*NOW UPDATED WITH VIDEO* Renault’s Alpine performance brand will officially be brought back to life next year when a production sports car based on the above concept goes into production.
[Not a valid template]Set to be unveiled in production form later this year, the concept – dubbed the Alpine Vision – will be one of several models due to be launched under the new ‘Alpine’ umbrella. Rumours suggest that this could also include an SUV that might make its debut as early as 2018.
The Vision’s lightweight, mid-engined layout means an impressive sprint time of 0-100kph in less than 4.5 seconds has been hinted, courtesy of a turbocharged four-cylinder that’s rumoured to be of 1.8-litre capacity, produces 250bhp, and is mated with a seven-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox. It’s also been hinted that a 300bhp ‘Renaultsport’ model might also join the new Alpine line-up, though details remain scarce.
What we can tell you though is that the Alpine, as described by Renault, is ‘high-performance, elegant, lightweight car dedicated to driving pleasure in its very purest form’, meaning it’s likely to be pretty nippy through the corners. A mooted kerb weight of 1100kg suggests so too.
While the exterior design heavily references the classic A110, a 50th anniversary tribute to which was unveiled in 2012, the inside is significantly more up-to-date. As well as combining leather, aluminium and carbon fibre, the cabin also features an Audi TT-esque digital dashboard, twin bucket seats with affixed racing harnesses, and air vents backlit in Alpine Blue. Very Tron…
The Alpine Vision will make its global debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, following previous appearances at last year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Goodwood Festival of Speed. This updated concept however was given another in the flesh this week in Monte Carlo, a nod to the original Alpine’s run of success on the prestigious Monte Carlo Rally. Between 1969 and 1973, the A110 failed to secure victory only once.
Source – Renault
