Renault Alpine GTA Turbo - Why Great Cars Don't Always Sell

Автокөліктер мен көлік құралдары

Faster, Lighter and Cheaper that its competitors from Porsche..and better to drive, the Alpine GTA still sold in tiny numbers. Today I find out why...
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Пікірлер: 638

  • @1stMemberEver
    @1stMemberEver12 күн бұрын

    Probably one of the most underrated KZread channels ever IMO.

  • @TheJackal917

    @TheJackal917

    2 күн бұрын

    Can't agree more.

  • @michaelcecil4863
    @michaelcecil486312 күн бұрын

    I had one from new, living in France in the 80s, chosen over a Porsche 911. It was very comfortable and quiet over long distances, very quick, especially for the time and good fun to drive. Some care was needed in the rain. The stereo was memorably good. All in all, a great car. (No rattles at all).

  • @mranderson5066
    @mranderson506616 күн бұрын

    I bought one new in 1988. Sold it 3 years later with 77k on the clock. Loved lt. Red black leather, graphic equaliser and volume control on the steering wheel.

  • @aljaliah6868

    @aljaliah6868

    10 күн бұрын

    Didn't like driving it much then !!! lol

  • @SH3V3K_14
    @SH3V3K_1416 күн бұрын

    Your pronunciation of "Grand Tourisme Alpine" wasn't terrible at all. In fact, it was almost perfect.

  • @samurai-capybara

    @samurai-capybara

    16 күн бұрын

    'Wimbledon' was a bit trickier!

  • @marcuscopley2090

    @marcuscopley2090

    16 күн бұрын

    😂😂😂​@@samurai-capybara

  • @SH3V3K_14

    @SH3V3K_14

    16 күн бұрын

    @@samurai-capybara 😉

  • @BlueHopi144

    @BlueHopi144

    16 күн бұрын

    Agreed 👍

  • @timonsolus

    @timonsolus

    16 күн бұрын

    English pronunciation: "Gr-Rand Tour-Ris-Me Al-Pine" 😛

  • @johnmac8084
    @johnmac808416 күн бұрын

    I think you're right Jack, selling it as a Renault was a big marketing mistake, when you're going up against a Porsche.

  • @Schlipperschlopper

    @Schlipperschlopper

    14 күн бұрын

    they could have sold it as Facel Alpine

  • @daveshongkongchinachannel
    @daveshongkongchinachannel14 күн бұрын

    I love the dashboard not because it's such a well thought out layout as you'd find in a BMW of that period but because it gives of that nostalgic 80s vibe that we had somehow arrived in the future.

  • @meersau5690

    @meersau5690

    2 сағат бұрын

    We should have stopped time in the 80s 🥰

  • @SimonWebbRCandModellingChannel
    @SimonWebbRCandModellingChannel11 күн бұрын

    I remember Performance Car did a head-to-head between the Renault GTA V6 Turbo and the Renault 5 GT Turbo and listed the various predictable comparisons between the 2 cars. The R5 GT Turbo did a very good job of keeping up, but the author was completely bowled over by the GTA V6 Turbo. He said something on the lines of "it deserves to be a world class seller".....I then cut out the pictures and put them all on my bedroom wall! 👍

  • @originalforgery
    @originalforgery14 күн бұрын

    Glorious and way more interesting than a 911. For those doubting the looks, have a look at the very last of these - the A610. Wonderful.....

  • @krispandcool
    @krispandcool16 күн бұрын

    Probably one of the most underrated cars ever IMO.

  • @jfv65
    @jfv6514 күн бұрын

    The PRV is basically a V8 with 2 cylinders cut off. That's also why the block angle is not classic V6 and the ignition sequence is a weird odd-fire. Not every mechanic made the genuine effort to understand it. Fun fact: Volvo re-developed and refined the PRV for the 960 and 780 in which case it was renamed B280F. Power was 20hp more then the old B28. It i remember correctly the GTA Turbo also uses this improved PRV block design. I actually came very close to buying one. But altho these cars have a fibreglass body they do have a backbone chassis ( a bit like Lotus? ) and these chassis can and do rust! So, to prospective buyers, beware and have an inspection done by an Alpine specialist. Well worth it! Fun fact that hardly anybody knows: when Alfa Romeo needed an engine for their 155Ti DTM race car they realised that the Busso wasn't ideal for the task but the PRV V6 WAS! Not really surprising because the block was a fully alu-alloy casting and the block angle was wide so there was a LOT of space for a generous intake plenum and runners and the angle from the heads into header exhaust manifolds was also good. In the AR 155ti application the PRV was extremely succesful in the hands of Nicola Larini. Another succesful PRV application was in the MVS Venturi. Another french sportscar, more upmarket (competition for the V8 Ferrari's) and i think some faster models used twin turbo's. They also raced them at LeMans.

