Renault Alpine concept hits the slopes

Renault has released a cracking new video of its Alpine A110-50 concept racing through treacherous snow-covered alpine roads alongside the original A110 that inspired it.

The French brand celebrated its launch of the 1962 Alpine A110 earlier this year by revealing the A110-50 concept, which was driven by in the video by long-time Renault test pilot Jean Ragnotti, a younger ‘version’ of whom also appears driving the original A110.

The sleek A110-50 concept was also driven at the weekend’s Goodwood Festival of Speed by Renault chief Carlos Tavares, who told Autocar that he would decide whether to revive Renault’s Alpine brand – via a born-again A110 or otherwise – by the end of this year.

However, Mr Tavares said that a production version of the 295kW V6-powered A110-50 concept – which was his preferred method of reintroducing the Alpine brand – would only eventuate via a joint-venture deal.

Mr Tavares confirmed Renault was already in discussions with another unnamed manufacturer regarding such an arrangement, and it's understood the deal could be a further element to the technology collaboration that already exists between Renault, Nissan and Daimler.

“What is clear is that if we want to build a great car – which is the only way we will build an Alpine – then we must share the burden of development costs,” said Mr Tavares. “I am working in that direction, but it is too early to say if the discussions will be a success.

“I am going softly in my plans, because we must get this car right. If the decision for a partner is positive, then it will take three to five years for the car to make production.”

Renault revealed the modern interpretation of its original Alpine A110 earlier this year. If it reaches production and is built in right-hand drive guise for Australia, the born-again Alpine sportscar would cost at least $70,000 here.