Alpine vision concept: the rebirth of Alpine?

So. After all the speculation as to whether Renault were prepared to resurrect their most nostalgic of sub-brands, here is the proof. An insight into the future of Alpine. And it looks good.

This is the first in line: a premium sports car which manages to bring the past stylings of Alpine's past (the last Alpine car was sold 21 years ago) into the present, rather like other retro companies such as Singer. this one manages to create a car which appears to take a lot of inspiration from the Alpine A110, including the bug-like fog lights. Personally I can see a lot of Porsche in the front end, along with a slight touch of Lotus Exige in the rear.

Priced at around £50,000, this car consequently places itself in the firing line of the upcoming Porsche 718 Cayman, a car that completes the transition to turbocharging in the Porsche line-up. Knowing the quality of the cars that Porsche have been coming up with recently, this looks like a tough competitor. But this won't be the only car that the Alpine will doubtlessly come across. Cars such as the Alfa Romeo 4C and the Lotus Exige spring to mind.

The car itself will probably make use of an edited Renault engine, most likely either a version of the one found in the Renaultsport Clio or the Renaultsport Megane. Although the figures are yet to be finalised, think around 250BHP and under 4.5 seconds 0-60MPH. A top speed of 160MPH isn't exactly lightning, especially compared to the 180 predicted for the new Porsche 718.

This is Brand that has not really chosen the best of times to put in a resurgence. The premium sports car market is (like most sectors nowadays) not exactly spacious. This car wil have to come out firing because in this sector a below-par product is only rescued if it has the looks of a supermodel (Cough*Alfa 4C*Cough). However, this isn't your normal brand. Alpine has sold 26,666 cars between '55 and '95, and has won numerous competitions, the most noticeable of which was their win in the Le Mans 24 hrs in '78. This experience will be crucial if Alpine are to once again dominate this sector

Nev