2012 Renault Alpine A110-50 Concept

Plans to revive the Alpine name have gone back and forth like a tennis match for years, but Renault may finally be giving the project a green light, for a concept version at least. A few days ago, we reported that the first concept version for the Alpine line would be unveiled at the 2012 Monaco Grand Prix, and now the Renault Alpine A110-50 Concept has made its official debut.

The Renault Alpine A110-50 Concept was named as such because it pays tribute to the 50th anniversary of the Alpine A110. Its exterior design was inspired by the Renault DeZir concept unveiled at the 2010 Paris Motor Show and its technical side was borrowed from the Renault Megane Trophy, meaning we will see a V6 engine with an impressive output of 400 HP and 315 lb-ft. of torque.

The original Alpine A110 debuted in 1961 and lasted through the 1977 model year. It had a rather Porsche-like design and had a number of engines ranging from a 66-horsepower 1,108 cc engine to an impressive 140-horsepower 1,605 cc engine.

If the Renault Alpine A110-50 Concept sees the light of production day, we’re guessing it will besometime in 2014.

Exterior and Interior

The new Alpine A110-50 Concept takes the design elements from the iconic Berlinette (A 110) and gives them a modern interpretation. The new concept includes the new Renault design language introduced by Laurens van den Acker with the DeZir concept car.

The concept will be immediately recognized thanks to its elegant, flowing bodywork painted in a very cool blue which refreshes and reinterprets the famous original "Alpine Blue." Up front, Renault added half-domed additional lamps with full LED yellow lighting, while the main impressive feature at the rear is the 3D rear window and the air intakes on each side that echo the ducts on the rear wheel arches. The doors feature a scissor motion and the entire body is made from carbon-fiber.

The concept is a two-seater model with the interior combining carbon-fiber elements with a pretty cool black paint. The driver’s seat features embroidered "Renault Alpine A 110-50" and comes equipped with Sabelt full harness belts and alternate, attractive shades of blue. The concept’s steering wheel comes with the same technology as a Formula Renault 3.5 single-seater and includes a colored screen.

Engine and Gearbox

Under the hood of this impressive concept, there’s a 3.5 liter 24-valve V6 engine mounted in a mid-rear position. The engine delivers a total of 400 HP and is fitted with a semi-automatic six-speed sequential gearbox, as well as a twin-plate clutch that can be controlled using either the clutch pedal or a paddle on the steering wheel.

Chassis and Suspension

The new A110-50 Concept was developed by Renault Sport Technologies, so naturally, there are a lot of racing components installed. It was developed on the Megane Trophy race car platform , but the tubular chassis of the Renault Alpine A 110-50 was stiffened and underwent several developments.

The roll cage and bracing in the engine bay were modified (lowered) so the concept now delivers an almost ideal weight distribution: 47.8% over the front wheels. The wheelbase of the Renault Alpine A 110-50 is identical to that of Megane Trophy (2,625mm), while the track is slightly wider at 1,680mm front and 1,690mm rear. The concept sits on a new set of 21" wheels combined with Sachs dampers that can be adjusted in compression and extension.

When Can I Drive One?

Well, if we are lucky enough, maybe we will be able to drive the concept at some point, but a production version is expected for the 2014 model year.