Automobiles Alpine

Société des Automobiles Alpine SAS
	File:Alpine logo.svg Alpine logo
Company type	Subsidiary
Industry	Automotive
Founded	1955; 71 years ago
Founder	Jean Rédélé
Headquarters	Dieppe, France
Area served	Worldwide
Products	Sports cars, racing cars, electric vehicles
Owner	Renault
Parent	Renault Group
Website	www.alpine-cars.co.uk

Société des Automobiles Alpine SAS, widely recognized as Alpine (, ), is a French company specializing in the production of sports cars and racing cars, established in 1955. The Alpine brand itself was initiated a year earlier, in 1954.

The company was founded by Jean Rédélé, a garage owner from Dieppe who achieved motorsport acclaim with the Renault 4CV. Since its inception, Alpine has maintained a strong partnership with Renault, which took ownership of the firm in 1973.

In 1976, Alpine’s racing division was integrated into Renault Sport, and production of vehicles under the Alpine badge ceased in 1995. The brand experienced a revival in 2017 with the introduction of the new Alpine A110. Renault later consolidated Renault Sport into Alpine in January 2021, positioning it as a dedicated subsidiary.

Alpine ventured into the electric vehicles sector in 2024 by launching the Alpine A290. As part of its international expansion, Alpine revealed plans in 2023 to enter the North American market by 2027, offering a mid-size electric crossover alongside a large electric SUV.

Early days

Jean Rédélé utilized Renault 4CVs to secure class victories in prestigious competitions such as the Mille Miglia and Coupe des Alpes. He enhanced these models with upgrades like five-speed transmissions and lightweight aluminium bodywork, achieving notable success at events including Le Mans and Sebring during the early 1950s.

In response to both customer interest and his racing achievements, Rédélé established the Alpine brand in 1954, naming it after his triumphs at the Coupe des Alpes. However, this name conflicted with the British "Sunbeam Alpine," leading to ongoing branding complications.

In 1955, Alpine formed a partnership with coachbuilder Chappe et Gessalin, specialists in automotive glassfibre manufacturing, to produce the Alpine A106 coupe, which was based on the mechanical components of the 4CV. The design was crafted by Italian stylist Giovanni Michelotti, featuring a rigid chassis with a central tubular backbone—a hallmark of Alpine engineering.

Building upon Michelotti’s cabriolet design, Alpine created the 2+2 A108 berlinette. Initially equipped with an 845 cc engine from the Dauphine Gordini, it was later upgraded to capacities of 904 cc and then 998 cc. The A108 was manufactured from 1958 through 1963.

1960s

In Brazil, Willys-Overland began producing the A108 under license as the Willys Interlagos (available as berlinetta, coupé, and convertible) starting in 1962.

As European automotive markets evolved, Alpine deepened its collaboration with Renault. Following the debut of the Renault R8 in 1962, Alpine reengineered its chassis and refreshed body designs to accommodate R8 mechanical components.

This development culminated in the creation of the A110 Berlinette Tour de France model, named after its success at that year’s event. Beginning with a 956 cc engine delivering , this model progressed to incorporate engines up to 1800 cc generating over by 1974. Weighing approximately , this lightweight competition car offered outstanding performance capabilities.

By 1968, Alpine had secured Renault’s entire motorsport funding and benefited from support through Renault dealerships for sales and servicing. That year saw significant rally triumphs including overall victories at the Coupe des Alpes, achieved using competition vehicles powered by 1440 cc engines derived from the Renault R8 Gordini. Alpine’s innovative exploitation of homologation regulations played a key role in enhancing its competitive advantage.

1970s

In 1971, Alpine achieved remarkable results in the Monte Carlo rally, securing first, second, and fourth positions with vehicles powered by engines derived from the Renault 16. During the 1973 campaign, the A110 1800 impressively claimed first, second, third, and fifth places, ultimately securing the World Rally Championship title against formidable rivals such as Porsche, Lancia, and Ford. This era also saw an expansion in Alpine A110 production, with manufacturing partnerships established across Spain, Mexico, Brazil, and Bulgaria.

The global petrol crisis of 1973 had a significant impact on niche automakers. Alpine’s output declined from 1,421 units in 1972 to just 957 by 1974, prompting a financial rescue by Renault. The company struggled to develop a successor to the A110 amid soaring fuel costs throughout Europe.

