Return of the Alpine

French manufacturer Alpine (pronounced Alpeen) used rear-mounted Renault engines in their 1960s racing and sports cars and the prospect of the nameplate returning has sparked a mass of interest, especially in the UK.

Expected to go on sale in Europe from 2010, and aimed at competing with the likes of Mazda's RX-8 for example, the new Alpine will boast a turbocharged petrol engine which will most likely be mid mounted (think Toyota MR2).

Running gear is currently being tested in a Megane body at the Nurburgring in Germany though no spy pics are yet available. Rest assured, we're on the case!