  • @sebastiend.5335
    @sebastiend.533516 күн бұрын

    Oh my, this IS a surprise!! Thanks so much Jack, for featuring one of my all time favourites! Greetings from the Netherlands

  • @markbray2988
    @markbray298816 күн бұрын

    A few years ago, whilst crossing the Jura, I was lucky enough to witness well over 100 French Alpine Club members racing around the hairpins on route to Geneva. One had to be there to appreciate, but it was quite a spectacle particularly on such a challenging road.

  • @DrivingSander1970
    @DrivingSander197016 күн бұрын

    I have never heard a PRV engine sound like it does in this video. Kinda cool. Actually sounds a bit like an inline 5 at some moments in the video...

  • @dj_paultuk7052

    @dj_paultuk7052

    16 күн бұрын

    Mine sounded exactly the same. The 2.5 V6 is in a Odd-fire configuration. So different to the 2.7 and 2.8 versions.

  • @matthpotte

    @matthpotte

    16 күн бұрын

    @@dj_paultuk7052that explains why is has a bit of a VR6 type sound to it whereas the 2.7 sounded more like a regular V6

  • @Schlipperschlopper

    @Schlipperschlopper

    16 күн бұрын

    This has a even fire crank the normal had the Boxer like crank

  • @standinkler5356

    @standinkler5356

    16 күн бұрын

    Yes, great sounding engine. With the turbo just in the background. Wonderful.

  • @gglasser8375
    @gglasser837516 күн бұрын

    Not to take the spot light off the Renault, but that group of Ferraris you passed at 7:02 was NUTS!!

  • @PKDionysus
    @PKDionysus16 күн бұрын

    Look at that interior! Look at that switch gear! Ugh, gorgeous.

  • @stevie-ray2020

    @stevie-ray2020

    13 күн бұрын

    Love it!

  • @Sithhy

    @Sithhy

    9 күн бұрын

    Dat french quirkyness, eh

  • @Landshark928
    @Landshark92816 күн бұрын

    Epic car! imagined being wealthy businessman in 1985 driving around this GTA in la Defence in Paris playing Jean Michel Jarre Zoo Look album🎉

  • @nat9909

    @nat9909

    6 күн бұрын

    I'd prefer Oxygene, but I get your point. Either way it would be fantastic!

  • @robinoconnor1203
    @robinoconnor120312 күн бұрын

    Back in the late eighties, I was working for Renault UK. I drove quite a few of these cars. Once you got used to them, they were a great, surprisingly fast, agile car. I have carried 2 adults in the rear seats, albeit not for many miles. They are still surprisingly inexpensive. Non Turbo versions, which are still a good car, are very good value. There is an excellent specialist, Alpine Renault Restoration, run by Paul Sage. His late father Jean Sage, who I met a few times, was the Renault Sporting Director.

  • @jebediahgentry7029
    @jebediahgentry702916 күн бұрын

    That might be the best sounding V6 I've ever heard 🥴

  • @grandtrousers

    @grandtrousers

    16 күн бұрын

    Apart from Busso engined Alfa Romeo

  • @colinscutt5104

    @colinscutt5104

    16 күн бұрын

    you should hear My Na BOA with a full stainless system at full chat

  • @clivebrackstone1896

    @clivebrackstone1896

    16 күн бұрын

    Evor 400/410 would blow it to bits sound wise.. honda nsx at full chat ? U have been living under a rock pal 😂😂😂😂

  • @morphyon

    @morphyon

    16 күн бұрын

    Volkswagen VR6?

  • @user-sy1ed9ex5m

    @user-sy1ed9ex5m

    16 күн бұрын

    I'd say quite good sounds due to the turbo, the NA version doesn't sound great. Certainly not on the level of 12V Busso or Dino V6

  • @davidpickard9393
    @davidpickard939316 күн бұрын

    200BHP was a lot of power in the 1980s. Family cars were more like 90BHP.

  • @varmastiko2908

    @varmastiko2908

    16 күн бұрын

    And also cars of today weigh 40-50% more than their '80s counterparts so the difference in performance isn't even close to as big as youngsters today like to think.

