Caterham and Alpine Sports Cars Due in 2016

Insiders from CaterhamCaterhamUnited Kingdom, 1973 > present9 models
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and RenaultRenaultFrance, 1898 > present189 models
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say that that the final designs for the looks of the AlpineAlpineFrance, 1955 > 199414 models
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and Caterham sports cars are finished and are planned to launch in 2016. Caterham has codenamed its version of the new car the C120, and Renault has not yet named the Alpine.

Caterham claims that its AeroSevenCaterham AeroSevenUnited Kingdom, 2014 > 2014 concept gives a hint about what its version will look like.

“The AeroSeven Concept hints a styling direction for future models, including the all-new sportscar being developed in conjunction with Renault that is due for release in early 2016,” said Caterham in the press release about AeroSeven.

The two cars will share a chassis and engine but not necessarily have the same power. However, the interior and exterior styling will be completely different. While the parts will be shared, the suspension and steering setup will not be the same between the two cars. Caterham is expected to build a version of the car for a more hardcore audience, while the Alpine will be a bit more mainstream.

When the joint venture was first announced Caterham PR representative Andy Bothwell said: “Although the two vehicles will obviously share the same platform, they will look different and will have their own unique personalities, as befitting of the two distinct brands.”

Previously, Caterham and Renault had wanted to use different turbocharged four-cylinder engines for the car, but now they will share a next-generation Renault turbocharged engine that has not yet been shown. The Alpine will have around 250hp, but Caterham is planning to turn up the boost slightly to try to get closer to 300hp.

With the shared chassis and components, both cars will weigh around 1100kg (2425lb), although the different bodies and interior layouts will not make them identical.

Both cars will be built at the historical Alpine factory in Dieppe, France, which is now owned 50/50 by Caterham and Renault under the new joint venture.

First Alpine Prototype Spotted Testing at 'Ring with Lotus Body

Source: Autocar