Renaultsport, Renault's performance arm, will purchase a 50 percent stake in U.K.-based Caterham, a new report finds. Â Renault CFO Carlos Tavares is expected to make an official announcement about the deal at a press conference that will be held early next month.
As has been previously reported, the two companies will co-develop a light mid-engined sports car that is scheduled to hit showrooms in 2015. Â For Caterham, the car will serve as a range-topping model that will mark a break with the firm's long-standing tradition of building Lotus Seven replicas. Â For Renaultsport, the car will spearhead the oft-rumored return of the iconic Alpine brand.
Renaultsport will reportedly provide the car's gearbox and suspension while Caterham will take care of designing and building chassis and body components. Â That doesn't mean the two cars will wear the same look as the Renault version is expected to borrow styling cues from the 50-year old A110. Â
Neither company has talked about what engine will power the cars.
In addition to designing a lightweight sports car, the two companies will continue to work together on the Formula 1 track.
Regardless of whether or not the rumor is true, an announcement about the revival of the Alpine brand will be made by Renault before the end of the year.