  • @arthurdardalis
    @arthurdardalis16 күн бұрын

    Absolutely love this, looks fantastic, rarity. I’ve never driven one but as an ex-Porsche technician, I know the Porsche range inside out, I can say that the Carrera 3.2 quality of build or driving dynamics are not all they’re cracked up to be…

  • @MattW-en7ur
    @MattW-en7ur15 күн бұрын

    I’ve had two GTA’s and I loved both of them. The first was an ‘86 sold new here in New Zealand. The second was a 1990 which was badged as an Alpine (after the Talbot/Chrysler trade mark expired). The steering rack is straight out of a Fuego, so interesting you felt it steered well. Also the brakes are the same size front and rear and straight off an R30. One of the most disconcerting aspects is the bizarre ‘chine walk’ they do at higher motorway speed - a distinct movement from side to side that you have to power through. Another issue is the rear tyres that are unique to the car - still available from Michelin Heritage. Would I have another today? - ABSOLUTELY!

  • @rh1300s

    @rh1300s

    15 күн бұрын

    Snap!

  • @kasparsgrinbergs6001
    @kasparsgrinbergs600112 күн бұрын

    those who want also buy..... it is very popular in Europe... it is a collector's car... for people who have 5 or more cars, then this will be the right one

  • @theCharmingDeviant
    @theCharmingDeviant14 күн бұрын

    Outstanding! Good of you to review one of my favorite cars, Perhaps, my absolute favorite French classic of the era. As a teenager in the USA, I wouldn't have typically known about Alpine-Renault 310 series, but because of a family friend who was a well-heeled connoisseur and collector I happened to get to know a pair of them quite well. They were a very early A310, with the 6 headlights under glass, and a later series model (directly preceding the one driven here) in white. This gentleman had imported them via gray market, at a non-trivial expense. The newer of the two had the flared wheel arches, deep dish Gotti modular wheels, and an integrated spoiler on the rear deck. Both were spirited rides and the older one of the pair was the first truly "exotic" car I'd ever been in, having been profoundly changed by a ride its owner took me on at the age of 9, shortly after it arrived in the states. It even had an on-board cellular phone, which I (of course) used to call my Mom, at home, excitedly reporting on the whole experience. This was probably 1979 or '80. Your review reminded me of these fond memories. As an aside, regarding your comment about Hoovie, I suspect that given his age and locale, he wouldn't have known how much of a parts bin special the GTA's interior was and, compared to its American "peers", its aesthetic probably seemed retro-futuristic and posh in spite of that. This is merely speculation but seems a reasonable assumption. Anyway, love the channel, do keep up the good work 27! Cheers!

  • @ramspace
    @ramspace16 күн бұрын

    When I want to relax I watch this channel. It has this sweet space around it.

  • @baasbowing
    @baasbowing16 күн бұрын

    Nobody notice the FERRARI’s???? 2 275GTB’s and what looks like a 330GTC??? Holy shit!! Jack!! Pull over!

  • @John_Redcorn_

    @John_Redcorn_

    16 күн бұрын

    Theyve probably broken down 😂

  • @Schlipperschlopper

    @Schlipperschlopper

    16 күн бұрын

    That was the camera team of Jack :-)

  • @hambo76

    @hambo76

    16 күн бұрын

    7:03

  • @artgreen6915

    @artgreen6915

    15 күн бұрын

    I was looking for this comment.

  • @NickForest999

    @NickForest999

    14 күн бұрын

    Is it all the various KZread spanners waiting to rip along the piece of road we all know Harry Metcalfe uses for his road tests? 😎

  • @sevesellors2831
    @sevesellors283116 күн бұрын

    Fabulous car very underrated, Renault like Ford have a great racing history and many other cars had a Renault engine, like Lotus, De Lorean. I’d take one just to be different.

  • @marcelhandsome6042
    @marcelhandsome604216 күн бұрын

    A very elegant, sophisticated sports car it probably didn't sell well in the UK because it was too noble and too French in appearance for the masses. It really deserved to sell a lot better in the UK. The general public forgets that Renault competes in Formula 1 and has a rich pedigree heritage in hot hatches that very few manufacturers can match!

  • @39PSIOnTheDaily
    @39PSIOnTheDaily16 күн бұрын

    I think this car - while not really admired when new - will go down as one of the most uniquely and interestingly designed cars ever, and may even end up being timeless inside and out, in the same way Mies Van Der Rohe architecture is timeless.

  • @matthewgodwin3050
    @matthewgodwin305013 күн бұрын

    Always wanted my dad to get one of these. To 8 year old me, the Renault Alpine GTA was a spaceship. I had a poster of a metallic blue turbo on my bedroom wall for years.

