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| Alpine Vision concept |
Alpine has chosen the roads visited by the Rallye Monte-Carlo and, more specifically, the famous and twisty Col de Turini - the scene of its most celebrated early sporting achievements - as the backdrop for its renaissance. Alpine is back to carve out a clear niche in the premium sports car market, promising an invigorating experience to both aficionados and those who appreciate automotive beauty.
The Alpine Vision is the ultimate sports car: a high-performance, elegant, lightweight car dedicated to driving pleasure in its very purest form.
From its low, sleek profile, rounded bonnet, twin round headlights and sculpted sides to its pronounced rear wings that narrow towards the rear to form an elongated tail incorporating horizontal rear lights, this is a true Alpine in every respect. The marque's arrowed 'A' badge is visible on the front wings and on the sides of the car, along with more subtle references to the legendary A110 and other iconic models.
The Alpine Vision's design points to performance and style. Both inside and out, its forms and technologies are celebrated rather than concealed.
Its diamond turned wheels suggest elegance and speed, while the muscular stern integrates air intakes into the rear panels to facilitate engine cooling.
The elongated rear lights incorporate a distinctive X-shaped lighting signature and the design of the rear window similarly pays tribute to the iconic shape made popular by the A110 back in its day.
The agility and spirit of its handling means the Alpine Vision is especially in its element on winding roads. This characteristic can likewise be found in its design.
AWE-INSPIRING PERFORMANCE, SPRINTING FROM 0-100KM/H IN UNDER 4.5 SECONDS
The design of the Alpine Vision stokes the desire to own and drive a car with real character. Behind the wheel, the precision, agility and playful personality of its chassis combine to produce an altogether captivating cocktail. The fun factor is intense at all speeds.
Such a car, of course, must be capable of giving full rein to its explosive performance potential and, in this respect, the Alpine Vision more than lives up to expectations. Sprinting from a standstill to 100kph in less than 4.5 seconds, its phenomenal acceleration is every bit as impressive as one might imagine and meets the target set for the forthcoming road-going model.
The four-cylinder turbocharged engine delivers its power with an inviting purr and, thanks to the Alpine Vision's lightweight nature, every kW of energy and Nm of torque is dedicated to performance. This pleasure and performance are backed up by powerful brakes.
The Alpine Vision show car fosters a close, rewarding relationship between the driver, his or her car and the environment. It is the direct and intense nature of this three-way relationship that produces the pleasure that has long been associated with driving Alpines.
GIVING CARTE BLANCHE TO PASSION
Whilst blue is the colour most traditionally associated with Alpine, white has similarly marked many pivotal moments in its history.
A number of landmark Alpines have featured white liveries. Of particular note were the so-called 'Olympic' A110 Berlinettes that sported either a blue or red stripe on their white bodywork. This model went on sale in 1968, celebrating the three gold medals won by French downhill skier Jean-Claude Killy in that year's Winter Olympics in Grenoble, France. There was also the A110 1300G unveiled at the 1970 Paris Motor Show and, in motorsport, the N°4 A110 1600S that won Italy's Rallye Sanremo in 1971. Redolent of endless snow-capped mountains and Alpine peaks, white is today the choice of colour for the Alpine Vision show car. It is a symbol of purity, gracefulness, elegance and renaissance.
A CABIN THAT RADIATES DRIVING PLEASURE
From the moment the door is opened, the tone is set as the aluminium door sill - inscribed with the name of the show car's designers - invites the driver to step into a unique creation.
Contrasts of materials and colours are prevalent inside the cabin. Careful detailing is juxtaposed with elements that seem to be in their raw state. Visual impressions are accompanied by tactile emotions. The balance between modernism and heritage is apparent.
In employing a blend of leather, microfibre fabrics, aluminium and carbon, the cabin exudes a contemporary feel. In a high-tech environment, features drawn from the world of motorsport sit seamlessly alongside others that harken to a bygone era. As a case in point, the backlit door opening control contrasts with the damasked black leather door panel trim, which is highlighted by white topstitching. Similarly, the bucket-style seats incorporate motorsport-inspired harness belts coupled with aluminium fastening buckles. Their quilted leather upholstery combines with a microfibre fabric that is both sensuous and technical.
In front of the driver is an instrument panel composed of a customisable TFT (Thin Film Transistor) display underneath a carbon cowling. The two pedals and aluminium footrest feature a three-triangle pattern symbolising Alpine peaks. The three-spoke steering wheel, also in aluminium, has a thick rim trimmed in topstitched black leather. Framed by gear-shift paddles, it houses a tempting 'Sport' button. The main switches are enhanced by Alpine Blue backlighting that also illuminates the centre of the air vents.
The centre console rests upon a prominent, leather-trimmed aluminium structure. Taking cues from an aircraft cockpit, it appears to be floating inside the cabin. It houses a multimedia touch-screen tablet topped by a circular stopwatch.
The Start button - accessible after removing a pin - is within tempting reach, holding the promise of an imminent sensory explosion.
A LIVING LEGEND
The story of Alpine dates back to the vision of its founder, Jean Rédélé. It is a story of motorsport success, technical ingenuity, style and business acumen. By the same token, it is a story of encounters and shared experiences. It is an epic tale that recently celebrated its 60th anniversary.
After claiming a long list of victories behind the wheel of his modified Renault 4CV, Jean Rédélé very quickly recognised the opportunity to create his own automotive brand. He saw that there was room in the market for an innovatively-designed car, with competitive but mainstream mechanicals housed underneath an attractive, lightweight body. This is the same technical ethos that guided the design of the A106 and the foundation of Alpine in 1955.
The second principle developed by Jean Rédélé was a commercial one, as he astutely added an international dimension to his operations by transferring manufacturing licences abroad.
Between 1955 and 1995, Alpine produced and sold 30,000 sports cars. Although it has been commercially absent in the 20 years since, it has remained active. The activities undertaken by its aficionados, the enthusiasm of its supporters' clubs and the participation of privately-entered drivers in a wide variety of motorsport events testify to the marque's enduring appeal. All of them have kept the Alpine flame burning and fostered the seemingly inconceivable dream of an eventual return - a return that is now very real.
A SIGNIFICANT OPPORTUNITY FOR ALPINE TO WIN OVER CUSTOMERS AS A TRUE ALTERNATIVE
At the end of 2012, Groupe Renault announced its intention to relaunch Alpine, with the ultimate dream of seeing new Alpine models one day take to the road - a dream that is now close to being realised. The moment has arrived to confirm the belief that this legendary marque is once more capable of carving out a unique and enduring place in the market.
Three years on, the Alpine team is ready, with a real vision in terms of automotive styling, values, a business model and international ambitions. Alpine is back with the Alpine Vision, a show car that heralds its forthcoming road-going sports car, 80% of which will reflect the concept's cues. This model will be unveiled before the end of 2016, prior to taking on the challenging premium sports car market in 2017.