Alpine's First Road Car Since 1995 Will Debut This Year
Early this year, we were treated to the Alpine Vision Concept, a modern reimagining of the lovely Renault Alpine A110 sports car of the 1960s. It promised a lightweight, mid-engine two-seater to go up against the Lotus Exige and the Alfa Romeo 4C. Now, Alpine will debut a production road car before year's end, the company's first since 1995. To say we're excited is an understatement.
Alpine boss Michael van der Sande told Automotive News Europe that the production sports car would be unveiled at an event later this year. While Van der Sande declined to give a specific date, the launch won't be at an auto show. It's expected that the Alpine road car will look largely similar to the concept car.
The Alpine is rumored to use a 1.8-liter four-cylinder adapted from the Renault Clio R.S. hatchback, producing around 300 horsepower and mated to a dual-clutch transmission. Light weight is also a priority, with Alpine's target between 2300 and 2500 lbs. If the sports car is successful, an SUV from Alpine is said to follow.
Even though the Alpine will be a lightweight mid-engine sports car, Van der Sande told Automotive News that it will be more "usable as a daily car" than the competing Alfa and Lotus.
Most exciting is the possibility that the Alpine could cross the Atlantic Ocean. When Road & Track spoke to Van der Sande earlier this year, he said the U.S. isn't an immediate priority, but if the launch goes well, the car could come here.
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