The Alpine sports car will launch sometime next year under the A120 moniker and will be powered by a mid-mounted 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder connected to a seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. The A120 is expected to deliver around 250 horsepower and its design will closely resemble the Alpine Celebration Concept revealed earlier this year.
Following the A120’s debut, Renault will reveal a hotter version with 300 hp to rival the Porsche Cayman S. The amped-up Alpine sports car will make less power than the Cayman S, but will weigh almost 700 pounds less, potentially making it a rival for the Cayman GT4. Along with the added grunt, the hardcore A120 will sport side ducts to improve airflow to complement the front aerodynamics. Other visual modifications like LED rally-inspired headlights, a rear spoiler, and lightweight wheels will give the sportier A120 a more aggressive look.
Should both versions of the A120 sports car sell well, Renault will begin working on a crossover to be unveiled in 2018.
The crossover will be co-developed by Nissan, who recently announced that its Z-badged sports cars will turn into Z-badged crossovers. Both the Nissan Z crossover, and the Renault Alpine crossover will use a hybrid powertrain and all-wheel drive.
Renault design boss Laurens van den Acker previously mentioned “a hope” that the sports car would spearhead a range of Alpine-branded vehicles.
“As with many things we need to have a good business first. We all love Alpines but we all want to make money as well. Let’s get the first car right and then I hope I can start doing Alpines for the rest of my life,” he said.
Acker’s statements suggest more Alpine models are being discussed to rival the products of German performance automakers.
