February 16, 2016 is the date that Renault-owned company Alpine will be revealing its production sports car – likely to be similar to the design patents seen earlier. Labelled as the “A120,” the upcoming model is a tribute and successor to the iconic A110. On its Twitter page, the company showed a little teaser saying, “we wanted to announce our come back, but some would say we never left.”
The Renault Alpine Celebration concept was first seen at Le Mans last year, sporting a blue and orange livery. In the mid-engined sports car, word is that a turbocharged 1.8 litre four-cylinder mill that’s based on the 1.6 litre engine of the Renault Clio RS will feature. Two variants are also said to be in the pipeline.
The standard variant will push out around 250 hp, while the more powerful one will reportedly churn out 300 hp. In addition to that, the turbocharged engine is also said to be paired with Renault’s new EDC seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, currently found in the Renault Talisman.
Rumours continue to indicate that the A120 will be light, weighing just 1,100 kg, achieved through the use of aluminium that has been employed throughout its construction. Carbon-fibre was originally to be used to achieve a 1,000-kg target, however the idea was dropped as the material was seen as too costly and not worth it, despite the reduced mass.
Aside from rivalling the Porsche Boxster and the Audi TT, it seems as though the A120 will be looking to contend with the light-weight Alfa Romeo 4C as well. Alpine head, Bernard Ollivier previously said that the sports car will be produced at Renault’s factory in Dieppe, France. Some 3,000 to 5,000 units are expected to made annually.
GALLERY: Alpine Celebration Concept
GALLERY: Renault Alpine mule Spyshots
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Facia reminds me of Lexus SC400 Coupe back in the 90’s.