RE: New Alpine A110 latest

[xRIEx]

HighwayStar said:

nickfrog said:

RBH58 said:

It's 4 cylinders because the are pulling the entire driveline from the existing parts bin. Just like Alfa did with the 4C.

Will it be transverse ?

It is believed to be transverse. We'll find out soon enough.....

It doesn't look like there's space for a longitudinal engine, and if they're using existing drivetrain components, do Renault even have a longitudinal transaxle?

(Obviously I'm excluding the RS Megane Trophy gearbox.)

[iSore]

Butter Face said:

Er, not to be a stickler for the truth but Renault's market share, profits and growth have been on the up for around 5 years. There is no 'losing battle' against VW (no more than any other manufactuer, and if anything Renault are gaining market share)

The Alpine brand is great, but I don't think it will be a major contributor to the Renault operating profits, smart decisions in 2011 did that, cutting back on the range, focusing more on quality and consistency has helped make more money and gain more market share.

I stand corrected Sir!

[blacky555uk]

A couple of pictures from them setting up the stand.

[blacky555uk]

[MarshPhantom]

[Blayney]

Blue looks amazing. Want to see a yellow one, the original looked nice in yellow

[blacky555uk]

Blayney said:

Blue looks amazing. Want to see a yellow one, the original looked nice in yellow

The launch (premier edition) is only available in the blue, white or black.

[bcr5784]

First thoughts - though the jury is out until someone has driven the thing.

1) Good ethos - light weight (shows the 718 Cayman as a bit of a fatty), not too big on tyres or wheel size. They say its set up to be mobile and therefore fun as a road car. I hope they stick with that approach and forget Nordschleife times.

2) Seems a good compromise sitting between an Exige and 718.

3) Is it my imagination or is the frunk just for the tank, but not for luggage? If so that may limit it's appeal. Rear boot is very small.

4) Good to see that the dash is less "starship Enterprize" than the concept car.

5) Would have thought that they could have made it narrower than the Cayman, given the narrower wheels. Opportunity missed.

6) Ok if the seats suit you. Bit of a bummer if you and your other half are different sizes.

7) Some important details missing - I suppose it has EPAS, though it would be nice if they could get away without assistance at all.

8) The gearbox had better be good - without a manual option, and something as dire as the Clio, it will be a very hard sell and get very bad reviews.

Edited by bcr5784 on Wednesday 8th March 08:34

[iSore]

Just realised this is bespoke and mid engined - I'd wrongly assumed it was a reskinned FWD Clio based retro thing.

In which case - bring it on.

[HighwayStar]

iSore said:

Just realised this is bespoke and mid engined - I'd wrongly assumed it was a reskinned FWD Clio based retro thing.

In which case - bring it on.

Where have you been for the last few years?

[iSore]

HighwayStar said:

Where have you been for the last few years?

Not taking much notice of Renaults clearly! :-)

[RBH58]

xRIEx said:

It doesn't look like there's space for a longitudinal engine, and if they're using existing drivetrain components, do Renault even have a longitudinal transaxle?

Absolutely it will be transverse.

[HighwayStar]

iSore said:

HighwayStar said:

Where have you been for the last few years?

Not taking much notice of Renaults clearly! :-)

You are now!
An interview with the chief engineer confirming no Clio bits, brand new engine not used in and Renault/Nissan yet. Gearbox is brand new as well!
http://www.topgear.com/car-news/geneva-motor-show/...

[iSore]

HighwayStar said:

You are now!
An interview with the chief engineer confirming no Clio bits, brand new engine not used in and Renault/Nissan yet. Gearbox is brand new as well!
http://www.topgear.com/car-news/geneva-motor-show/...

Cheers.

Exciting times ahead perhaps? With this and the Giulia, a backlash against Ze Germans? Perhaps in 5-10 years, German stuff will be the upmarket Cortina and small mfrs will occupy the niche in the UK that BMW, Audi and Merc used to occupy.

[RBH58]

HighwayStar said:

You are now!
An interview with the chief engineer confirming no Clio bits, brand new engine not used in and Renault/Nissan yet. Gearbox is brand new as well!
http://www.topgear.com/car-news/geneva-motor-show/...

Could well be a preview of the Meg RS driveline.

[HighwayStar]

RBH58 said:

HighwayStar said:

You are now!
An interview with the chief engineer confirming no Clio bits, brand new engine not used in and Renault/Nissan yet. Gearbox is brand new as well!
http://www.topgear.com/car-news/geneva-motor-show/...

Could well be a preview of the Meg RS driveline.

Good point, obviously the new engine will go into other product but the new 7sp Getrag box will need to be spread about for economy of scale. The Meg RS will need to be outstanding.

[Butter Face]

HighwayStar said:

RBH58 said:

HighwayStar said:

You are now!
An interview with the chief engineer confirming no Clio bits, brand new engine not used in and Renault/Nissan yet. Gearbox is brand new as well!
http://www.topgear.com/car-news/geneva-motor-show/...

Could well be a preview of the Meg RS driveline.

Good point, obviously the new engine will go into other product but the new 7sp Getrag box will need to be spread about for economy of scale. The Meg RS will need to be outstanding.

I believe (but I'm not 100%) that the 7 speed box in the Alpine is the one currently being used in the Megane GT. I think it's a wet clutch Getrag box..

[RBH58]

HighwayStar said:

The Meg RS will need to be outstanding.

Agree. It's predecessor was one of the all time hot hatch greats...justifiably. And Renaultsport blew it with RS Clio IV. They cannot afford to do a RS Clio IV with the RS Megane IV.

[HighwayStar]

RBH58 said:

HighwayStar said:

The Meg RS will need to be outstanding.

Agree. It's predecessor was one of the all time hot hatch greats...justifiably. And Renaultsport blew it with RS Clio IV. They cannot afford to do a RS Clio IV with the RS Megane IV.

I think it's a real shame they've fallen into line with some and gone 5 door only with Meg. The new engine in the Alpine is a 1.8 so maybe we'll see a new 2.0 for the Meg. With what's about now, the Focus RS, VAG offerings, Honda CTR etc. Renault need to push the boat out.

[cymtriks]

I can't find anything at all about the rear engine variant mentioned a couple of pages back.

Does anyone have a link?