Autoblog

Renault pits new concept vs. original Alpine A110 across the Alps

Zach Bowman — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Classics, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Videos, Renault

Renault has been busy having a little fun with the company's new A110-50 Concept. The automaker recently invited former rally driver Jean Ragnotti to take the futuristic machine for spin. Rangotti made a name for himself in the Renault 5 Turbo Group B by taking the gold at both the Monte Carlo Rally as well as the Rallye de France. As soon as the driver takes to an abandoned stretch of road, things take a different turn. It's not long before Ragnotti is pursued by an image of his former self behind the wheel of an original A110.

The clip narrowly avoids the pitfall of cheesiness, if for no other reason than we love an excuse to watch these two creations churn their tires in anger. There's just something about watching vintage French tin thrashing about in the Alps that makes us happy.

Of course, back here in reality, the A110-50 would make short work of its predecessor thanks to its 400-horsepower turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 and lightweight carbon fiber bodywork. Then again, the cars we loved in our youth always seem faster through the lens of history. Check out the video below to see what we mean. There's a bonus video down there with some amazing sound, too.

Continue reading Renault pits new concept vs. original Alpine A110 across the Alps

Renault pits new concept vs. original Alpine A110 across the Alps originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jul 2012 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renault confirms 400-HP Alpine concept debuting on Friday *UPDATE [w/video]

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 23 May 2012 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Renault

Renault has confirmed the unveiling of an Alpine concept at this weekend's Formula One Grand Prix de Monaco, but as we get closer there are new details alongisde new questions. Just yesterday came the leaked image of a concept called the A110-50C, heavily based on the Renault DeZir concept, that could turn out to be the thing itself or pure Photoshop fancy. French press is reporting that Renault COO Carlos Tavares has confirmed that a 400-horsepower concept will appear that "could be homologated and on the road in the future," and it will take a lap of the Monaco course.

Another story in the French press has a picture of Sebastian Vettel sitting inside a vintage Alpine 110 racer - the car that all this hubbub is about, an example of which is pictured above. It was taken in mid-April for German GQ magazine at the Barcelona F1 circuit. Vettel and Tavares will supposedly be presenting the concept, but that report indicates the car is called the ZAR and suspects the first letter is for "zero emissions," the second for Alpine, the third perhaps for Renault. A report in CNET France also claims the ZAR appellation for the concept, allowing that the meaning of the acronym can only be supposition for now. True, the DeZir was an all-electric concept, so either the A110-50C/ZAR has 400 electric horsepower and there isn't any mid-mounted 3.5-liter Nissan V6, or Renault has found a way to break every single law of internal combustion... or we just don't know what's really in there.

We'll should know all come Friday at 1:00 PM local time.

* UPDATE: The leaked image (inset) is the real deal. Renault has released some teaser photos and a video, and the reveal will happen on French Yahoo! Autos on Friday at 1:01 p.m. Monaco time. Scroll down to watch the teaser vid.

Continue reading Renault confirms 400-HP Alpine concept debuting on Friday *UPDATE [w/video]

Renault confirms 400-HP Alpine concept debuting on Friday *UPDATE [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renault Alpine A110-50 concept leaked ahead of Monaco debut

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 22 May 2012 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Renault

If Jesus had treated Lazarus' resurrection like Renault has treated that of its Alpine brand, Lazarus would have politely requested, "Please, leave me alone." In 2008, the Alpine's return was rumored to come riding on the platform of the Nissan 370Z. In 2009 the revival was declared D.O.A along with the co-developed Nissan 200SX. In 2010 it was back on, the new Alpine to be based on the reputation-making Alpine A110 Berlinette. In January of this year there were still rumors but still no car, with scuttlebutt pegging a concept showing at this year's Paris Motor Show.

Finally, just this month the goat entrails predicted a showing of a new Alpine at the Monaco Grand Prix, which arrives in the principality this weekend. And the leaked rendering pictured above of the Renault A110-50 concept is the very Alpine purportedly to be revealed on Friday. Looking more inspired by the Renault DeZir concept (right) from two years ago, with some uneven assistance from Photoshop, all Renault needs to do is omit the two supplementary nostrils on the leading edge and tell us where to send a deposit. The built-up concept is loosely based on a Renault Megane with a tube-frame chassis, hiding a 400-horsepower V6 amidships.

Not that it will ever be made, but at least we have something to look at now and perhaps even to touch come this Friday. Or could it get made? One more false start we neglected to mention was just last year when Renault scrapped the Alpine brand again, opting to provide a new roadster for its Renaulsport brand. The car proposed for that endeavor: a production version of the DeZir. We hope to know more on Friday, so stay tuned.

Renault Alpine A110-50 concept leaked ahead of Monaco debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 May 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Stratos DOA, neo Alpine possible?

Zach Bowman — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Etc., Europe, Design/Style, Luxury, Lancia

Stick a fork in it. The New Stratos is done. Reports kicking around the web have confirmed Ferrari has put the nix on any hopes of a production run. As you may recall, the New Stratos prototype was built off of the bones of a Ferrari F430. Pininfarina supplied the vehicle's carbon fiber skin, and Ferrari CEO Luca di Montezemolo was so taken with the project that he personally put down a hot lap in the wedge. That affection was fleeting, however. The minds behind the New Stratos have reportedly confirmed Ferrari doesn't want to cooperate with any company that could build a direct competitor to its products.

Listen closely and you'll hear the sound of our hearts breaking, bit by bit. There is some good news in all this gloom, however. The group behind the New Stratos has begun talks with Renault, and the French manufacturer may be keen to let the company craft a new take on the Alpine A110 Berlinette. Game on.

New Stratos DOA, neo Alpine possible? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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