Renault is keeping Alpine fans on tenterhooks after unveiling a new Alpine Vision concept, which it says represents the closest look yet at the appearance of the forthcoming production car.
Compared with the earlier Alpine Celebration concept, which was unveiled in June last year, the Vision keeps most of the same themes, but larger mirrors make for a more production-ready appearance.
Both models take heavy and obvious inspiration from the much-loved Alpine A110 Berlinette from the 1960s, not just in terms of looks but also with its lightweight and nimble character.
Renault says that its Alpine team is focused on building “an outstanding car” with a low weight and excellent handling, and said that it will eventually take its new Alpine family to compete on track.
Chairman and CEO of Renault Carlos Ghosn said: “Motorsports and sports cars are deeply rooted in the DNA of Groupe Renault.
Turbocharged four-cylinder engine
“This is an exciting next step in our strategy to leverage talent and technology between road and track, and we look forward to reaching new customers in the sport premium cars segment.”
Power for the Vision comes from a mid-mounted turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which is expected to be linked to a dual-clutch gearbox like those used in many current Renaultsport models.
Output figures have yet to be released, but Renault claims that the Alpine Vision will be able to reach 0-62mph in under 4.5 seconds with the production model doing it in the same time.
Production model ready this year
The final production version of the first new Alpine, tentatively named the AS1, will be unveiled later this year, ushering in a new generation of Alpine models after Renault fully acquired the brand from Caterham in 2014.
Alongside the first model, Renault also has plans to release a whole Alpine family, covering all market niches from dedicated sports models to everyday cars with the option of hybrid powertrains.
Due to be built in Dieppe, France, the first new Alpine will go on sale next year in Europe initially, with the model expected to be rolled out to other markets worldwide soon after.
