Alpine ‘A120’ teased with new aluminium chassis
The upcoming Alpine sports car, believed to be known as the A120, has been teased ahead of its anticipated reveal at the Geneva motor show in March.
According to the accompanying release, the so-called A120 will feature a bespoke all-aluminium platform and upper body, which the company says ensures lightweight and "agile handling".
Reports online claim the French sports car will also utilise aluminium for the majority of its bodywork, which will be welded directly to the frame. British marque Aston Martin uses a similar method.
Above and Below: Alpine A120 prototype
Last month Alpine started taking orders for the A120 via a smartphone app, with the first 1995 units to be a limited run of 'Premiere Edition' models costing around 60,000 euros ($84,962) after tax - positioning it against an entry-level Porsche 718 Cayman in Europe.
The A120 Premiere Edition will be available in three colours; blue, white and black.
It's unknown what will power the new sports car, though it's believed a 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine developing around 250-300hp (186-223kW) will propel the Alpine from 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds.
A dual-clutch transmission is reported to be the sole gearbox offered.
Australia
Last year Renault Australia confirmed it would bring the Alpine A120 Down Under, priced around the $75,000 mark.
It's expected to arrive sometime in 2018, and will compete with the likes of the aforementioned Porsche 718 Cayman along with the conceptually similar Alfa Romeo 4C.
The Alpine A120 will be produced in Dieppe, France, alongside the Renault Clio RS hot hatch.
Above: The A120 is expected to be largely identical to the Alpine Vision concept
Stay tuned to CarAdvice for more updates in the coming months.
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