While the official unveiling of the new Renault Alpine concept is set to for a few days time, a leaked image of this exciting new concept has reached the world wide web.
The Alpine concept (dubbed A110-50) marks the 50th anniversary of the first Alpine A110. The concept is said to host a mid-mounted VQ V6 engine that pushes out just short of 300 kW, while offering 419 N.m of torque.
In 1954 Jean Rédélé, a Renault dealer in Dieppe, France used the underpan and running gear of a Renault 4CV as the foundation for successful rally cars. Seeking maximum efficiency he constucted sleek new aluminium bodies for his cars, while modifying and tuning the Renault-sourced parts. In 1954, as his reputation for building lightweight competition cars grew and a customer base was established, he founded Société Anonyme des Automobiles Alpine. He named his company Alpine after his success in the Coupe des Alpes.
The Alpine A106 was born after Rédélé developed a new auto glass fibre construction technique that further aided in performance enhancing weight-savings. In 1958, using a Michelotti designed cabriolet version of the A106, Rédélé developed a sleek 2+2 coupe (or 'berlinette') to be dubbed the Alpine A108. With its Dauphine Gordini 845 cc engine, this little machine was an instant hit. In 1962, with Renault working on its R8 saloon, Rédélé sought to redevelop and adjust the A108's chasis and body frame in order to run the more modern Renault R8's mechanicals. This new model became known as the Apline A110 and, in the hands of some of the most capable drivers in the world, including Ove Andersson, went on to tear up the World Rally scene in the early 1970s.
With similar styling to that of the Renault DeZir (pronounced desire) concept first shown in 2010 as a showcase of the company's design potential, the Alpine concept shares the same curvy look, narrow headlamps, wide stance and visor-like windscreen and side windows.
More information regarding the A110-50 concept will emerge when it makes its official debut this Friday in Monaco.
