Limited-Run Alpine Premier Edition on Way in 2017

DIEPPE, France – Iconic Renault tune shop Alpine has opened the order books on its new sports car, the Alpine Premiere Edition.

Reservations are being taken on the limited-edition car restricted to just 1,955 units globally, a figure marking the birth of company founder Jean Rédélé 61 years ago.

The car is expected to accelerate to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 4.5 seconds using the Renault Sport Clio’s 1.6L 200-hp turbocharged 4-cyl. or possibly a 1.8L boasting 250 hp. With a lightweight chassis and a mid-mounted engine, the car will retail in France for €55,000-€60,000 ($59,000-$64,000) including local taxes. It will compete head-to-head with the Porsche Cayman, Audi TT S and Alfa Romeo 4C.

A down-payment of €2,000 ($2,144) enables customers to select their preferred number – from 1 to 1,955 – depending on availability. The number will appear on a plaque fixed to the center console. The car comes in just three colors: Bleu Alpine’(Blue), Noir Profond (Black) or Blanc Solaire (White).

More technical details will be revealed in early 2017 with first deliveries in left-hand-drive format to European buyers by the end of the year. Right-hand-drive models for the U.K. and Japanese markets are likely to arrive in 2018, with no plans for export to other global markets as yet.

“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,” says Alpine Managing Director Michael van der Sande. “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.

“The Premiere Edition versions of the new model will be the first to come off the line and we wanted to allow Alpine fans to choose the number of their car.”