2016 Alpine Vision Concept

Alpine unveiled the Alpine Vision show car. Marrying elegance, agility and authenticity, this mid-engined two-seater coupé is in every respect a true Alpine. The Alpine Vision heralds the style and performance of the road-going sports car that will be revealed before the end of 2016. Manufactured in Dieppe, France, the upcoming model will go on sale from 2017, initially in Europe and subsequently across the rest of the world.

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.

In a return to its roots, Alpine has chosen the roads visited by the Rallye Monte-Carlo in the southern French Alps to celebrate its return. These mountains - which gave the brand its name - have naturally influenced the style of the Alpine Vision show car. The pleasure of owning and driving an Alpine has always stemmed from the fact that the marque makes a point of covering all the bases. The Alpine Vision is a mid-engined, two-seater sports coupé which incorporates all of the expected hallmarks in a thoroughly contemporary package. Its design hints at what drivers can expect to experience behind the wheel of an Alpine-badged sports car:
•The exhilaration and thrill of driving an Alpine,
•The agility of a lightweight, elegant design that focuses firmly on the essentials,
•The authenticity of a sports car that follows in a long line of illustrious Alpine models.

Alpine promises to enhance every part of the experience, and the forthcoming road-going model will continue to bear this hallmark.

SENSÚOÚS EXTERIOR STYLING
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 ÚNDER 4.5 SECONDS

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 PLEASÚRE


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

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 OPPORTÚNITY FOR ALPINE TO WIN OVER CÚSTOMERS AS A TRÚE 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.

50% growth forecast by 2020 in the premium sports car market

The premium sports car segment (sports coupés and roadsters) currently represents approximately 200,000 vehicles per year globally. These cars - whose primary purpose is driving pleasure - stand out for their performance, their personality and the prestige associated with their respective badges. They play a significant role in enhancing a manufacturer's image and profitability. They benefit from the most cutting-edge automotive expertise to satisfy exacting customers who demand the best.

Geographically, North America accounts for about 40% of premium sports coupé and roadster sales, with a further 35% in Europe, 15% in Asia and the remaining 10% throughout the rest of the world. In Europe, 30% of customers live in Germany, 30% in the Únited Kingdom and 7% in France. Meanwhile, the highest proportion of sports cars in relation to total market size can be found in countries like Switzerland, Belgium and Austria.

Forecasts suggest this market has the potential to expand by around 50% by 2020, firstly because it is a supply-driven market that is sensitive to change and new arrivals - even in the most mature markets - and secondly because demand is set to increase in the majority of emerging markets. For the past 10 years or so, demand has led each marque to occupy a more and more precise market position.

The Alpine alternative

In this market, models produced by specialist brands compete for sales with volume manufacturer rivals. Alpine is aiming to carve its own specific niche by providing alternative solutions to the two key criteria upon which the market depends: performance and personality.

Alpine has drawn upon the values, the simple philosophy and the modern outlook espoused by its visionary founder - in addition to its motorsport-honed DNA.
•Technically: weight-saving and agility are valued over pure power.
•Visually: in addition to boasting strong performance, the cars must also be beautiful. Elegance, ingenuity and even instinct all blend together to produce a formidably potent cocktail.
•On a human level: showing faith in human talent is paramount. Alpine is a family in which associates, engineers, drivers and mechanics all unconditionally share their knowledge and expertise to achieve results that consistently exceed expectations.
•On a sporting level: in a 'David vs. Goliath' scenario, the desire to measure itself against the very best in the business is a driving force for Alpine.
•Commercially: Alpine has always represented France in its international endeavours, most notably in its motor- sport and industrial successes. Right from its earliest days, it has been eager to 'think big' and expand on a global scale, whilst at the same time maintaining a close and direct relationship with its customers.

These same values today inspire the new Alpine team working on the development of the forthcoming road car. This first new Alpine comes with several key ambitions, from meeting the expectations of the aficionados and those who appreciate automotive beauty who are awaiting its arrival, to carving out a niche in a challenging market segment with its own style and gaining traction across the five continents.

ALPINE: AN AGILE START-ÚP OPERATION BACKED BY THE POWER OF GROÚPE RENAÚLT

To revive Alpine, create its first iconic model and formulate a plan for international success, Groupe Renault has brought the very best of its expertise to the table. Committed for a number of months now to this exciting new adventure, Alpine operates like a versatile, independent organisation, whilst at the same time being able to rely upon the full strength of Groupe Renault's corporate functions.

In the same way, Alpine naturally has access to Groupe Renault's chassis, engine and development know-how. The knowledge of Renault Sport's technical 'wizards' and its teams who are developing the latest Formula 1 car is put to use in the design of genuine Alpine models, as are all of Groupe Renault's support departments.

Finally, in a return to Alpine's roots, production of its new road car will be entrusted to the modernised Dieppe factory. Serving as a bespoke workshop, this Normandy plant will also be able to count upon a network of suppliers purposely selected for their high-tech or premium sector knowledge and expertise.

Source - Alpine

GROUPE RENAULT UNVEILS PLANS FOR ALPINE

◾Alpine Vision brings exciting new choice to sport premium cars market
◾Future production model to be revealed before the end of the year
◾Alpine leverages strengths of Groupe Renault, Renault Sport, Formula One

Monte Carlo, Monaco - At the home of the world-famous Monte Carlo Rally and on the Col de Turini, site of some of racing's most memorable moments, Groupe Renault today announced plans for a new Alpine sports car, and unveiled the Alpine Vision show car.



The show car Alpine Vision combines sensual design with outstanding agility, true to the great Alpine A110 Berlinette loved and admired by enthusiasts around the world. Alpine Vision is powered by a new 4 cylinder turbocharged engine, built by experts at Renault Sport, and its low weight will allow the car to achieve 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in less than 4.5 seconds - the target for the future production model.

Alpine will be managed by a small team of passionate experts within Groupe Renault, with one sole mission – to meet and exceed the expectations of the demanding sport premium customer. Michael van der Sande will lead as Alpine Managing Director, and Antony Villain will head Alpine design. Alpine will draw on the extensive resources of Groupe Renault, and Renault Sport.



Over the next 12 months, the Alpine team will focus on building an outstanding car, very close to today's show car in terms of design, weight, handling, agility and attention to detail. Priorities will also include building out the team and the network, and finally, to pursue racing. The current Signatech-Alpine Racing Team has already won two European endurance championships, and won the LMP2 class in the World Endurance Championship last year in Shanghai; and this year, the team will enter two Alpine LMP2 cars in the World Endurance Championship, including Le Mans.

Made in Dieppe, France, the new Alpine will go on sale in 2017 initially in Europe, followed by other markets worldwide.

Source - Alpine