GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Renault Alpine Vision

Just as it said it would in January, Renault has revealed a new performance coupe that will reincarnate its historic Alpine sports car brand.

The bad news is the born-again Alpine sportster has emerged as yet another concept ahead of its global debut at the Geneva motor show on March 1, following the unveiling of earlier Alpine show cars including the 2012 A110-50 and the 2015 Alpine Celebration.

However, Renault says this latest 'Alpine Vision' concept is an 80 per cent accurate indication of the production model it will reveal by the end of this year, before it enters production at Dieppe in northern France later than expected in 2017.

Although no other firm information accompanies this pre-Geneva release, Renault says the Alpine Vision – the production version of which is expected to be called the A120 and could look like patent images unearthed in mid-2015 — can sprint to 100km/h in less than 4.5 seconds.

In the absence of any specifications, we continue to expect the mid-engined, rear-wheel drive coupe to weigh less than 1100kg and be powered by a new mid-mounted turbocharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that will generate as much as 225kW.

The only bad news could be the lack of a manual transmission, with — like the current Clio RS – a dual-clutch automatic transmission likely to be the only gearbox available.

Either way, the A120 should be a lightweight, two-seat compact coupe to rival $70,000-plus sports cars like the Alfa 4C, Audi TT, BMW Z4, Jaguar F-TYPE, Mercedes-Benz SLK and Porsche Cayman, and backs Renault's positioning of it as a 'premium' sports car.

Renault says it expects the global premium sports car market – currently comprising 200,000 coupes and roadsters annually, with North America (40 per cent) and Europe (35 per cent) comprising the lion's share – to hit about 300,000 by 2020.

"These cars – whose primary purpose is driving pleasure – stand out for their performance, their personality and the prestige associated with their respective badges," said Renault.

"They play a significant role in enhancing a manufacturer’s image and profitability. They benefit from the most cutting-edge automotive expertise to satisfy exacting customers who demand the best.

"Forecasts suggest this market has the potential to expand by around 50 per cent by 2020, firstly because it is a supply-driven market that is sensitive to change and new arrivals – even in the most mature markets – and secondly because demand is set to increase in the majority of emerging markets."

Key design features of the first Alpine since the A610 went out of production back in 1995 include a low, sleek profile, rounded bonnet, twin round headlights, sculpted sides with rear air intakes, an elongated tail incorporating horizontal rear lights, diamond-turned wheels and the brand's arrowed ‘A’ badge on the front wings and sides, and other subtle references to the iconic A110.

“The Alpine Vision show car ticks all the boxes expected of a modern, exclusive Alpine sports car," said Alpine design director, Antony Villain.

"It blends a fiery spirit inspired by motorsport success, with Alpine’s legendary expertise and a French flavour that can be found in every detail.

"The Alpine Vision is aimed at aficionados and connoisseurs, and 80 per cent of the style of our forthcoming road car will be reflected in it.”

While the first interior spy shot of the A120 appeared recently, the concept's cabin features a blend of leather, microfibre fabrics, carbon and aluminium, including the side sills.

Motorsport-inspired sports bucket seats are trimmed in quilted leather upholstery and microfibre fabric and feature harnesses with aluminium buckles.

The instrument cluster comprises a customisable TFT (Thin Film Transistor) display underneath a carbon cowling, while two pedals and the foot rest are aluminium with a three-triangle pattern symbolising Alpine peaks.

A matching thick-rimmed steering wheel features three aluminium spokes, black leather trim, gearshift paddles and a 'Sport' button, while gauges and air-vents are Alpine Blue backlit.

Unique features include an aluminium centre console stack with 'floating' tablet-style multimedia touch-screen and circular stopwatch at the top, while a start button is activates by removing a pin.

Renault's new Alpine sports car was originally to have been co-developed with British sports car-maker Caterham and released this year, but ties were severed two years into the technical partnership in 2014.

Already confirmed for Australian release, the A120 coupe is expected to lead to an eventual three-model Alpine family including an SUV.

"At the end of 2016, we will unveil Alpine’s new road-going sports car," said Arnaud Delebecque, Alpine Global Chief Marketing Manager.

"This Berlinette of the 21st Century will go on sale over the course of the second quarter of 2017 across the five continents. We really can’t wait!”