  • @tadficuscactus
    @tadficuscactus16 күн бұрын

    I love all the Alpines. The new one should have been made rear engined too.

  • @Espadrilles_Racing

    @Espadrilles_Racing

    15 күн бұрын

    They are ! This lump was longitudinal, the A110 NG is transverse but still central rear 😅

  • @broomad
    @broomad16 күн бұрын

    Always drooled over Alpine cars. My favourite was the A610 turbo. Great video Jack.

  • @neilturner6749

    @neilturner6749

    16 күн бұрын

    Aren’t the A610 and the Renault GTA the same car?

  • @broomad

    @broomad

    16 күн бұрын

    Not quite - the A610 came after and was an evolution of the GTA. The majority of the car was new, with a more powerful 3.0 engine and a wider track. @@neilturner6749

  • @pilou827

    @pilou827

    16 күн бұрын

    @@neilturner6749 Not exactly. Of Course, the A610 is inspired by the GTA, but it's another car with increased performance

  • @andrewberridge4630

    @andrewberridge4630

    14 күн бұрын

    The A610 was very much evolved from the GTA. Same basic design and layout. New panels all round, except the doors, I think. Improved weight distribution, larger engine (3.0 instead of 2.5). Pop up headlights, and many other changes. It sold even less well! And I have one.

  • @pilou827

    @pilou827

    14 күн бұрын

    @@andrewberridge4630 Congratulations! My dream is to own one soon... And I have worked on it 😉

  • @James-ld2jc
    @James-ld2jc16 күн бұрын

    Not sure that the 911 is more conventionally pretty, it's just more familiar... Good review, Jack, on another oddball car. Keep them coming

  • @f.kieranfinney457

    @f.kieranfinney457

    16 күн бұрын

    Pretty sure the market has determined that the 911 is as ‘conventionally pretty’ as they come. This thing…yikes. A complete hodge podge of other cars.

  • @andywright1634

    @andywright1634

    16 күн бұрын

    @@f.kieranfinney457 911's appeal to some. Not to me. Not the older ones certainly.

  • @Inazuma68
    @Inazuma6813 күн бұрын

    My late uncle had a 310, this one here and then the wonderful looking LeMans with 250 PS. I always loved these cars and they were terribly underrated

  • @spencertaylor7248
    @spencertaylor724815 күн бұрын

    Remember years ago in a magazine they had a limited edition le mans version sort of metallic purple colour absolutely beautiful.

  • @SabotsLibres
    @SabotsLibres16 күн бұрын

    Microsoft Windows is the most UNpopular operating system in the world - but it is the most widely installed... 🤓

  • @sergioleone3583

    @sergioleone3583

    16 күн бұрын

    Well said.

  • @Jason.cbr1000rr

    @Jason.cbr1000rr

    15 күн бұрын

    Why?? Gamers use Windows a lot.. no?

  • @SabotsLibres

    @SabotsLibres

    15 күн бұрын

    @@Jason.cbr1000rr because it is the most installed system - but that still does not make it popular...

  • @neilsmith3426

    @neilsmith3426

    15 күн бұрын

    It's the most widely installed desktop operating system. If you take into account non-desktop systems (phones, routers, IOT devices etc), then Linux is the most widely used, by some margin.

  • @seabiscuit726142

    @seabiscuit726142

    14 күн бұрын

    Which makes it the most popular...do not mistake popular with hated.

  • @TheBeatlesShow
    @TheBeatlesShow13 күн бұрын

    This is one of my personal favorite cars! I wish more people remembered it.

  • @Sorted7
    @Sorted716 күн бұрын

    I remember back in the day that performance car magazine would always rate the A610 (facelift one of these) in their top performance cars. They loved it

  • @philkitchen9719
    @philkitchen971916 күн бұрын

    Used to own a 610 turbo back in ‘93. Lovely blue colour. I think there were only 12 registered in the UK that year. It was my company car and my fellow director had one in the same colour. We put them together and I reckon that was a one off. When I filled up with petrol nobody knew what it was. I remember that spares were always a problem. Loved it though.

  • @michaelbarton4787

    @michaelbarton4787

    14 күн бұрын

    I liked the GTAs but think the 610s were a step up plus the pop-up headlights ofcourse !

  • @philkitchen9719

    @philkitchen9719

    14 күн бұрын

    @@michaelbarton4787 They were undoubtedly a step up as you say and personally I really liked the revised styling. They were also badged as an Alpine not a Renault which I think was classier.

