On November 22, Alpine showcased its latest artistic collaboration, the A110 Art Car 2024, in a dazzling launch event in Paris. This year, the French marque partnered with renowned Black & White photographer Mathieu Cesar to create a Monochromatic version of the A110 S, a car whose iconic design is elevated through the purity of black, white, and shades of grey. Attended by nearly 300 guests, including brand ambassador Zinedine Zidane, the event embodied the fusion of art and automotive design.
A Vision in Monochrome
Mathieu Cesar, celebrated for his retro-futuristic Black & White portraiture, brings a distinctive approach to this collaboration. Known for his ability to manipulate shadows, light, and contrast to evoke emotion and character, Cesar’s photographic philosophy aligns seamlessly with the bold yet timeless ethos of the A110.
Speaking of the project, Cesar remarked:
“Cars are the result of human ingenuity. The object brings people together while remaining universal. That’s what we’re trying to achieve with our Monochromatic project with the Alpine designers.”
The result is a car transformed into a work of art. By stripping away all colour, the Monochromatic A110 S accentuates the precision of its design, celebrating every curve and contour. This approach reveals the car’s essence, where simplicity becomes the ultimate sophistication.
A Stunning Collaboration of Art and Performance
The A110 S Monochromatic embodies Alpine’s commitment to co-creation. Developed in close partnership between Cesar and Alpine’s design team, led by Antony Villain, the car is a harmonious blend of artistic intent and engineering prowess.
Villain described the project as:
“A dialogue between two arts: Mathieu’s world of photography and our automotive expertise. The A110 Monochromatic represents a perfect fusion of performance and elegance, evoking passion and emotion in every detail.”
From the outside, the A110 S Monochromatic is a hypnotic spectacle. A black-to-white gradient flows across its bodywork, a signature element defined in the early stages of the collaboration. This gradient enhances the aluminium body, while gloss black panels at the front and rear create a striking contrast.
Inside, the monochrome theme continues. The cabin’s white upper section transitions smoothly into a black lower area, while 3D-printed components add lightness and transparency to the backrests and door trims. The upholstery mirrors the gradient of the exterior, with carefully crafted aluminium elements such as the console, nameplate, and door sills completing the visual harmony.
Timeless Design Meets Thrilling Dynamics
While the A110 Monochromatic captivates with its artistry, it retains the exhilarating performance of the A110 S. Powered by a 300 bhp engine, it rockets from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds, with a power-to-weight ratio of 3.7 kg/hp. Inspired by the legendary Berlinette, the design and engineering work in tandem to create a car that is as agile on the road as it is mesmerizing to behold.
A Legacy of Creativity
The A110 Monochromatic marks Alpine’s fourth consecutive artistic collaboration, following the vibrant A110 S by Felipe Pantone in 2021, the icy A110 Sastruga by the Obvious Collective in 2022, and the metamorphic A110 by Arne Quinze in 2023. Each project underscores Alpine’s commitment to pushing creative boundaries and fostering innovation across disciplines.
For the 2024 Monochromatic A110, Mathieu Cesar’s photography and cinematic vision immortalize the car in a parallel universe where light and shadow perform a delicate dance on its surface. This is more than a car—it’s a canvas for creative expression and a testament to Alpine’s dedication to exploring new artistic frontiers.
With this latest project, Alpine continues to redefine the intersection of performance, design, and art, leaving us eager to see what bold collaboration lies ahead in 2025.
