Alpine will enter the United States in 2027 with a fully electric lineup, the French performance marque announced on Monday.
Alpine was founded in 1955 by Jean Rédélé as a motorsports company that later launched its own sports cars using components from Renault. It became a part of Renault in 1973 and continued to launch its own sports cars with a focus on the European market.
Alpine was made a standalone business in 2021, the year it replaced Renault in Formula 1. Alpine will lean on its F1 exposure ahead of expanding to the U.S. and possibly China, two markets where F1’s popularity is growing strongly. Alpine also competes in the World Endurance Championship, where beginning next year it will field an LMDh race car in the premier Hypercar class.
Alpine said on Monday it is working with investment firm RedBird and dealer group AutoNation on its global expansion. Renault CEO Luca de Meo in February said Alpine could partner with AutoNation to sell cars in the U.S. In other markets, it will rely on Renault’s dealer network.
2023 Alpine A523 Formula 1 race car
On the racing side, RedBird, together with Otro Capital and Ryan Reynolds-backed Maximum Effort Investments, will invest 200 million euros (approximately $218 million) to purchase a 24% stake in the Alpine F1 team. The deal will value the team at around $900 million, Alpine said.
Alpine’s sole road-going car at present is the A110, a mid-engine sports car launched in 2017 and whose sales total just a few thousand units annually. For its entry in the U.S., Alpine is readying two vehicles targeting the market, which are thought to be SUVs in the same segments as the Porsche Cayenne and Macan. Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi said earlier this year that platforms for these models may be sourced from another company. He pointed to Zhejiang Geely as being a natural fit, as the Chinese auto giant is already working with Renault on several joint projects.
2023 Alpine A110R
Alpine is also developing its own platform and other proprietary technologies for its future sports cars. Known as the Alpine Performance Platform (APP), the electric sports car platform will underpin a redesigned A110 to be offered in coupe and convertible body styles. It will also underpin a four-seat coupe to be called the A310. Previously, Alpine planned to work with Lotus on its sports car platform.
Also in the pipeline is a compact crossover and an A290 subcompact hot hatch, both of which will use platforms from the Renault Nissan Mitsubishi Alliance. The A290 was previewed with a concept car in May and is confirmed to start sales in 2024 as the first of Alpine’s new EVs. The compact crossover will follow in 2025 and the redesigned A110 in 2026. The first of the U.S. models will arrive in 2027, with the second likely to follow around 2028. Timing for the A310 wasn’t mentioned.
Alpine A290 Beta concept
In addition to EV technology, Alpine is investigating the use of internal-combustion engines fueled by hydrogen. The technology, which eliminates carbon emissions, was previewed by Alpine with its 2022 Alpenglow concept.
“Our goal is to expand from a niche segment brand to a fully fledged global brand,” Rossi said in a statement. “By combining a larger range with international expansion, we target an operating margin over 10% by 2030, and thereby put our business model on a permanent footing.”
Ever since the first model saw the light of day way back in 1953, Corvettes have been known for their cutting-edge style, engine-revving power, and overall beauty. The initial Corvette was the first fiberglass production car ever made. Soon thereafter, Corvette models gained other impressive components like fuel injection, independent rear suspension, and disk brakes.
Production Corvettes were always interesting. But there was also a subset of Corvettes that were lesser known to the general public. So today, we’ll concentrate on Corvette concepts and prototypes. Ever since the first Corvette concepts from the ’50s, the fan-favorite model managed to shock and amaze car enthusiasts with its bold approach and designs. Check out the best concepts and prototypes of Corvettes that only true auto fans remember here. We’re certain you’ll be amazed.
Photo Credit: Pinterest
Corvette SS
The Corvette SS debuted in 1957 as a fully functional racing car developed by Zora Arkus Duntov, the “Father of Corvette” himself. Duntov was a racer and always wanted to create the ultimate competition version. GM’s management allowed him to start a racing program and SS was the first car introduced (via Auto Evolution).
Photo Credit: Flickr
The Corvette SS featured many firsts and was a very capable racing car setting the track record at Sebring International Raceway. It was also the first in a long line of racing Corvettes that dominated the race tracks all over the world. The car started a great trend for Corvettes to find success on the asphalt for decades to come.
Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auctions hosted the ultimate automotive lifestyle experience that included elite collectible vehicles, world-class athletes, celebrities including Academy Award-winning actress Nicole Kidman on stage to support the sale of a charity car and new attractions during this year’s Las Vegas Auction, June 22-24, inside the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. In total, 496 vehicles were sold at auction, all with No Reserve, for $29.2 million. Additionally, Barrett-Jackson sold 264 pieces of authentic automobilia for more than $1.5 million, bringing total auction sales to $30.8 million with a 100-percent sell-through rate and achieving over 30 world-record auction sales.