  • @leolopezvalido1892
    @leolopezvalido189216 күн бұрын

    Fantastic review of this glorious and much underrated sports car! Dare to be different anyone? At the present value and prices, I belive there's never been a better time to own one. Congratulations - and thanks - to Greg! Also, in my opinion, a car - a giant slayer - was released that made such an impact it questioned spending so much more for anything else! The Ford Sierra Cosworth. It really was a game changer. Thanks again Jack. An excellent review for such a special car. P.S. So cool you drove past two Ferrari 275GTBs and a 250GT Convertible etc,. saw them yet didn't bat an eyelid!!

  • @simonsiegel1626
    @simonsiegel16265 күн бұрын

    I owned a GTA turbo for 4 or 5 years - loved the design and drive but the build quality is relatively poor and it turned out to be very unreliable with various electrical and mechanical issues. Very quick on boost but the nose would get noticeably and disconcertingly light at motorway speeds. I think the interior was designed by Gandini (?) and it does have a nasty, disappointing plastic feel to it . Compared to similar cars of this era 911, 968 etc., which I've also owned, it's a charismatic alternative, but the Porsches would always get you home unlike the Alpine.... Another great video !

  • @johanankarback6821
    @johanankarback682116 күн бұрын

    Wow! I have never heard a PRV V6 sound that good! Really cool car!

  • @andrewberridge4630
    @andrewberridge463014 күн бұрын

    Great, honest review! Now you can review my A610, when it's roadworthy again. I'm hoping that will be later this year. I'll be in touch!

  • @CaptainKremmen
    @CaptainKremmen16 күн бұрын

    I've never seen one of these before, but I kept being reminded of the Starion.

  • @meersau5690
    @meersau56902 сағат бұрын

    I like the PRV roar. A bit like the old Dodge V6, with the unusual 90° angle and the odd firing order. But who wonders, both were born as a V8 and basically had 2 cylinders cut out.

  • @ruk2023--
    @ruk2023--16 күн бұрын

    Speedo's having a day off so we know it's French.

  • @anthonydeas2173

    @anthonydeas2173

    16 күн бұрын

    I noticed that.. it's probably on strike

  • @williamegler8771

    @williamegler8771

    16 күн бұрын

    But at least it is running on a day that ends in "Y" so you know it isn't British.

  • @ruk2023--

    @ruk2023--

    16 күн бұрын

    @@williamegler8771 Fair.

  • @pbe6965

    @pbe6965

    16 күн бұрын

    I've got the same problem in my Japanese car, but you could argue that Nissan kind of became a bit of Renault later.

  • @kristoffer3000

    @kristoffer3000

    16 күн бұрын

    @@anthonydeas2173 It's so weird to me that the French get flak for wanting better conditions for themselves and opposing government tyranny. We could learn a lot from them.

  • @jonathanperry4189
    @jonathanperry418916 күн бұрын

    Yes. Yes yes. I remember it advertised in mt dad's car magazines I read as a kid. Loved the looks... That dash I thought was pure future in the 80's

  • @resytechengineering753
    @resytechengineering7532 күн бұрын

    the sound around 11 minutes in this video is just f.....g great.

  • @EvilEndz
    @EvilEndz9 күн бұрын

    I remember, as a kid, being told off for sitting in one of these at the Earls Court Motor show shortly after they were launched. Loved it, and always been a bit sad we don't see more of them around.

  • @rollyae82
    @rollyae8215 күн бұрын

    Oh I love these! great episode Jack

  • @eric-wb7gj
    @eric-wb7gj16 күн бұрын

    TY Jack 🙏🙏! Remember seeing my first one when they were new. I knew most cars, but thought 'what was that', it looked like a space ship! Still only seen a few decades since.

  • @bradwright9673
    @bradwright967316 күн бұрын

    I own a GTA Turbo and most have a category status due to lack of some parts especially body parts i.e. rear lights etc

  • @marknadolski5082
    @marknadolski508214 күн бұрын

    Yep my father bought my mother a 911 turbo in 1980’S I was only a 6 or 7 at the time she had it for 2 weeks and hated it and at the dealer was a beautiful red Renault alpine turbo and she loved it

  • @psircos
    @psircos16 күн бұрын

    I love that you get a hold of this kind of thing. Haven't seen one of these for years! In most of the drive-by shots, when you talk about stability, I can see the poise and control it has. I've watched scores and scores of you vids, and you can visually perceive that this was very composed on the bends! Nice one.....keep em coming

  • @tokmindegy8976
    @tokmindegy897615 күн бұрын

    One of my favorite car of all time! Thanks for this superior review! These old Alpines are sublime, I adore them much better than the overrated Porsches...... Please test a Volvo 480 Turbo as well! :))

  • @ryanmccormick2150
    @ryanmccormick215016 күн бұрын

    Awesome stuff as always Jack buddy 👍

  • @GadgetyMV
    @GadgetyMV14 күн бұрын

    The first version, launched in 1971, had a spectacular six headlight front end that I quite like. Wish they had kept it.

