Renault has finally revived a famous but long forgotten brand, Alpine, back into making cars by the revealing of the Vision Concept. This, after 20 years, is the first ever Alpine model to be produced since the A610 was put out of production.
The Vision Concept is the follow up to the Alpine Celebration Concept at Le Mans last year. Despite its name, the car’s design suggests that it’s pretty much already a work in progress, with Renault claiming that it’s about 80 percent of the real car. Production is set for 2017, so that’s more good news.
To start, the Vision Concept follows what made its predecessor, the A110, a legend in the 1970s – a lightweight, mid-engined, rear wheel driven sports car that seats two. The Vision Concept is clearly an updated, modern interpretation of the A110, as you can tell from its headlights.
We’re still in the blue with regards to its powertrain, but it will likely sport a mid-mounted turbocharged four-cylinder, mated to Renault’s Efficient Dual Clutch gearbox or a six-speed manual. Alpine expects the car to manage the century sprint in 4.2 seconds, something achievable thanks to its featherweight body. The two-seater sports car is rumoured to weigh less than 1,100kg! 
Inside, the cabin gets an injection of modern taste, ranging from a digital dashboard and the use of leather, aluminium and carbon fibre.
The Vision, as described by Alpine, is a “high-performance, elegant, lightweight car dedicated to driving pleasure in its very purest form”. When produced, it will go against models like the Alfa Romeo 4C, Porsche Cayman and Lotus Elise; putting France back into the battle of lightweight sports cars occupied by entries from Italy, German and the current all-time favourite, the UK.
IMAGE GALLERY
