Renault teases Alpine concept

RENAULT'S protracted Alpine sportscar saga has entered another chapter, with the first image of the forthcoming concept's interior revealed in social media.

A full reveal of the concept is just days away but the single image is building anticipation for the model, which is believed to be rolling out as a production version in about two years.

While some features will certainly be limited to the concept world such as infeasible door mirrors and gloss door trims, other Alpine cabin inclusions appear to be closer to production.

Its French stitched dashboard, suede and perforated leather steering wheel, all-digital instrument cluster and refined switchgear are all possibilities for a showroom version.

No engine details have been released or are revealed in the shot but its transmission appears to be of the automatic variety with steering wheel paddles, while centre console selector controls are similar to Ferrari's two-pedal solution.

A central screen is decorated with the colours of the French flag, a clock that would not be out of place in a Tissot catalogue and a device that could be an ignition key card.

All will be revealed next week when the complete car is officially unveiled, but it is understood the Alpine will adopt a more lightweight sportscar approach along the lines of Alfa Romeo 4C and Lotus Elise, rather than a larger bruiser supercar.

Renault has been flirting with the idea of an Alpine sportscar since its first Alpine A110 concept that rolled out in 2012.

Since then, the company has teased Renault fans with a second concept in January last year with a virtual Alpine Vision Gran Turismo, and then again in June 2015 with more conventional coupe styling, neither of which have transitioned into a model you can buy.

The Alpine name exists as a standalone marque wholly owned by Renault and with the absence of any of the French car-maker’s branding in the concept's cabin, it is likely it will launch its sportscar under its own brand rather than as a Renault model.

A production Alpine would be the first model to turn a wheel since 1995 when the factory produced its final A610. Before that the company built the now iconic A310 and A110 coupes among other low-volume variants.