Renault Alpine A 110-50. 395bhp Tribute

Renault unveils the Alpine A 110-50, a tribute to the legendary Alpine A110 that secured the 1973 World Rally Championship.

Behold the Renault Alpine A 110-50, the striking 50^th anniversary tribute to the legendary Alpine A110. The new concept – an evolution of the ‘Dezir’ concept that first debuted in 2010 – boasts a fittingly retro livery, including an orange racing stripe. The new ‘Alpine Blue’ paint for instance is a nod to the traditional colour worn by the model it celebrates, while its LED lighting also boasts a yellow hue.

Powered by a 3.5-litre V6, the A 110-50 kicks out 395bhp and 311lb ft of torque, though performance figures have yet to be announced. Transferring power to the rear-wheels via a six-speed semi-automatic transmission, the concept’s V6 boasts a 456bhp/ton power-to-weight ratio, thanks to its 800kg kerb weight.

Heavily inspired by Renault’s motorsport division (and sharing the same mechanics as the company’s Megane trophy racer), the concept uses a tubular chassis, adjustable double wishbone suspension and no driver aids. At the front and rear, splitter and diffuser considerably assist the concept’s downforce, while the 21-in wheels are wrapped in Michelin road tyres. Interestingly, the A 110-50 boasts the same 2.6m wheelbase as the Renault Megane.

First debuted at the 1962 Paris Motor Show, the original A110 Berlinette secured rally victory early with José Rosinski at the 1963 Rallye des Lions before taking the French Rally Championship in style in 1968 with Jean-Claude Andruet. The French rally driver would repeat his title in 1970 (along with the European title), while teammate Jean Vinatier would secure the honours in 1969. Before the works support was canned in 1975, the A110 Berlinette would secure six WRC victories in 1973 and Alpine-Renault the manufacturer’s crown the same year.

Expect the A 110-50 to make production in three years. In the meantime, you might be interested to see the concept in action at the hands of three-time World Rally Championship rally winner Jean Ragnotti and Erik Comas, a former Formula 1 driver with Ligier and Larrousse and the 1990 Formula 3000 champion.