TESTING TIMES

They've squared up on the road; now A110 R, GT4 and M2 head to Anglesey for timed laps. Place your bets

- RICHARD MEADEN

618 KILOS. THAT'S WHAT SEPARATES THE OFFICIAL kerb weights of our three protagonists, the M2 a whopping 1700kg, 1420kg for the Cayman GT4 and 1082kg for the A110 R. It's a huge disparity. One that points to just how light the Alpine is (remarkably so in the context of 2023), how bulky BMW's 'baby' M car has become, and how even Porsche is fighting to keep the kilos in check.

Nowhere punishes excess mass like a racetrack, but it's equally true to say big power - and more importantly, ample torque - can go a long way to mitigate its effects. Anglesey's 1.8-mile Coastal Circuit has a wicked blend of tricky corners and big braking areas, but it also rewards cars with the grunt to haul themselves out of slow corners.

We complete two timed runs in each car: three flyers in Track mode and/or with the most relaxed ESC mode engaged, followed by another trio of push laps with all driver aids switched off to drive free from overly protective electronics and reveal any nasty traits. Given the power/torque-to-weight stats and tyre fitments, the finishing order isn't a great surprise, the GT4 posting a best of 1:15.2 with TC on and 1:15.1 with all systems disabled, the Alpine nailing a 1:16.2 in Track mode and 1:16.4 with ESC off, and the M2 trailing on a 1:17.4 and 1:18.1. However, it's the manner in which these times are achieved that's most revealing.

Let's start with the A110 R. Easily the lightest, but also the least powerful with 296bhp and 251lb ft, it looks and feels the most authentic track car. That was its brief, after all, yet when we drove it for the first time on the international press launch in Spain it lacked sparkle and excitement around the Jarama circuit.