  • @richcoleman469
    @richcoleman46916 күн бұрын

    Beautiful car from every angle. We had a lot of Renaults in Argentina (built there) but never one of these. Thanks I enjoy watching.

  • @Assimilator1
    @Assimilator111 күн бұрын

    I Remember reading about these in Autocar when they came out, loved the look of them then, and still do! This one sounds great too😎, I hope to see it on the track one day🙂

  • @alfonso87ful
    @alfonso87ful16 күн бұрын

    Great review… quick and to the point…without leaving out important info😊

  • @JohnnyPaton
    @JohnnyPaton16 күн бұрын

    My old boss had one of these as a weekend car. I had a go on a few occasions as he used to let us drive his cars. Fantastic thing.

  • @mini_furious3630
    @mini_furious36305 күн бұрын

    What a 😯 at 7:03 .... Jack switched to mute mode... and was wondering, will I stop and start discussing with those petrolhead ?

  • @PETERNESS
    @PETERNESS15 күн бұрын

    mR 27,youve outdone yourself and before long the rest of the online community will catch on and then subs will skyrocket ,such a beautiful car filmed in a gorgeous setting 10/10

  • @johndaye523
    @johndaye52316 күн бұрын

    Excellent vid. Thank you very much.

  • @paulelverstone8677
    @paulelverstone867716 күн бұрын

    I remember CAR Magazine pitching this up against the Esprit Turbo and the 911 Turbo. Of course, the 911 ran away with it but some years later its natural evolution - the A610 - was in Performance Car's CotY and won it outright. Still didn't sell well. Some cars are just too weird to be successful...

  • @vMaxHeadroom
    @vMaxHeadroom15 күн бұрын

    Great review...Saw this at a Renault Garage in the West end back in the 80's and it was the most beautiful car that I as a teenager had seen in a metallic white, sort of sparkled...Would love to get one now...

  • @markmcgrath9098
    @markmcgrath909814 күн бұрын

    I think Noble got the most of the PRV boat anchor. I loved these cars when they were current. They looked unique.

  • @robl7532
    @robl75329 күн бұрын

    That turbine noise, yes. Also the French make such beautiful cars.

  • @FangPaw
    @FangPaw14 күн бұрын

    One of the problems faced by the GTA was the Ford Capri V6 2.8i/280, which offered similar performance to the non-turbo GTA and more practicality for a much lower price. And was great fun to drive and cheap to maintain.

  • @dj_paultuk7052
    @dj_paultuk705216 күн бұрын

    Yay !, amazing cars. I used to have a GTA 2.5 V6 Turbo, slightly tuned to about 220bhp. Given the light weight it was really fast with superb handling.

  • @steve291274
    @steve29127414 күн бұрын

    My mate bought one in the early 2000's. I had the pleasure of driving it on a number of occasions as I had an Esprit so we would just swap cars every now and then and the handling on GTA was just as good as the Esprit. I still remember the quirky wiper sweep and the little LCD display on the dashboard that didn't work so you had to guess how much fuel you had left....😂.... He did sort that in the end to be fair....😉

  • @AlfasAndBikes
    @AlfasAndBikes14 күн бұрын

    I couldn't help but notice the non working speedometer. Very familiar unfortunately and a pain to fix. Also the questionable quality of the interior parts in general is something I agree with. But I love it, it drives really nicely. I have a GTA with a 3.0l NA v6 200hp(from later Renault) swap in it (with an exhaust) at my disposal and it's a real experience. Its the engine it should have had. The original NA 2.8l unit with carburettor isn't the best and its not easy to get it to run just right. This Turbo GTA is already a big improvement. Towards the end the comparison is made between the GTA and the 911, that's valid since the configuration is very similar, but really the GTA was aimed more at the 944. I haven't driven a 944 so I wouldn't know but I reckon the transaxle layout makes for a more forgiving and easier to ride car. The GTA is not a car you want to ride carelessly and it takes some experience to get the best performance out of it. And probably the 944 has some better quality materials and interior to suit. But it should really be enjoyed on its own. It is a very rare and fun car to own and drive.

