Friday 20th January 2017

New Renault Alpine spy shots

Not an official preview this time, here's a look at the actual car!

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Lightweight, mid-engined, rear-wheel drive sports cars should always go down well on PistonHeads, which is why there's a fair amount of excitement around the new Alpine. That and the Clio R.S.16 was cancelled to build it, so it had better be good...

Eagerly anticipated, you might say

Here it's been caught winter testing ahead of launch, showing off a few key details. Beneath the camo both front and rear lights look production ready, with the exhaust and diffuser also appearing ready for the showroom too. It even has numberplate recesses and indicators, so it would be surprising to see much change between now and the launch.

See also the vents at the B-pillar for cooling, plus some very small slits ahead of the front wheels that will probably aid aero performance. The brakes look reassuringly large too, sat behind what could almost be Speedline Turinis (or Clio 172 Cup wheels, as you may remember them).

There's something not quite right though. Perhaps it's the camo or maybe it's the environment, but the Alpine's profile seems a little odd. We're hardly key arbiters of automotive taste at PH, yet here the Alpine doesn't appear as compact or visually exciting as something like a 4C, Elise or even a Cayman. However, if it's a choice between a 4C style sports car (with great looks and a duff drive) or an Alpine alternative that doesn't look amazing but drives fantastically we'll certainly take the latter. More soon!

[Photos: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien]

[Maldini35]

Love the idea of this car but I'm struggling to get excited over the styling.
An old Celica from the front, Audi A5 from the side and rear.
Looks to be sitting a bit high too.
Hopefully the final car minus camo and on the proper wheels will look better.
Regardless of what I think of the styling it's good to have them back.