Throughout the decade, Alpine maintained its rally efforts with both the A110 and its follow-up model, the Alpine A310. Nevertheless, competitors like the Lancia Stratos, equipped with Ferrari engines and a similar rear-engine layout, surpassed Alpine’s aging platform which still relied heavily on standard production components. In the 1974 season, Alpine entered factory-backed racing Renault 17 Gordinis—one piloted by Jean-Luc Thérier—and secured victory at Michigan’s Press on Regardless rally.

Following Renault’s acquisition and subsequent rally achievements, Alpine shifted focus toward endurance racing at Le Mans. Renault consolidated Gordini and Alpine under the Renault Sport banner to develop increasingly competitive sports prototypes. This culminated in a triumph at Le Mans in 1978 with the turbocharged Renault Alpine A442B. It is noteworthy that Alpine had already broken ground with turbocharged rally cars as early as 1972 when Thérier won the Critérium des Cévennes driving a turbo-modified A110.

Alpine ventured into single-seater racing in 1971 by introducing Formula Three cars and expanded into Formula Two within a year. Initially lacking a competitive Renault F2 engine, their vehicles competed under the Elf brand using Ford-Cosworth and BMW powerplants. The introduction of a Renault 2.0-litre engine led Jean-Pierre Jabouille to clinch the European Formula 2 Championship in 1976. Simultaneously, Alpine developed a Formula One test car that laid the foundation for their official F1 debut in 1977. René Arnoux captured a second European F2 championship in 1977 driving for Martini before Alpine divested its F2 program to concentrate on Le Mans and Formula One activities.

1980s

Throughout the 1980s, Alpine Renault continued to evolve its lineup, transitioning from the A110 to the rear-engined Alpine A310 sports car initially equipped with a 1.6 L four-cylinder engine sourced from the Renault 17 TS/Gordini. In 1976, designer Robert Opron revamped the A310's styling and introduced a more potent V6 PRV engine mated to a four-speed manual transmission; this was later upgraded to five speeds and further enhanced in the Group 4 variant featuring three twin-barrel Weber carburetors.

The Alpine A310 was eventually replaced by the Renault Alpine GTA series, which incorporated plastic and polyester body elements and was initially powered by naturally aspirated PRV V6 engines. A turbocharged V6 model joined the range in 1985, delivering improved performance. By 1986, Alpine had adopted robotic high-pressure water jet cutting for polyester components and engineered an American-market V6 turbo version.

In 1987, emissions control technologies allowed distribution of the V6 turbo model across additional markets including Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands. To commemorate Alpine’s 35th anniversary in 1989, a limited edition GTA Mille Miles was released with only 100 units produced; this special edition featured ABS brakes, polished alloy wheels, bespoke leather interiors, and exclusive paint finishes but was not offered with right-hand drive configurations.

1990s

In 1990, Alpine introduced the wide-body GTA Le Mans, which shared mechanical components with the V6 Turbo but incorporated a catalytic converter that lowered its output to . Only 325 units were produced—299 left-hand drive and 26 right-hand drive—making it particularly sought after, especially in the UK where right-hand drive models were distributed through Renault dealerships.

The Alpine A610, launched in 1991, underwent significant chassis modifications while maintaining its GTA lineage. It featured updated front-end styling and interior enhancements, including standard air-conditioning and power steering. Production totaled 818 units, with 67 right-hand drive and 751 left-hand drive examples. After production ended in 1995, the Dieppe facility transitioned to manufacturing the Renault Sport Spider, marking a new chapter.

The final Alpine A610 was completed on 7 April 1995 as Renault gradually discontinued the Alpine brand. Trademark conflicts in the UK, where Sunbeam held rights to "Alpine," complicated market presence. Consequently, earlier models such as the Renault 5 Alpine were marketed as Renault 5 Gordini within that region. By January 2021, the British Alpine trademark was owned by the multinational group Stellantis.

During the late 20th century, Dieppe expanded its production portfolio to include vehicles such as the Renault 5 Turbo, Clio Williams, RenaultSport Spiders, early Clio V6s badged as Alpine, and later versions of Clio Series 2 RenaultSport models.

From 1989 to 1995, Alpine worked on the A710 "Berlinette 2," developing two prototypes equipped with a 2-litre, 150 hp engine sourced from the Renault Clio Williams mounted on an aluminum frame. Marketing assessments found it too basic without features like electric windows or air conditioning; adding these would increase costs and negatively affect performance. The project was eventually abandoned after an estimated expense of 600 million francs but contributed components later utilized in the Renault Sport Spider.

