Renault to Honour Alpine A110

27 January 2012

Renault has confirmed that it plans to release a follow-up to the legendary Renault Alpine A110 at this year's Paris Motor Show.

Renault has confirmed that it plans to release a follow-up to the legendary Renault Alpine A110 at this year's Paris Motor Show.  The announcement was made during the celebration of the iconic vehicle's 50th anniversary, with Renault Design Chief Laurens van den Acker noting that "It would be remiss not to do something."

However, it is still uncertain if a new Alpine coupé will become a production reality, unless the show concept receives a positive reaction.

"These things live by the grace of the day.  In my view, the best thing for a designer is always to have something cooking in the corner.  Then when the planets line up, you have something ready" said Acker.

Steve Norman, Marketing Chief at Renault said, the company "knew what to do" regarding a production Alpine, however, it "was a question what size of market it could take."

The most important question regarding the remake of A110 is whether there is still room in the present car market for something comparable to a Porsche.  For it to be profitable, the vehicle must sell in China and North America, Norman added.

On the matter of the DeZir concept rolling onto the production line, Acker said, it is not realistic to expect Renault to produce a rival to the Lamborghini or Ferrari.  He explained that the brand could not support that yet, although he believes that anything is possible, especially with the development of new [electric] technologies.

Author: Phoebe Ray