1972 De Tomaso Pantera “Fast Five” movie car
“From celebrity appearances and live musical performances to the most desirable collectible vehicles in the world, Barrett-Jackson headlined in the Entertainment Capital of the World,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “We were full throttle for the three days, starting with a special ‘Supercar Therapy’ experience for local children battling critical and chronic illnesses on Thursday morning. Automobilia sales set huge records and demand was amazing for our impressive docket of collectible cars, trucks and SUVs. World-class athletes made appearances throughout the weekend. On Saturday, Academy Award-winning actress Nicole Kidman walked on stage and rocked the house as she helped sell a one-of-one Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 for charity. We look forward to driving this excitement to New Orleans for our inaugural event this September.”
The eclectic docket of highly desirable collectible vehicles was diverse, including a Ferrari SF90 (Lot #741), the 1972 De Tomaso Pantera (Lot #702) that starred in the ‘Fast & Furious’ movie series, iconic Las Vegas showman Danny Gans’ custom 1967 Ford Mustang (Lot #767) and several significant car collections.
The top 10 non-charity vehicles that sold during Barrett-Jackson’s 2023 Las Vegas Auction included:
2019 Ford GT Lightweight Edition (Lot #749) – $990,000
1967 Ford Mustang Eleanor Tribute Edition (Lot #737) – $260,700
1968 Ford Mustang Bullitt Custom Fastback (Lot #768) – $242,000
1961 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Convertible (Lot #761)
“A few months after we celebrated our 20th year in Palm Beach, the world came to Las Vegas to help us celebrate our 15th year there,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “Our remarkable No Reserve docket earned solid results across the entire spectrum. From VW buggies to the Ford GT, the wildest Resto-Mods to the biggest and boldest muscle cars, from spectacular customs to exotics and 50s classics, top quality vehicles brought top bids. The excitement of Las Vegas, energy of Barrett-Jackson and amazing selection of vehicles created another great success. We proved that the collector car hobby continues to be resilient and growing.”
2024 Lancer Craft Elite Runabout Boat (VIN 001)
Raising a total of $865,000, Barrett-Jackson sold two charity vehicles to benefit the American Cancer Society as well as Kristi House, which provides treatment, advocacy and coordination of services for all forms of child trauma. Lot #3000 was a 2024 Lancer Craft Elite Runabout Boat (VIN 001) and trailer that raised $165,000 for American Cancer Society. Lot #3001 was a one-of-one 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 that raised $700,000 with 100 percent of the hammer price benefiting Kristi House. Academy Award-winning actress, producer and humanitarian Nicole Kidman was on stage to support the sale of the Challenger for Kristi House, offering tickets and VIP meet & greets to Keith Urban’s concert in Las Vegas to the winning bidders. The Challenger charity car initially sold for $400,000 and was immediately donated back by a generous Barrett-Jackson VIP bidder to sell once again for an additional $300,000. To date, Barrett-Jackson has helped raise more than $154 million for charity.
1920s Standard Gold Crown Fry Model #177 Visible Gas Pump
Automobilia sales were especially strong as Barrett-Jackson’s Las Vegas event sold 264 pieces at auction with No Reserve for more than $1.5 million. The total automobilia auction sales surpassed all previous Barrett-Jackson auctions outside of its flagship Scottsdale event. Bidding was especially spirited for a 1920s Standard Gold Crown Fry Mae West visible gas pump that set a world auction record for vintage gas pumps at $368,000. The top three automobilia pieces that sold during the Las Vegas Auction include:
1920s Standard Gold Crown Fry Model #177 Visible Gas Pump (Lot #8277) – $368,000
1928 Ford Wayne Model 515 Visible Gas Pump (Lot #7276) – $149,500
1950s Stainless-Steel Soda Fountain in Coca-Cola Regalia (Lot #8265) – $80,500
This year’s Las Vegas event included the all-new Barrett-Jackson Fan Zone which elevated the guest experience with meet and greet opportunities with athletes from UFC and PBR (Professional Bull Riders). Professional Bull Riders appearing in the Fan Zone included Dakota Louis and Eli Vastbinder, both are also cast members of the new Prime Video docuseries The Ride, as well as PBR athlete Colten Fritzlan. The trio are expected to compete in PBR’s 2023 Team Series Championship on October 20-22 in Las Vegas. To purchase tickets to the PBR event, click here.
Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone and fans in the Barrett-Jackson Fan Zone
Auction goers were also able to meet former UFC bantamweight champion Miesha Tate; 2023 UFC Hall of Fame Inductee Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone; and former two-division UFC champion Henry Cejudo. The Fan Zone also showcased a live performance by Robin Wilson and Jesse Valenzuela of the Gin Blossoms. Other attractions included the UFC Fight Pass “Extra Rounds” podcast onsite, a Formula 1 activation, a PBR mechanical bull, photo opportunities, prize giveaways and special appearances throughout the three-day event with PBR mascot ReRide.
The Las Vegas Auction attracted additional celebrities including Grammy Award-winning country music singer, songwriter and guitarist Keith Urban. Prominent sports figures included Anfernee Simons, a professional basketball player for the Portland Trail Blazers, along with Super Bowl-winning NFL head coach John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens. Danny “The Count” Koker, a frequent Barrett-Jackson guest and TV personality, also stopped by to check out the collector vehicles.
Barrett-Jackson is now accepting consignments for the inaugural New Orleans Auction, September 28-30, 2023, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Those interested in being a part of the auction may consign their collector vehicle here. Those interested in registering to bid for the New Orleans Auction may do so here. To purchase tickets and VIP packages to the event, click here.
The mid-1960s were an exciting time for the muscle car industry at General Motors. The Camaro was poised for launch alongside its Firebird relative, and the ensuing horsepower wars brought some of the industry’s most memorable vehicles in automotive history. But as much as we love a good sports coupe, we have to also pay homage to the Chevrolet pickups that shared showroom floors with those cars.
“2,900 miles on complete frame-off restoration,” the listing begins. “Beautiful Torch Red paint, custom two-tone leather interior.”
Chevrolet first launched its new C/K Series of pickups in late 1959 for the 1960 model year as a replacement for the Task Force generation. In a shift from prior development techniques, the C/K Series was engineered from the beginning as a designated truck as opposed to sharing chassis architecture with passenger cars on the A-body platform. Evolutionary changes included a redesign of the hood in 1962 and revision of the A-pillar in 1964.
This custom 1966 C10 brings modern touches to the popular platform, starting with the eye-catching Torch Red exterior paint job and 20-inch five-spoke Coys chrome wheels. Further enhancements include LED lighting, power steering, power-assisted front disc brakes, air conditioning, bucket seats, a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, a custom Kenwood touch-screen sound system, Dolphin instrumentation, and a Flowmaster dual-exhaust system.
The powertrain has been upgraded too, courtesy of a late-model fuel-injected 5.3-liter Vortec V8 that has been outfitted with aluminum heads, headers, an Optima battery, and an aluminum radiator. Power is transferred rearward through a 700R4 four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive, and the rear end is a 3.73-geared 12-bolt setup. The seller’s video states that the truck has accrued just 1,700 miles since restoration and the listing states that it’s “show ready.”
There isn’t much left to do with this pickup except turn the key and enjoy the drive.
The asking price is $55,000 or best offer. Included in the photo gallery is a photo of a snapback baseball cap with a red C10 embroidered on it. We think that should be included too!
Chevy had its big blocks, Ford had its Cobra Jet, and Chrysler had the Hemi. For over six decades, the Hemi engine has been the top-of-the-line option in various Chrysler, Dodge, and Plymouth models. The secret of the Hemi is its cylinder heads with hemispherical combustion chambers, hence the name. The hemispherical combustion chambers patent has several advantages to it.
That means that the Hemi engine is somewhat of a holy grail amongst car collectors. Even today when we have modern Hemi engines, they are still prestigious power plants to have. In the muscle car world, the Hemi is simply a legend. That’s why we have compiled a list of the most expensive cars with this glorious motor under the hood.
Photo Credit: Pinterest
Chrysler 300C SRT8 – Price: $30,000
The Chrysler 300 C is a very interesting car. That’s because it is one of the last, if not the last true American, boxy-looking sedans with V8 power and a chrome grille. It’s also a very successful model which has been on the market for over 15 years. During that time, Chrysler produced numerous variants.
Photo Credit: 3d Car Shows
Most of them had modern 5.7-liter Hemi and other versions, but one is especially interesting for this list – the mighty SRT-8 (via Car and Driver). Under the hood was a 6.1-liter Hemi with 425 HP that connected it to Hemi models of the glorious Mopar past.
