove.
I have discovered Matt paint finishes needs special care. Without Gtechniq treatment, it is susceptible to fingerprints. Any bird droppings, particularly those of seagulls which are common where I live near the coast, can permanently stain Matt finish paint if not removed promptly. This Matt Mercury Silver paint, exclusive to the 2021 A110 Legende GT, is probably my favourite paint finish of all the cars I have owned.
Finally, I consider this colour particularly appropriate for A110, as the body is aluminium and this paint finish looks and feels like natural aluminium. I have been asked by people if the car is painted, or natural aluminium with a Matt lacquer.
A photo below of the back of the Gtechniq pack showing the references to Matt and Satin paint finishes.
Brian
I have discovered Matt paint finishes needs special care. Without Gtechniq treatment, it is susceptible to fingerprints. Any bird droppings, particularly those of seagulls which are common where I live near the coast, can permanently stain Matt finish paint if not removed promptly. This Matt Mercury Silver paint, exclusive to the 2021 A110 Legende GT, is probably my favourite paint finish of all the cars I have owned.
Finally, I consider this colour particularly appropriate for A110, as the body is aluminium and this paint finish looks and feels like natural aluminium. I have been asked by people if the car is painted, or natural aluminium with a Matt lacquer.
A photo below of the back of the Gtechniq pack showing the references to Matt and Satin paint finishes.
Brian
Posts made and opinions expressed are those of the individual forum members
Use of the Forum is subject to the Terms and Conditions
