Looking at this uninspiring Lotus Exige based test mule, it's hard to get excited about the Renault Alpine sportscar that will arrive some time in 2015. However, the A110-50 concept from last year tickles every bone in our body.
These spy photos confirm that Renault is serious about making the sportcar a reality despite its badge problems.
Under this widened chassis, the Alpine chassis is probably powered by a mid-mounted turbocharged four-cylinder engine offering about 270 horsepower. It's been reported that Renault wants a big 2-liter for refinement and its partners at Caterham want a 1.6-liter for lightness. The concept Alpine had a V6 from a Tropy race car, but that's too optimistic.
Taking into account that the Porsche Cayman is frequently called underpowered, we doubt Renault will try to make a light and underpowered car.
With at least two years of development left, we'll have to wait and see how the Alpine pans out. A preview concept of Caterham's model will be unveiled in the first half of next year and that will be our first real contact with the only mid-engined French sportacar in a long time.
Under this widened chassis, the Alpine chassis is probably powered by a mid-mounted turbocharged four-cylinder engine offering about 270 horsepower. It's been reported that Renault wants a big 2-liter for refinement and its partners at Caterham want a 1.6-liter for lightness. The concept Alpine had a V6 from a Tropy race car, but that's too optimistic.
Taking into account that the Porsche Cayman is frequently called underpowered, we doubt Renault will try to make a light and underpowered car.
With at least two years of development left, we'll have to wait and see how the Alpine pans out. A preview concept of Caterham's model will be unveiled in the first half of next year and that will be our first real contact with the only mid-engined French sportacar in a long time.