Renault will launch an Alpine-branded SUV by 2018 as it looks to capitalise on the launch of its upcoming sports car
Renault bosses are planning to create a family of Alpine models if the upcoming sports car launch is a success.
Autocar understands the first car to be seen in the new family will be an SUV, and its development is already at an advanced stage ahead of a planned launch by 2018.
Although unconfirmed, it is suggested the Alpine SUV’s creation is strongly linked to the decision of partner Nissan to remodel its Z line as a sports crossover. Like the Nissan, the Alpine is expected to offer four-wheel drive via a hybrid powertrain.
Alpine bosses have long been open about the future of the brand. Speaking to Autocar at the Moscow motor show last year, Renault design boss Laurens van den Acker said there was “a hope” that the sports car would spearhead a range of Alpine-branded vehicles.
“As with many things we need to have a good business first. We all love Alpines but we all want to make money as well. Let’s get the first car right and then I hope I can start doing Alpines for the rest of my life,” he said.
Van den Acker is understood to have shelved plans to design a production version of the Renault DeZir concept in favour of working on the Alpine car. "Even I’d admit that’s not necessary," he said "I gladly defer DeZir in order to do an Alpine."
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