  • @dpheaslip
    @dpheaslip14 күн бұрын

    Jack, what I love, and what keeps bringing me back to your channel, is that somehow you keep reviewing the cars that piqued my interest as a teen. Sure, Porsche, Ferrari, etc., are all easy pickings but you find the cars that fit some reason never went completely mainstream but are beautiful. I remember walking home from school and seeing this Renault (Alpine) in a dealership window and being awestruck. I feel the same way about so name of the cars you review. Thank you for continually walking me down one of the happiest memory lanes of my childhood. PS. Living in the US and owning 5 Alfa Spiders (in varying states of repair) I love your commitment to Italian pronunciation!! Italy 🇮🇹 Ciao

  • @natjes6017
    @natjes601716 күн бұрын

    That sounds really sweet 😁 Excellent choice Jack!

  • @patrickodonnell4109
    @patrickodonnell410915 күн бұрын

    Wow !! Learned a lot from this video. Very interesting car. Thank you.

  • @Rose.Of.Hizaki
    @Rose.Of.Hizaki10 күн бұрын

    Silly solution but the turbo lag could possibly be slightly mitigated by having a smaller turbo? You might lose some power at the top end as result of downsizing but the acceleration and throttle response will be there. Not that it makes much sense to downsize anyway as this car is built for the track. I love that spooling noise though! This car has won my heart!

  • @MrTimcoronel
    @MrTimcoronel16 күн бұрын

    a friend of mine had one and quite liked it, although he said it could be twitchy in the wet with the engine at the back. But he had a heck of a time trying to sell it and eventually took much less for it than he hoped. Nowdays he has ... a late 1970s 911.

  • @pizzagogo6151
    @pizzagogo615116 күн бұрын

    I’m not any sort of fan of French cars ( well I admire the originality, just glad when other people own them & deal with the headaches 😅)- Alpine are an exception ! always been very keen on them 😍...despite never even actually haven driven one.😞. Thanks for looking at this one Jack👍

  • @nigelbarker7887
    @nigelbarker788715 күн бұрын

    Great car, I and two mates each owned one. From point to point it was extremely quick. I had a 928S2 and a Maserati Merak SS at the same Time, and if in a hurry I'd take the Alpine every time. I remember the Radio controls were on the steering wheel, which was very early for that feature.

  • @rjs1138
    @rjs113816 күн бұрын

    Nice exhaust setup, sounds like a right beast!

  • @per-hakansvahn8044
    @per-hakansvahn804415 күн бұрын

    What a cool car. And that exhaust note! Turbo and compressor engined cars are generally better driving cars than high revving naturally aspirated power plants. The latter seems to wear and break much quicker due to the higher stresses to get them to deliver. Except for maybe Japanese engines.

  • @samuelg9115
    @samuelg91157 күн бұрын

    Your pronunciation of GTA in french was perfect 👌🏻

  • @jamiemorris5177
    @jamiemorris517716 күн бұрын

    I remember standing at a bus stop aged 11-12 when these were brand new Someone local had one and I loved it Most people were driving around in square boxes like the mk4 cortina

  • @alecireland3629
    @alecireland362916 күн бұрын

    Great test drive Jack, always thought an underrated car. I was a RAC patrol in the 80's, working in a posh part of London and was sent out to a Renault Alpine on the morning after the great October storm of 1987. A tree had come down and completely squashed it. I felt for the owner as nothing could be done for days as the storm had ruined any chance of anything being done quickly.

  • @tjroelsma
    @tjroelsma13 күн бұрын

    A lot of things spoke against this car: 1. the lackluster PRV V6, even with turbo-charging. 2. the placement of the engine, with much of its weight behind the rear wheels, Porsche style (which gave it rather "interesting handling", as Jeremy Clarkson put it). 3. it was seen as a niche car from a car manufacturer that "only did common cars", something many commonly popular car manufacturers ran into when launching more daring designs.

  • @Z-u-m-a
    @Z-u-m-a16 күн бұрын

    Always had a soft spot for these. This is a seriously cool example.

  • @murrieteacher
    @murrieteacher16 күн бұрын

    wow! I missed this one in the 80's. There is a NA GTA for sale in Australia for $18k plus. Thanks again Jack. Another great video of a car that is very interesting.

  • @Misaniovent
    @Misaniovent15 күн бұрын

    I'm excited to see this video, given I just saw my very first Renault Alpine on Saturday.

  • @lqr824
    @lqr82412 күн бұрын

    The dash is epic. It's a product of its time of course. No-one would design something like that today. But compare it to classics like the 205GTI, or the Lancia Integrale. Or even Corvette or Firebird. 911 interiors ahve aged well and were better-constructed but in the day they looked pretty odd. Even 944 dashes weren't light-years ahead of this. But what I like about this dash is that it takes the trends of its day and turns them to 11.

