Renault has shown its firmest indication yet of a return to the sports car fore, following the first outing of the Alpine Celebration at this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans.
[Not a valid template]In a nod to Alpine’s classic sports car, the new Celebration bears a strong resemblance to the A110 Berlinetta, most notably about the scalloped bonnet, twin headlights and the tapered lines away from the rear wheels. Plus that striking blue and orange paint scheme.
Aside from the mid-engined layout, Renault has released no mechanical details about the Celebration, although speculation suggests development of the Celebration dates back to the company’s previous collaboration with Caterham, a collaboration that came to an end last year.
Suggestions have also been made that the new Celebration – should/when a production version appear next year – could use the same V6 powerplant found in Renault’s Mégane Trophy race car, which was also at the heart of Renault’s A110-50 concept in 2012. Prices could be around the $80,000 mark, Alfa Romeo 4C territory.
The Apline Celebration’s debut at Le Mans supports the Signatech-Alpine team’s entry in this year’s race. The Nissan-powered #36 A450B LMP2 machine will be driven by French trio Nelson Pantaciatici, Paul-Loup Chatin and Vincent Capillaire.
The Celebration will also make an appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed at the end of this month.
