The last time we heard about the Renault-Caterham partnership, things weren’t going really well. Since the project to jointly develop a sports car started in 2012, progress was delayed by Renault’s decision to revise the initial design of its upcoming Alpine sports car. Caterham wasn’t thrilled at all with the decision, as this means its own version of the car had to be modified.
However, there is more bad news: Renault and Caterham’s joint venture project may be cancelled altogether. According to a report from Autocar, the two sports cars will still launch on schedule in late 2016, but it is not clear if they will continue to share the same architecture and powertrains.
While neither Renault nor Caterham confirmed or commented on the report, tensions between the two partners have reportedly been rife since it was confirmed the project would be delayed.
The Alpine sports car has been tipped to get 280hp, with the Caterham is said to produce around 300hp. Each car has a target curb weight of 1,100kg (2,425 lbs).
Renault and Caterham set up the Societe des Automobiles Alpine Caterham (SAAC) 50:50 joint venture in 2012, with the goal of co-developing lightweight two-seat sports cars under the Alpine and Caterham brands. Under the terms of the agreement, production would take place at Renault’s Alpine plant in Dieppe.
By Dan Mihalascu
Note: Renault Alpine A110-50 Concept pictured
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