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
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]