New details on Renault�s revival of the Alpine sports car

[Plex]

Renault announced late last year that it is planning a new Alpine sports car as part of its target of introducing 26 new models to its lineup. The latest word on the car�s development is that the company may take advantage of its association with Nissan by placing the car on a smaller version of the platform underpinning the 350Z.

The Alpine sports car will be classed to compete with the Mazda MX-5, however, and not its bigger, more powerful corporate cousin. By targeting the Alpine at a smaller, less powerful segment of the market, the company hopes to also keep it affordable and efficient in terms of fuel and emissions, as sales in Europe will depend on lower initial cost and operating expenses, especially as fuel prices continue to rise and emissions targets shrink, reports AutoWeek.nl. The Alpine�s classic focus on light weight and affordability has come full circle with modern sensibilities.

The new Alpine is expected to produce about 220hp from a four-cylinder engine. Forced induction hasn�t been mentioned, but would be a way to keep displacement down and efficiency up. On the other hand, adding a turbocharger would also add expense to car�s production, which could work against the company�s low-cost target. A six-speed transmission and RWD configuration are also expected to be part of the bargain.

Nissan is also believed to be working on an entry-level sportscar, possibly a successor to the 200SX line of cars. The synergy of both Renault and Nissan working on such a vehicle is obvious, but it would also introduce an element of competition between the brands that has not previously existed, unless Nissan were to limit its offering to non-Renault markets.

The similarities of design precepts for both the Alpine and the 200SX replacement to the Nissan Urge concept shown in 2006 at the Detroit Auto Show are remarkable: a 2,400lb (1,090kg), RWD, small-engine sports car or roadster targeted at a younger demographic. Although it�s a pure concept car, it could give an idea of the direction the two companies could take in terms of styling and proportions.

Earlier this year, a design study for a Renault Alpine Interlagos (pictured) emerged, showing a similarly styled small coupe concept of the revival of the Brazilian special-edition, which was reported to be headed for production with a Megane 2.0L engine producing 142hp and a six-speed RWD powertrain.

Motorauthority

[MG Man]

Anybody else seeing an F430 with a French arse?
_________________

I know it's so, for I told me so

[uttamj]

agreed mg man
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[Plex]

2010 Renault Alpine Sportscar All But Confirmed?

Based on 370 Z, Infiniti G37

While Renault car sales in France have been robust in the first half of 2008, in Europe � its biggest market � the group is down 4.6 percent. If higher sales and better market penetration is the question, could a sports coup� be the answer? The Cartribe reckon Renault thinks so. They say after an interview with one of Renault�s highest-ranking officials, news was revealed to them of a sportscar similar to the Nissan�s 350Z will be on sale by 2010.

Underpinning this vehicle would be an Infiniti G37/ Nissan 370 Z base, which we think wouldn�t be a lame idea in the least bit, given the outstanding handling characteristics of these two cousins. Moreover, the name Alpine would be the one to carry a sports Renault. You know the name from decades ago when it used to build winning racing cars using Renault engines. Although WCF reported on such a car a few weeks ago, it has been very much a rumour. Up until now.

A Renault proper sportscar we suspect would use a relatively small turbo engine rather than a large V6 block for obvious reasons; weight, compactness, emissions and a possible return of the turbo to Formula One. The car will not be based on any existing Renault car and will be quite different, even radical in styling. Renault desperately needs to justify its multi-million-Euro involvement in F1 and so far, as good as RenaultSport is, it hasn�t happened to the extent desired.

Worldcarfans

[wagonrunner]