Currently reading: New Renault-Alpine racer revealed for Gran Turismo

Virtual concept car presented as a full-scale model, with its design partly informed by the upcoming Alpine sports car

Renault has revealed a new, virtual Alpine race car as part of the Vision Gran Turismo design series.

The model, which will be available to download and drive within the game, acts as a prelude to the return of the Alpine brand in 2016.

Although no individual element of the concept will make production, officials say several details on the car have been “directly inspired” by the upcoming sports car.

A total of 15 designs for the concept were submitted from Renault’s in-house design teams, with designers and engineers working together to inform the digital creation.

The concept is based around a carbonfibre monocoque chassis and is powered by a mid-mounted 4.5-litre V8 engine producing 444bhp and 428lb ft. Its top speed is pegged at 199mph, with drive sent to the rear wheels through a seven-speed sequential transmission. The concept weighs 900kg.

Alpine describes the concept as standing “at the crossroads of the past, present and future” and says it provides “a link between the virtual and real worlds”.

Like other manufacturers, Renault has also produced a full-scale model of the concept.

Following the collapse of the collaborative project between Alpine and Caterham, Renault has previously confirmed that its upcoming sports car could be used to assess the business case for a new family of Alpine-branded models. The project goes back to 2012, when Renault first showed off a new-generation Alpine concept car at the Goodwod Festival of Speed.

Players will be able to download the Alpine concept car from March.

The cars of Vision Gran Turismo - picture special

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