According to Inside Line, Renault is pursuing a partnership with Lotus and corporate partner Infiniti to make its Alpine revival a reality. Renault needs partners outside the Renault-Nissan alliance to make a viable business case for a low-volume, mid-engine sports car.
Given its expertise in mid-engine cars, Lotus would take charge of the three-way project. Lotus could also build all three vehicles in the UK, giving the struggling automaker some much needed business.
What powerplants might be used in the vehicles, however, remains a mystery. Infiniti wants to position the Emerg-E as a halo sports car with an advanced hybrid drivetrain, while Renault wants to uphold Alpine's value stance. It remains to be seen if both ends of the spectrum can be satisfied with a single platform.
No word on when a deal between the three automakers might be hashed out.
Photo by Ronan Glon.
