A Renault Alpine mule has been spotted running around the Nürburging in Germany, testing in an altered Lotus Elise body. The proposed sports car based on the 1962 Alpine A110 is planned for a 2016 debut, along with its co-developed Caterham counterpart.
Last year around this time, the Alpine A110 had its 50th anniversary. To celebrate, Renault released a concept car boasting a modern take on the original's design.
The car, not officially named yet, is slated to compete with the Porsche Cayman and Alfa Romeo 4C, weighing in at around 2,220 lbs. The final design is also not signed off on, but don't fret, insiders say it will stay true to the original Alpine and the concept plus be every bit as good looking.
Speculation for engine choices include a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing around 280 hp while a 1.6-liter from the Renaultsport Clio 200 is also being considered.
In terms of its Caterham counterpart, expect the cars to be drastically different and not the usual case of badge engineering.
Laurens van den Acker, chief of design for Renault, told Autocar UK that the cars will be clearly different, not only in terms of driving dynamics but also aesthetically.
Head over to Autocar UK for some spy shots of the flared-out mule, but in the meantime, check out the video above showcasing the Alpine concept and the original model that started it all.
