Alpine GTA / A610 History

The GTA (Grand Tourisme Alpine) launched in 1985 as the replacement for the A310, using the PRV V6 in a new rear-engined fiberglass body with much more aerodynamic styling and pop-up headlights. Available in V6 naturally aspirated and V6 Turbo forms, it was more refined and comfortable than its predecessor while remaining quick — the turbo version reached approximately 150 mph.

In 1991 the GTA was substantially updated and renamed the A610. The A610 received wider bodywork, upgraded suspension, a more powerful turbocharged PRV V6 enlarged to 3.0 litres producing around 250 hp, and aerodynamic revisions. The A610 V6 Turbo covered 0–100 km/h in approximately 5.7 seconds and had a 265 km/h (165 mph) top speed.

The last A610 — and the last Alpine of the original era — rolled off the Dieppe line on 7 April 1995, as Renault withdrew support for the marque. Only approximately 818 examples of the A610 were built, making it the rarest of the classic Alpines. The brand then went dormant for over two decades.