French automaker Alpine has announced that it will compete in this year's edition of the annual Race to the Clouds with a specially developed weapon called the A110 Pikes Peak. Last time Alpine teased the car, it was supposed to launch as the A110 GT4 Evo, but it appears that the final product may be more bespoke a creation than expected. The livery has also changed, and it looks all the better for it.

Working with Signatech, the power estimate has increased too, and the new racer will be present in Colorado on 25 June, helping to increase the brand's presence in the US as it looks to introduce a local sales network.

Originally expected to produce 355 horsepower, the one-off A110 Pikes Peak now boasts "nearly 500 hp." That may not seem like a lot, but its weight has been reduced too. Weighing just over 2,094 pounds, this should be a rocket as it takes on all 156 corners over the 12.38-mile course.

Visually, the special model sets itself apart with two ultra-thin laser-cut light bars replacing the circular LEDs in the regular car's headlights. At the rear, the lights are moved to the enormous rear wing and central fin as a nod to the 24 Hours of Le Mans. These changes are somewhat subtle in light of the aerodynamic enhancements, but we like that the automaker has made its racecar look truly bespoke.

The roof scoop leading to the central fin is one of the coolest elements and is functional, ramming air into the engine that sits below a louvered rear deck. The front splitter, hood, side skirts, and rear wings all appear to be made of carbon fiber, and we suspect that some of the liveried elements are made of the lightweight material too. Even the bespoke wheels seem to have aero covers made from the sixth element on the periodic table.

Raphael Astier, who will pilot the car up the hill, will conduct his first test of the vehicle in its final configuration soon. Hopefully, all goes well, as Alpine is heading to Pikes Peak "with the aim of breaking records."

If French sports cars not (yet) available in the US are not your thing, the annual hill climb will this year welcome Lia Block in a Porsche 911 that her father created especially for this event, called the Hoonipigasus. Aston Martin will also be present, as will Ford, the BMW XM, and even Rivian.