Skip advert
Advertisement

Alpine Celebration Concept makes track debut at Le Mans

Stunning concept closely resembles the original A110 coupe

The return of the iconic Alpine brand has been a long time coming, but takes another step forward this weekend with the debut of a new concept car at the Le Mans 24 Hours.

Created to celebrate six decades of the firm’s heritage, the Celebration concept takes the form of a compact two-seater coupe.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The car made its track debut in front of tens of thousands of motor racing fans at the Le Mans 24 Hours, circulating on track behind one of Alpine’s most iconic models – the rally-winning A110.

That car, produced from 1970 to 1973, remains one of the most desirable vehicles in the French brand's history. Powered by a 1565cc inline-four mounted behind the rear axle, its light weight (just 620kg) and strong traction made it a formidable car on the rally stages. Despite a modest power output of 123bhp, it could sprint to 60mph in under 8 seconds and continue up to 130mph.

It’s this car that the Celebration takes the greatest visual inspiration from, particularly at the front where a quartet of headlights and low-profile, creased bonnet are a true modern interpretation of the original car.

Classic influence is also apparent in the coupe’s side profile, with a subtle curve from headlights to tail lights, and the wraparound rear window. Distinctive alloy wheels replicate the complex shapes of the A110’s rims, while a deep metallic blue colour scheme also echoes past models.

Other details are picked out in bright orange, giving the car links to both Alpine’s on-track Le Mans competitors and the recent A110-50 concept, that first heralded the return of the brand.

What’s apparent in the metal is that the latest concept is a great deal smaller than the A110-50 – if not quite as petite as the original A110. Alpine’s comment that the Celebration sheds gimmickry for simplicity is also true – the concept is remarkably free of superfluous detail, beyond the celebratory 60th anniversary paint scheme.

The details that do stand out are largely functional – subtle scoops above the rear wheel arches guide airflow for cooling, and a rear diffuser helps channel air from beneath the car. Louvres in the engine cover reference the concept’s mid-engined layout – previous Alpine road cars have of course been rear-engined.

While there’s little clue as to what powers the concept, and indeed no indication that it will reach production in exactly this form, the Celebration concept is the strongest sign yet that the brand is soon to return.

Whether it will match the race and rally success of the A110 – with six WRC victories to its name in the 1973 season – is yet to be seen. Those missing the car in action at Le Mans can catch it once more at the upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

The 992.2 Porsche 911 GT3 is the fastest manual ever around the Nürburgring
Porsche 911 GT3 Nürburgring
News

The 992.2 Porsche 911 GT3 is the fastest manual ever around the Nürburgring

Porsche has set a new record for the 992.2 GT3 around the Nürburgring. It’s the fastest manual ever, and it’s not even close.
17 Apr 2025
Best sports cars 2025 – distilled driving machines
Best sports cars 2025
Best cars

Best sports cars 2025 – distilled driving machines

Sports cars are designed to do one thing above all else: put the driver at the centre of the experience. Morgan’s Supersport is the latest of the bree…
15 Apr 2025
Morgan Supersport 2025 review – Malvern's alternative to a Porsche Cayman GTS
Morgan Supersport front
Reviews

Morgan Supersport 2025 review – Malvern's alternative to a Porsche Cayman GTS

Morgan’s new flagship is its most versatile car yet. Does modernising mean losing the magic?
14 Apr 2025
Mercedes-AMG GT63 Pro 2025 review – a four-seat Porsche 911 GT3 rival?
Mercedes-AMG GT63 Pro – front
Reviews

Mercedes-AMG GT63 Pro 2025 review – a four-seat Porsche 911 GT3 rival?

An extra shot of power, aero tweaks and massively powerful carbon-ceramic brakes are among changes that have turned the already excellent AMG GT into …
12 Apr 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Volkswagen Passat 2025 review – a breath of fresh air next to leaden EVs
Volkswagen Passat front
Reviews

Volkswagen Passat 2025 review – a breath of fresh air next to leaden EVs

Being ‘only’ 1500kg has its advantages. The latest Passat in petrol-only form reminds us ‘normal’ cars can and should be above average
16 Apr 2025
Why the Vauxhall Astra should have been given a different name
Vauxhall Astra GSE
Opinion

Why the Vauxhall Astra should have been given a different name

It’s time to reassess a perennially underrated hatchback, says Porter
17 Apr 2025
Morgan Supersport 2025 review – Malvern's alternative to a Porsche Cayman GTS
Morgan Supersport front
Reviews

Morgan Supersport 2025 review – Malvern's alternative to a Porsche Cayman GTS

Morgan’s new flagship is its most versatile car yet. Does modernising mean losing the magic?
14 Apr 2025