In 1999, Renault partnered with Lotus Cars to create the Z11 Berlinette concept aimed at reviving Alpine. Although planned for debut at the 2001 Geneva Motor Show alongside other Renault concepts (Z10 Koleos and Z12 Talisman), the initiative was ultimately cancelled without public exposure.

21st century: relaunch of the Alpine marque

In 2005, Renault developed a new Alpine concept known as project W16—a compact mid-engine 2+2 SUV inspired by the Renault Wind concept—but this project never reached completion.

October 2007 saw Renault's marketing director Patrick Blain reveal intentions to produce future sports cars under the Alpine nameplate, envisioning a "radical sports car" rather than merely sporty variants of existing models. This new Alpine was planned to utilize a modified version of the Premium Midship platform from the Nissan 350Z, targeting competitors such as the Mazda MX-5. However, these plans were put on hold in February 2009 due to the impacts of the 2008 financial crisis.

Around 2007, Renault developed a prototype called Renault W19 that combined design elements from the classic A110 with Nissan 350Z drivetrain and chassis components. The project was discontinued partly because of the Nissan GT-R launch and economic challenges. The design language of this concept influenced the later 2017 Alpine A110, which features a mid-engine configuration.

Alpine has maintained a passionate enthusiast community both in France and internationally—including markets such as the UK, USA, Australia, and Japan. In March 2012, Renault secured rights to use the Alpine name in the UK. By May that year, images of the Renault Alpine A110-50 concept appeared ahead of its official debut in Monaco; this design drew inspiration from the 2010 Renault DeZir concept.

In November 2012, Renault and Caterham Cars established a joint venture called Société des Automobiles Alpine Caterham (SAAC), each holding equal shares, intending to develop affordable sports cars under their respective brands for launch by 2016. Caterham acquired a half stake in Renault’s Dieppe assembly plant assets. However, by June 2014, Renault bought back Caterham’s share and renamed the entity Société des Automobiles Alpine.

In 2015, Alpine revealed two new concepts: Alpine Celebration at Le Mans and the CGI-rendered Alpine Vision Gran Turismo. In February 2016, Groupe Renault CEO Carlos Ghosn showcased the Alpine Vision showcar in Monte Carlo and announced plans to revive the brand in 2017. The production model revived the A110 name; official images were released in February 2017 ahead of its Geneva Motor Show appearance.

On 10 December 2020, Alpine collaborated with MV Agusta to create a limited edition Superveloce motorcycle inspired by the Alpine A110, with approximately 110 units planned for production.

By January 2021, Alpine had absorbed Renault Sport divisions (Renault Sport Cars and Renault Sport Racing), consolidating operations into a unified business unit. Additionally, a memorandum of understanding was signed with Lotus Cars to jointly develop an electric successor to the A110. By May that year, Renault Sport Cars was officially rebranded as Alpine Cars and became central to developing sports vehicles for both Alpine and Groupe Renault.

In mid-2023, Alpine announced ambitions for worldwide growth including entry into the U.S. market by 2027. The North American lineup will debut with a mid-size electric crossover alongside a larger electric SUV tailored to American consumer preferences. Negotiations are underway with AutoNation to establish a dealership network across the United States.

Dieppe facility

Alpine's initial vehicle assembly took place in a modest workshop owned by Rédélé on Pasteur Avenue in Dieppe. As demand increased, production shifted in 1969 to a more spacious plant on de Bréauté Avenue, where it remains today.

The Dieppe site encompasses 3.8 hectares of covered space and employed 386 personnel as of 2019. The manufacturing process combines semi-automated techniques with a significant reliance on expert manual craftsmanship; prior to the 2017 launch of the A110, the cars were almost entirely hand-assembled. This plant specializes in producing limited quantities of premium vehicles, assembling approximately 15 A110 units each day. Instead of stamping steel or aluminum panels onsite, the A110 is constructed using preformed alloy components. The facility lacks a welding department; therefore, the chassis and body panels are fastened using rivets and adhesives on a dedicated line before being transferred to a low-temperature coating plant capable of painting both alloy and plastic elements. Automated sanding and wiping systems maintain surface quality. Final assembly is carried out on a single production line, supported by logistics teams that prepare parts in advance. Cockpit modules are built separately and installed laterally, while preassembled powertrains are fitted from the rear.

In addition to low-volume road cars, the Dieppe plant manufactures racing vehicles such as the Clio Rally4 rally car, collaborates on race car development, produces and markets motorsport components, and performs engine tuning.

