Autocar reports that Renault product planners are seriously investigating a low-cost, high-performance sports car to carry the Alpine badge. Expect the new car to be a serious competitor to the Mazda MX-5, albeit with more power (rumored to be close to 220 hp) and a slightly higher price tag.
Although prior Alpine-Renaults used a rear-engine layout, it seems as if the new car may have its motor in front. While sources tell Autocar that the car won't be a clone of the Nissan 370Z (which is deemed too heavy and expensive for an Alpine), it may use a number of components from the car on an all-new platform.
That idea isn't unlike Nissan's Urge, a rear-drive roadster concept that premiered at the 2006 Detroit auto show. Smaller than the 350Z and sized closer to the MX-5, the Urge still used a number of 350Z components to (feasibly) reduce cost.
Launching the car would give Renault its first true-sports car since the demise of the quirky Renault Sport Spider - itself built in the former Alpine factory. Expect to see the new Alpine launch between 2010 and 2011, with a possible Nissan-badged version - suggested to be a 200SX successor - following soon afterward.
Source: Autocar