Renault Alpine A110-50 concept revealed ahead of Monaco Grand Prix
Leaked images and details confirm the Renault Alpine A110-50 concept as a 400bhp, Megane Trophy-based tribute to the Berlinette, set for its Monaco debut.
Renault’s plans to revive the Alpine name surfaced early when images of the A110-50 concept leaked days before its scheduled unveiling at the 2012 Monaco Grand Prix. The coupe, styled as a modern tribute to the original A110 Berlinette, marks the model’s 50th anniversary and signals Renault’s intention to position Alpine as a premium sports sub-brand.
A modern tribute with racing hardware
The A110-50’s design, led by Yann Jarsalle with input from Renault’s concept team, draws on the Berlinette’s heritage without resorting to retro styling. The car features half-domed LED lights in Alpine’s signature yellow, a deep front splitter, and a dramatic rear wing. Its proportions and surfacing echo the 2010 Renault DeZir concept, but the A110-50 is a fully functioning track car rather than a static showpiece.
Beneath the carbonfibre bodywork sits the tubular spaceframe chassis from the Renault Megane Trophy racer. The powertrain is a mid-mounted 3.5-litre V6, producing 400bhp (295kW) and driving the rear wheels through a paddleshift gearbox. The chassis has been modified with a lower roll cage and engine mounting to suit the Alpine’s lower roofline, but the mechanical package remains close to that of the race car.
Interior and technical details
Inside, the A110-50 is stripped back. The cockpit features carbon fibre trim, diamond-pattern bucket seats, and a steering wheel borrowed from Renault’s Formula 3.5 single-seater, complete with integrated display. There are no airbags or comfort features, and the car is fitted with on-board pneumatic jacks for rapid wheel changes. Adjustable racing suspension, large brakes, and 21-inch centre-lock wheels complete the technical package. Tyres are road-homologated Michelins, not racing slicks.
Production prospects and Alpine’s future
Renault has not released performance figures or confirmed production plans for the A110-50. The concept’s use of existing Megane Trophy hardware suggests that a limited run could be feasible, but the car as shown would not be road legal. Renault is positioning Alpine as a more premium, less uncompromising brand than Renaultsport, and the A110-50’s Monaco debut hints at renewed interest in the coupe segment, with rivals such as the Jaguar F-Type and Alfa Romeo 4C also on the horizon.
- Half-domed yellow LED headlights inspired by the Berlinette
- Carbon fibre air intake from the roof
- Scissor doors
- On-board pneumatic jacks for quick pit stops
The A110-50 concept’s appearance closely follows the Renault DeZir concept, and speculation points to a more production-ready Alpine coupe possibly appearing at the Paris Motor Show later in 2012. For now, the A110-50 stands as a working tribute to Alpine’s motorsport roots, previewing the brand’s ambitions for the decade ahead.
For Alpine’s next concept appearance, see its Asian debut in Shanghai:Renault Alpine A110-50 Concept Makes Asian Debut in Shanghai
