Renault Alpine A110-50 details released

The Renault Alpine A110-50 concept was shown for the first time on Friday at the Monaco Grand Prix. The Alpine was produced by Renault Sport Technologies and is based on the same platform as the Mégane Trophy car. The look is a mix of the DeZir concept designed by Laurens van den Acker—which we saw in Paris—and the classic Alpine. Designer Yann Jarsalle and concept show-car director Axel Breun helped create the new front end based on Acker's beginnings. The new front-end look and upright diamond will be carry over to the company's production models. Elsewhere on the exterior, the half-domed lamps are a nod to the past but now have full LED yellow lighting. The rear window shows off the mid-engine layout while the air intakes echo the wheel arches of the old Alpine Berlinette. To build the Alpine chassis, engineers from Tork Engineering stiffened and further developed the Mégane Trophy platform, adding a roll cage and bracing in the engine bay. The digital design was done by Renault Design, Koller and Etud Integral, and final assembly was done by Protostyle. The car's aero setup was developed using computational fluid dynamics. The Alpine has a hidden front splitter in its bumper and a rear air diffuser that accelerates airflow beneath the vehicle. The ground effects account for one-third of the downforce created, with the rest coming by way of an adjustable rear wing. The Alpine uses a 3.5-liter V6 producing 400 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. It also uses the carbon air intake from the Mégane Trophy V6. The inlet manifold is fed by a roof scoop, which Renault says broadens the engine's power band. Possibly the most impressive part of the Alpine A110-50 is its six-speed sequential gearbox. It comes equipped with a twin-plate clutch that can be controlled using either the clutch pedal or a paddle on the steering wheel. It also incorporates a limited-slip differential with adjustable preloading. As far as we know, the Renault Alpine A110-50 is just a concept, but it's definitely a beauty. And, if by chance a production version does come around, we probably won't see it in the Unite States. Until we find out more, enjoy the gallery and let us know what you think in the Comments section below. Read more: http://www.autoweek.com/article/20120529/carnews/120529793#ixzz1wMnaAvkh