Since the late 1970s, this facility has been responsible for producing Renault Sport models; following Alpine's brand discontinuation in 1995, it became the primary production hub for Renault Sport. Significant models manufactured here include the Renault 5 Turbo, Renault Sport Spider, Clio Renault Sport, and Mégane Renault Sport. The final mass-market Renault Sport vehicle assembled at Dieppe was the fourth-generation Clio Renault Sport, which ceased production in 2018. Additionally, between 2015 and 2016, the plant assembled the Bolloré Bluecar.

Alpine Racing

Alpine Racing serves as Alpine’s motorsport division and consists of subsidiaries Alpine Racing Limited (located in Enstone) and Alpine Racing SAS (based in Viry-Châtillon). Its core responsibility is managing Alpine’s Formula One activities while also partnering with Signatech on various other racing projects.

Alpine’s involvement in motorsport dates back to the 1960s and included a merger with Gordini in 1976 to establish Renault Sport. Despite these changes, Alpine maintained its racing endeavors, highlighted by an overall victory at the 1978 Le Mans 24 Hours with the Renault Alpine A442.

In 2013, Alpine returned to competitive racing by collaborating with Signatech to enter a Nissan-powered Oreca prototype in the European Le Mans Series LMP2 category, capturing the team championship. This partnership extended into the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) starting in 2015, where they secured LMP2 titles in 2016 and again from 2019 to 2020, along with three wins at Le Mans. Alpine also developed GT4 touring car and rally versions of its A110 through Signatech.

In September 2020, Groupe Renault rebranded its Formula One team as Alpine F1 Team, maintaining Renault as the engine supplier. By early 2021, Alpine had integrated all Renault Sport racing operations except for Formula One.

In March 2021, Alpine introduced the Alpine Endurance Team to compete in WEC’s top category; this effort is managed by Signatech utilizing a "grandfathered" Rebellion R13. In October of that year, Alpine committed to entering two WEC prototypes under new LMDh regulations starting in 2024. Oreca was appointed as chassis developer with support from Alpine Racing’s Enstone base, while engine development responsibilities were assigned to Viry-Châtillon.

Currently available

Alpine A110	2-seat coupe	(2017–present)
Alpine A290	5-door hatchback	(2024–present)
Alpine A390	compact crossover	(2025–present)

Discontinued

A106 (1955–1961)
A108 (1958–1965)
A110 (1962–1977)
GT4 (1963–1969)
A310 (1971–1984)
GTA (1984–1991)
A610 (1991–1995)

Prototype vehicles

Competition cars

rowspan="2" |1978 rowspan="1" |2017 rowspan="2" |2018

Accolades

European Car of the Year

2025 : Alpine A290

Brazil

Between 1962 and 1966, the Alpine 108 was manufactured in Brazil under license by Willys-Overland do Brasil, marketed as the "Willys Interlagos". This model holds the distinction of being Brazil's inaugural sports car.

Bulgaria

From 1967 to 1969, Bulgaria produced a locally made version called Bulgaralpine, with approximately 150 units assembled.

Canada

A small quantity of Alpine GTA units were brought into Quebec in anticipation of AMC/Renault's Canadian market introduction. Although engineered to meet North American requirements, broader plans for importing the GTA were abandoned following Chrysler's acquisition of AMC.

Mexico

Between 1965 and 1974, Mexico produced its own version of the Renault Alpine, named the Dinalpin, through DINA S.A., a company that also manufactured other Renault models under license. Production totaled around 600 vehicles.

Sponsorship

In 2025, Alpine extended its partnership with Pramac Racing for the MotoGP season, becoming the principal sponsor of the Italian team despite Pramac operating as a Yamaha satellite squad in the 2025 MotoGP series.

External links

Year	Model	Image	Category
1963	Alpine M63		Group 6
1964	Alpine M64		Group 6
1965	Alpine M65		Group 6
1966	Alpine A110 1300		Group 4
1966	Alpine A210		Group 6
1968	Alpine A220		Group 6
1970	Alpine A110 1600		Group 4
1974	Alpine A441		Group 5
1976	Renault Alpine A442		Group 6
1977	Alpine A310 V6		Group 4
Renault Alpine A442B		Group 6
Renault Alpine A443		Group 6
1982	Alpine A310 V6		Group B
1993	Alpine A610		Group B
2013	Alpine A450		LMP2
2014	Alpine A450b		LMP2
2016	Alpine A460		LMP2
Alpine A470		LMP2