Renault’s Alpine Brand Goes Retro-Futuristic With Gorgeous Concept

Jaw, meet floor.

2026 Alpine A310 Vision concept

Photo by: Alpine

Adrian Padeanu

By: Adrian Padeanu

Oct 12, at 4:20am ET

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What's old is new again at the 2026 Paris Motor Show. Citroën is bringing back the 2CV as an affordable electric car, Renault is giving the 8 Gordini a modern makeover, Fiat is resurrecting the Multipla, and Peugeot is dusting off the RCZ and the 205 T16 rally car. Now, Alpine is looking to the past for inspiration, too. Meet the A310 Vision, a dramatic concept that reimagines one of the French sports car brand's most important historical models.

While the reborn 2CV aims to make electric mobility more accessible, Alpine is going in a very different direction. The A310 Vision is a low-slung, wide-bodied sports car that looks ready to take on the Porsche 911. It's a modern interpretation of the original A310, which debuted in 1971 as a more comfortable companion to the smaller, more focused A110.

The timing is appropriate, as the original A310 celebrates its 55th anniversary this year, while the V6 version turns 50. Rather than simply dusting off an old nameplate and slapping it onto a new car, Alpine has created a thoroughly modern design that blends styling cues from both generations of the classic sports car.

2026 Alpine A310 Vision concept

2026 Alpine A310 Vision concept

Photo by: Alpine

Retro-Modern Design Done Right

The proportions are what make the A310 Vision stand out. Measuring 4.55 meters (179.1 inches) long, 2.03 meters (79.9 in) wide at the rear, and just 1.18 meters (46.5 in) tall, the concept has a low, wide stance that wouldn't look out of place next to a 911. Its 2.45-meter (96.5-in) wheelbase further emphasizes its compact sports car proportions.

The design team drew inspiration from both versions of the classic A310. The early four-cylinder model contributes its cleaner lines, while the later V6 inspired wider fenders and a more muscular look. The result isn't a faithful recreation of either car, but a retro-futuristic interpretation of what the A310 might look like if designed today.

The exterior combines aluminum bodywork with a black lower section featuring organic, Formula 1-inspired surfaces. Alpine's signature arrow-shaped design language is reflected in the wheels, while the semi-transparent cabin adds another futuristic touch.

2026 Alpine A310 Vision concept

2026 Alpine A310 Vision concept

Photo by: Alpine

The Closer You Look, The Better It Gets

Plenty of details are worth a closer look. The headlights pop down from the front end when the car starts, creating a theatrical lighting effect. An S-shaped channel in the hood references aerodynamic solutions used in racing, while a central blade guides the eye toward the rear. The two-piece rear wing incorporates transparent elements, and the blade-shaped taillights also serve an aerodynamic purpose.

Alpine hasn't forgotten the cabin, though the concept is primarily an exterior design exercise. Through the semi-transparent cockpit, we can see organically shaped seats and bold color combinations. It also features physical controls inspired by high-end audio equipment, though we can't see them in the press shots released so far. In other words, not everything has to be a touchscreen just because a car is electric.

Speaking of which, the A310 Vision was developed around the new Alpine Performance Platform (APP). The architecture is intended to underpin the brand's future electric sports cars, including the next-generation A110, while giving designers greater freedom to experiment with proportions and packaging. Alpine hasn't disclosed any powertrain specifications for the concept, so there's no official horsepower figure or performance estimate to discuss.

Alpine A310 Vision concept

2026 Alpine A310 Vision concept

Source: Alpine

It's A One-Off For Now

There's an important caveat, though. Alpine says the A310 Vision is an independent design study, not a preview of a future production model. In other words, don't start saving for one just yet.

That doesn't mean the concept is irrelevant to Alpine's future. The brand is expanding beyond the A110 with the A290 hot hatchback and A390 fastback-styled SUV, while the APP platform opens the door to additional electric sports cars. The A310 Vision showcases what Alpine's designers can do with that architecture, rather than promising that this exact car will reach showrooms.

What's Old Is New Again In Paris:

Peugeot Brings Back The RCZ Coupe And Its Double-Bubble Roof

The Citroën 2CV Is Back As An Ultra-Affordable City Car

Renault Made A Rear-Wheel-Drive Coupe You Can’t Buy

The Peugeot E-T16 Is A Retro-Futuristic Hot Hatch With Ludicrous Power

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Just Build It, Alpine

Still, we'd love to see Alpine build something along these lines. The original A310 offered a different take on the sports car formula, and a modern interpretation could give the brand a more distinctive alternative to established German rivals. Whether that means a limited-run special or a fully fledged production model remains an open question.

Meanwhile, we've attached a photo gallery of the original A310 so you can decide whether the new concept lives up to its predecessor.