Alpine SUV just a 'dream'

Future models from born-again Renault sports car brand Alpine, including the SUV that was speculated widely online last week, depend entirely on the success of the initial compact coupe that will relaunch the brand in 2017.

So said Bernard Ollivier, CEO of Société des Automobiles Alpine, at the French brand's 60th anniversary celebrations in its home town of Dieppe on the weekend, when a record number of Alpine cars and enthusiasts gathered despite inclement weather.

"I can read many information on the internet but people on the internet can dream," said Ollivier.

"I have only to make my first car because there will be no other car if the first car is not a success. After we can discuss.

"Of course we have many ideas but first only one car. We have to take time to take its place. It's an interesting idea but we will see."

According to reports development of the Alpine SUV is well under way, as is a plug-in hybrid version of the initial coupe, which was spotted testing in July wearing Lotus Exige bodywork with a charging port in clear view.

Ollivier would not divulge any details of the compact coupe, which appeared in concept from at the Le Mans 24 Hour in June looking very different to the radical A110-50 show car revealed in 2012.

"I want it to be a surprise," he said, in response to suggestions the reincarnated Alpine will be powered by a mid-mounted turbocharged four-cylinder Renault Sport engine driving the rear wheels via a dual-clutch automatic transmission.

However, when asked if both coupe and convertible versions would be offered, Ollivier said: "Perhaps".

He also reiterated confirmation made exclusively to motoring.com.au in July that production of the first Alpine in two decades will be pushed back to 2017 at the earliest. Alpine's rebirth was previously planned to take place at the 2016 Paris motor show next September.

"We will take the necessary time to make the perfect car so today my answer is the car will be on the road not before [20]17," he said.

"Because I think there is a big expectation in the car and the Alpine brand and we are obliged to make no mistake, so if we need two, three more years to build the perfect car we will take it."

Ollivier also said Alpine's new coupe, which he previously confirmed will be produced in right-hand drive for Australia will be well suited Down Under.

"Australia is an interesting country. We are sure the specification will be appropriate. I know sports cars are important and I know there are curves [in Australia]. Curves are nothing without a sports car."

Ollivier, who has previously described the reborn Alpine coupe as the "Berlinette for the 21st Century", said sleek sports car would have no direct rivals, although he did reference compact coupes including the Alfa Romeo 4C and Porsche Cayman.

"The answer is clear: we have to make Alpine cars. It's French elegance. It's lightweight. It's quite comfortable for daily use. It's pleasing at low speed with curves. There is only a unique brand able to do this. For me we have no competitors.

"It's the package, the DNA of the brand which is a unique signature. My issue is not to be sure if I'm better than 4C or Cayman. My issue is only with the DNA of Alpine. We want good balance between heritage and modernity. Safety, noise, electronics. Alpine is not about power.

"Of course customers will probably hesitate.... Many people especially women will like the French elegance which is different to German or Italian elegance. French elegance is very simple and we think our car is the solution. We hope our new car will also be out of its time."

Ollivier told motoring.com.au in October 2014 that coupe production would average about 3000 units annually, but Alpine would have maximum capacity of 5000 vehicles per annum at its spiritual home, the historic Dieppe factory on the Normandy coast of France.

The Dieppe factory continues to produce a number of racing, specialty and Renault Sport vehicles, and previously manufactured everything from the R5 Turbo and Renault Sport Spider to the Clio RS and Clio V6.

Founded on June 25, 1955 by Frenchman Jean Rédélé, who raced a Renault 4CV in various European rallies, Alpine produced a number of 4CV-based models including the A106 (1955-1960), the A108 (1958-1965) and the most famous of them, the A110 (1962-1977).

They were followed by the A310, the 200hp V6 turbo-powered GTA of 1985 and the 1990 A610, which was powered by a 3.0-litre turbo V6 and praised by press for its dynamic performance but discontinued in 1995 after slow sales.

Despite not building cars for 20 years, motoring.com.au witnessed first-hand the love of French enthusiasts for the Alpine brand and its unique, lightweight sports cars – an affection it hopes will translate globally in two years.