Back to the Future – The Alpine Vision
The new Alpine Vision concept car from Renault not only pays homage to the French car giant’s prolific past, but also celebrates its present glory. Designed using to the most up-to-date technology and racing expertise while staying true to its original form, the new Alpine looks set to give its peers a real run for their money.
The design has been loosely based on the original 1962 Alpine Berlinette A110, which rose to fame thanks to its success in various rallies across Europe. The headlamps, curved rear window and details like the air outlets are all throwbacks to the original Alpine A110 but the new Vision is most definitely a car of today.
A combination of 60s style and contemporary technology, the Alpine Vision concept was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year as a concept car, and is set to be released in early 2017. Unlike many concept cars, the Alpine is set to pack as much punch on the roads as it has in the demos.
The mid mounted four cylinder turbo engine,located behind the driver, offers up to 270bhp providing enough power for the Vision to get from 0 to 60 km/h in less than 4.5 seconds. While these are the stats for the concept car, it has been revealed that the production model will be on a par with the concept Vision.
The lightweight carbon fibre body not only give the car and edge from an aerodynamic point of view, but the new blue pays tribute to the car’s original heritage. With breaking capability to match its power, the Alpine Vision handles like a dream. It can handle corners cleanly and smoothly, and the deep growl of the exhaust will unleash your inner petrol head.
According to Renault the Alpine Vision’s “DNA blends Renault’s sporting passion and technical expertise.” Although only a concept at the moment, there are rumblings that there will be a release announced for 2017. So it comes as no surprise that, designed utilising the best resources from Renault Sport Technologies and the same technical platform as the Megane Trophy race cars, the Alpine Vision is one of the most eagerly anticipated production sports cars to date. But whether this beauty might ever be available in South Africa, remains to be seen.
