After years of deliberation, delays and even a failed partnership with Caterham, Renault has finally managed to resurrect its Alpine sports brand that is previewing a new production sports car with the Vision Concept at the Geneva Auto Show.
Revealed on Tuesday at an event in Monte Carlo ahead of a formal world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show next month, the mid-engine, two-seater model is a thinly disguised concept with a production version to roll out by the end of this year and go on sale initially in Europe in 2017, before becoming available in other markets around the globe.
The French firm is keeping most of the Vision’s technical specs shrouded in secrecy at this early stage, however, it's confirmed that it will be powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder mill placed behind the driver. The four-pot is rumored to be a development of the Clio RS’ 1.6-liter turbo, possibly with a larger displacement to offer tons more than the latter’s 197hp and 177 lb-ft of torque, possibly paired to a dual clutch transmission with steering wheel paddles driving the rear wheels.
The final name has not yet been confirmed, however, Alpine has registered the AS1 and AS110 monikers.
Alpine said that the car’s low weight will help the future production model achieve 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in less than 4.5 seconds, which matches the Alfa Romeo 4C’s time, beats the Porsche Cayman GTS w/Sport Chrono by 0.1 seconds and is only 0.1 sec behind the Porsche Cayman GT4.
The Vision Concept’s design is heavily influenced by the 2015 Alpine Celebration concept, itself echoing the design of the iconic Alpines from the 1960s and 1970, especially the A110 Berlinette.
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