2018 Alpine AS110 finally revealed

Images of Renault's long-awaited ultra-light Alpine A110 sports coupe have been revealed prior to the model's public launch at the Geneva motor show later this month.

The new design appears to be in keeping with a series of 'Vision concepts' distributed by the French carmaker, drawing heavily on styling cues from the legendary Alpine A110 from the 1960s. A central bonnet ridge and prominent driving lights are among the design's signature features.

Speed and handling will both be assisted by the A110's light weight. Although Renault hasn't detailed the car's final specification reports out of Europe suggest it tips the scales at just over 1000kg. The use of aluminium panels over a special aluminium chassis has been confirmed by the manufacturer.

The new Alpine A110 will be powered by an over-bored version of  Renault's Clio RS's 1.6-litre turbocharged engine that, in its most developed form, churns out 162kW.

As much as 223kW is expected from the bigger engine making Alpine's hopes of a four-second 0-100km/h sprint realistic.

Alpine is now a stand-alone division of Renault. When announcing the A110 badge the company acknowledged, “the timeless principles of compact size, light weight and agility that made the success of the 'berlinette',” which is old school French slang for a two-door coupe.

Production of the A110 is likely to occur alongside the Clio RS in Renault's specialised production line at Dieppe on France's north coast.

A right-hand version of the car has been confirmed, with delivery of vehicles for countries such as Australia and the UK foreshadowed to happen soon after the first European orders are filled.

Eventually, the Alpine range is likely to consist of an SUV alongside three other models.

Alpine managing director Michael van der Sande and chief engineer David Twohig will formally present Alpine's first car in two decades at next week's Geneva show where further specification will be confirmed.

Eventually, the Alpine range is likely to consist of an SUV alongside three other models.

North America is on the agenda for Alpine with Renault expected to sell the brand there through the dealer networks of sister companies Nissan and Infiniti.

Alpine's proposed global roll-out will almost certainly include China.

A successful French rally driver, Jean Rédélé, also the son of a Dieppe Renault dealer, founded Alpine in 1955.

Rédélé's performance car business was built around his rally-bred modifications under a tight relationship with Renault.

A successful rally run through the French Alps inspired him to adopt the 'Alpine' name.

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