To most car guys, the name Alpine stands for high-quality audio systems. True enough, the brand has been coming up with some of the best in-vehicle infotainment systems for quite a few decades now. But did you know that Alpine was also a revered sports car maker back in the day?
Yes, the Alpine marque was part of the Renault brand and sold a model known as the A110. From 1961 to 1977, Alpine produced a Berlinetta or coupe fitted with a variety of Renault engines. It was the immediate successor of the Alpine A108. It likewise came in cabriolet form later on.
Fast-forward 40 years and the Alpine sub-brand is back. And with it comes the vaunted A110 nameplate. Besides the name, the new car takes some of its forbearer’s styling cues and puts them in a modern iteration. The coupe profile (or Berlinette) is the most obvious similarity. Then there are the front round auxiliary lights, a throwback that actually looks right at home in present-day sports car fashion.
While Alpine has not given any details about the powertrain or other underpinnings, we would surmise that these would likewise come from the Renault parts bin, just like its spiritual predecessor. Of course, we’ll let you know once we have word. And we won’t have to wait long, as the Alpine A110 will be launched at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, happening next week.
