Geneva '08 Preview: Renault to show new Alpine?
Wildfire rumors that Renault is preparing to launch an unspecified "desirable" concept car at the upcoming Geneva show, alongside the new Koleos crossover, have had fuel added. Patrick Pelata, the French automaker's product planning exec-veep, confirmed that Renault is working on a new sportscar. "Think Mazda MX-5 or even Smart Roadster and you are on the right lines", said Pelata in a recent interview.
If previous reports hold their water, the small roadster will have more content than the previous bare-bones Renault Sport Spider, and could feature a mid-mounted turbocharged engine driving the rear wheels. Reviving the Alpine name, the new model is also expected to be just the first of a new line-up of sportscars that would capitalize on Renault's success in Formula One. Meanwhile marketing chief Stephen Norman revealed that the company is also working on a new flagship sedan positioned above the new Laguna set to target fellow French rivals from PSA Peugeot-Citroen. With just two weeks to go, we'll just have to sit tight and see what Renault has in store for us this year in Switzerland.
[Source: AM Online - free subscription required]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
DIRETTORE 6:25PM (2/18/2008)
* What is it about the French styling that I would never even consider buying a Renault?
I did like the original Alpine though.
Its just so,... 'Je ne sais quoi?'
Vive le diference!
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Erik 5:30AM (2/20/2008)
It´s 'Vive la différence'...
vwboyaf1 6:31PM (2/18/2008)
Is this the same platform that the new Nissan S-16 is rumored to be based off?
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Neil41487 6:37PM (2/18/2008)
I really like the styling of the posted car.
Why cant we have more small, sporty coupes in the US?
Small Car = Fun Car, in my opinion
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rgseidl 9:10PM (2/18/2008)
Between the headlights, the grille and the enormous Renault logo, it looks like a demented clown. It's worse than the A210 and the A310, which was a pitiful attempt at a supercar.
Renault should really take another look at the A110, that was a gorgeous auto body. Especially in rallye livery.
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AlexC 11:48PM (2/18/2008)
Probably wouldn't see as a Renault, but what about as a small Nissan? Weren't there reports of a small rwd Nissan sport coupe to be marketed below the Z? I'd be surprised if it were mid-engined, but it better be rwd or the buying crowd here would just go for the 2-door Altima.
This could be interesting for the US market.
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ronnie 6:08AM (2/19/2008)
no its not the same platform that the new Nissan S-16 is rumored to be based off? its the improved and well modified one.
http://cars.ozfreeonline.com
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DIRETTORE 7:29PM (2/20/2008)
Merci
PeteH 2:52PM (2/20/2008)
Indeed it looks a bit like my smart Roadster. Not bad at all. Wish they's make it a convertible though.
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DIRETTORE 7:32PM (2/20/2008)
* Why dont they put all their skills & expertise from F1 & build a hyper performance car & give Ferrari a run for their money?
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