2017 Alpine A110 revealed

Renault’s Alpine revival will officially revive the A110 nameplate, and this is what the production version will look like ahead of its Geneva motor show unveiling on March 7.

France’s Porsche Cayman rival has been a long time – and several concept cars – coming, and it appears the company’s public relations machine will continue the wait even longer. Only two pictures have been released of the production A110, with few technical details.

“[It] features a full aluminium platform and upper body for optimum weight saving and agility,” is all that Renault would reveal.

“Its name is A110, reflecting the timeless principles of compact size, light weight and agility that made the success of the ‘Berlinette’.”

At least we know the production model remains true to its roots and concept cars past, with a highlight being the four-point headlight’s circular inner pair flanking the flat nose with ALPINE spaced badging – just like its Monte Carlo rally-winning successor. The wrap-around rear glass and sculpted sides also provide neat nods to the original without being try-hard.

It is likely the Alpine A110 will use a new 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic – although we hope a manual is at least optional. It should produce around 200kW to challenge the Alfa Romeo 4C, and given the compact size and all-aluminium construction, will hopefully weigh around 1100kg.

Way back in 2014, Alpine CEO Bernard Ollivier told Australian media that the production Alpine would be positioned “somewhere between a Porsche Cayman and Alfa 4C.”

“Porsche Cayman … it’s very premium especially for the interior design, it’s very easy to be used daily. [But] 4C is very, very frugal, very simple. Alpine will be premium, with a French touch. For France, not for Germany. [We will be] not like a Porsche.”

Renault Australia managing director Justin Hocevar said the production Alpine will be built in right-hand drive and will arrive locally, indicating pricing beyond $60K but less than $90K.

Read how the Alfa Romeo 4C and Porsche Cayman compared against one another