  • @johngribble6500
    @johngribble650011 күн бұрын

    I have always loved these cars and my mk 8 davrian is very similar in engine set up with even the same gearbox. Definitely a bargain car especially with the non turbo car. An excellent review as always

  • @darrenwendell1723
    @darrenwendell172315 күн бұрын

    I've always really liked this car. Thanks for the review.

  • @martinclapton2724
    @martinclapton272416 күн бұрын

    Great car . Loved it , especially the interior dash design . The Dourvin engine was once quite well received in the Peugeot 604 ( highly rated but forgotten luxury saloon) ,. No, love this car, its seats , dash , the lot. Nice one

  • @winstonwolfe5733
    @winstonwolfe57339 күн бұрын

    Very good video as usual (I remember the very relevant one on the A310). A couple of comments/confirmatuon: 1. Kudos for the pronounciation. 2. the DeLorean does not une the same engine. The 2.5 turbo is a while different engine than the n/a one. 3. It was more meant to be a competitor to the 944 with a RR lay out than a competitor for the 911. A hint being two versions, na of 160 hp and turbo of 200 hp, and a built quality rather below the one of the 911. This obsession for the 911 was a big mistake, be it with the A310 (more of a French version of the Esprit) or the GTA. The main reason it didn't sell is the total lack of support from Renault and the incapacity of the agent to sell this type of cars. Did you know that this car which was supposed to be the flagship of the brand never received the most powerful version of the V6, which the R25 did? For those interested by the car and the behind the scenes, check the Centre Alpine version, the baby of Bernard Pierangeli. Last 2 things: the dashboard was designed by Gandini, and the interior looked much nicer with the full leather option.

  • @johnphaceas7434
    @johnphaceas743415 күн бұрын

    One of these in Le Mans blue would be a lovely thing to park on my driveway. Can't recall ever seeing one in the flesh down-under, though I can see a canary yellow NA GTA for sale in Victoria for AUD$19k. Lovely condition, but its limited market is evidenced by fact that the collector who owns it has seemingly had it listed since 2017.

  • @alaricbragg7843
    @alaricbragg784316 күн бұрын

    Thank you for this video! Fun facts about this car: 1. It was driven by the main antagonist in El Dorado! 2. They had an awesome Desert Raid buggy version!

  • @russellhammond4373
    @russellhammond437316 күн бұрын

    Thanks for the history lesson. Always loved the look of these cars.

  • @johnshaw359
    @johnshaw35914 күн бұрын

    Renault performance cars are all top-notch. Lovely interiors as well.

  • @romanobezuidenhout7506
    @romanobezuidenhout750616 күн бұрын

    Love it! Sounds much better than my father- in-law's Renault 9 AT.... Same speedo problem, must be a 1985 thing.

  • @nige_breaks_bikes9782
    @nige_breaks_bikes978216 күн бұрын

    You forgot the wacky wipers 😊 very cool cars and loved the exhaust ❤️

  • @Schlipperschlopper

    @Schlipperschlopper

    16 күн бұрын

    The wipers came from Panhards 1960 super high tech 2 cyl aluminum coupe 24CT! Was also installed in the older Alpines!

  • @michaelpegasiou4531
    @michaelpegasiou453116 күн бұрын

    Thanks for the video mate,I wanted one of these in that colour with black leather but the wife wouldn’t let me as we had to put a child seat in the back.Got a 25 V6 turbo with a straight through fat pipe and it was exactly as you describe loads of lag then whoosh up to red line 😊

  • @SLAmey-mu9hd

    @SLAmey-mu9hd

    16 күн бұрын

    A Renault 25 Turbo was the top of the pile for me growing up.... what a privilege for you owning one.

  • @slacko1971

    @slacko1971

    16 күн бұрын

    I'm almost certain that stereo is the same as the one fitted in the 25's maybe you remember?

  • @michaelpegasiou4531

    @michaelpegasiou4531

    16 күн бұрын

    Yeah the stereo was very similar plus it had a talking computer that warned you of all sorts of things but the most annoying was when the electric boot closure had been slammed down by wifey and it would repeat “boot not shut” that brings back memories 😊

  • @PeteYeado
    @PeteYeado9 күн бұрын

    Hello Jack, Great to see a French super car on your channel. Certainly a car ahead of it's time! How about a video on the Venturi Atlantique? Very rare in the uk yet, very understated. Great channel by the way.

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