Alpine returns with new 2017 coupe

Renault’s Alpine performance brand has been out of action since 1995, however, it will burst back into life in 2017 with something that looks a lot like this…

That’s usually the point we tell you the car’s name, but for now, it doesn’t even have one, that’s how new it is! At the moment, it is just goes by the very non-descript ‘Alpine 2017 coupe’.

A lack of an official moniker isn’t getting in the way of Renault trying to sell it though and you can stick your name down for one of the 1,955 limited-run Première Éditions, which retail for between €55,000 and €60,000 (£46,198-£50,398) after tax in its native France.

Is it even worth that much?

We’re not sure because hard numbers are tough to come by. Renault has confirmed that it will be able to do nought to 62mph in 4.5 seconds, so it’ll certainly be quick, but that’s all we really know.

Why 1,955 units?

You may be curious about why Alpine is making just 1,955 Première Éditions. Well, it’s a reference to the year Alpine founder Jean Rédélé first set up the brand.

Yep, that simple, but what’s also kind of cool is the fact that customers will be able to choose the number of their car, which is displayed on a plaque fixed to the centre console.

Exterior colours are a little more restricted, with all the launch cars coming in blue, black or white, but not the funky camouflage design you see in these pictures, sadly.

Announcing Alpine’s rebirth, managing director Michael van der Sande said: “Alpines made such a mark because of the elegance of their designs, their nimble handling and their memorable successes in world-class motor racing and rallying.

“The interest that the announcement of Alpine’s return has generated across the globe inspired us to give sports car enthusiasts and Alpine fans early opportunity to reserve the new car.”

Deliveries of the first Première Éditions will take place in late 2017, by which time it should have a proper name…

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