The Ford Mustang is one of the most well-known and best-selling sports cars in the world. It was also the car that ignited the entire pony car segment. General Motors created the Camaro in direct response to the Mustang and the success it was having. The Mustang has been in continuous production since it first hit the market, whereas Camaro production ceased in 2002 and returned in 2009. The rivalry between the two automotive brands has been fierce with both Ford and Chevy guys being extremely loyal to their brands.
Camaro owners are often very protective of their brand and will defend the car at all costs. But the Mustang also has a lot of great attributes that should be considered by drivers. There have been many different special editions and body styles of the Mustang released over the years. With the V8 performance and affordable price tag for most of the generations, the Mustang has endured the test of time. We looked at the best things about the Mustang that Chevy guys don’t want you to know.
Photo Credit: Muscle
The Camaro Has Been Discontinued Twice
The first and most important thing about the Mustang brand has been its pure staying power. Production has remained continuous since 1964, albeit there have been some mistakes along the way like the Pinto-based Mustang II. The Camaro on the other hand was first discontinued in 2002 and now it’s been announced that the Camaro will be discontinued in 2024 (via Motor Trend).
Photo Credit: Hagerty
The Mustang, on the other hand, has never been discontinued and the brand is doing better than ever. With the Coyote V8 engine under the hood, the Mustang packs a huge amount of power and a reputation like no other. On the other hand, Chevy guys don’t like to admit the fact that the Camaro is continuously getting discontinued by GM.
The Pontiac Trans Am was one the most successful cars to appear in hit movies and on TV. It had a massive string of successes that included appearances in ‘Smokey and the Bandit’ and ‘Knight Rider.’ The latter show was an especially successful run for the Trans Am at a time when the third-generation GM F-Bodies were providing questionable performance. The futuristic styling of the car and star David Hasselhoff put the TV show on the map. The ‘Kitt’ car, as it’s called, is one of the most influential TV cars to this day.
It showed the world that special effects and technology could be used on a television set as well as the big screen. It also helped Pontiac stay afloat at a time when the brand was transitioning from the muscle car era. There was a lot more to the Kitt car than just the outward appearance and a lot of planning went into it. We looked at some of the most interesting facts about Kitt and they may just blow your mind. Check them out here.
Photo Credit: Simki
Automotive Crime Busting Star
Before Kitt being the focal point of a TV show, there hadn’t been a network television show where a car was the focal point. Sure, you had the Dukes of Hazzard, but the infamous General Lee Charger wasn’t truly the focal point of the show. Kitt was a sidekick. Sometimes, it would display an attitude or humor depending on the episode. A lot of creative writing went into the show, and much of that was for the car (via TV Insider).
Photo Credit: Simki
Fans were enamored with all of the technology that went into the car. Also, the slick black styling of the Trans Am helped in general. Kitt went on to be one of the few crime-busting stars who just happened to be a car. Knight Rider was one of the most popular shows from the era and the car was a major reason for that.
Amongst many other things, the 1990s were a time when the SUV came into mainstream acceptance. All of a sudden, it was chic to drive an oversized behemoth that guzzled gas. The SUV is a versatile kind of vehicle, and back in the 1990s, they were big business. The most obvious success stories to come out of this decade were the Ford Explorer and the Chevrolet Tahoe, as well as the Jeep Grand Cherokee. But there were also a few strange SUVs that you might not have ever seen.
We looked back at strange 1990s SUV models that most drivers have never heard of. These were not your average SUVs and nowadays they’ve gone on to become collector’s items. See if you’ve ever heard of them right here.
Photo Credit: Motorious
1996 Bentley Dominator
To the common driver, the Bentley Bentayga is referred to as the company’s first SUV. And that’s true in the fact that it is the first mass-produced SUV with a Bentley badge on it. But that’s not necessarily the full truth, as there was a Bentley SUV that was specially built in 1996. The Bentley Dominator was a custom-built model for Hassanal Bolkiah, the 29th Sultan of Brunei, who has a car collection spanning 7,000 vehicles (via RRSilver Spirit).
Photo Credit: Motorious
When you have that much money you can afford just about anything, and that’s the case with the Dominator. The SUV had most of its parts sourced from Land Rover with the exception of the Bentley 6.75-liter V-8. There are only six Dominators that were ever built and they’ve rarely come up for auction.
It’s no secret that the car industry suffered a lot of problems in the last couple of years. From the global pandemic and chip shortage to the rising costs of materials, all of it spelled trouble for car brands. However, the future still looks bright for the auto industry since manufacturers are preparing to present a wealth of new models and technologies in the next five years.
As expected, most of those cars will be electric, but there are more than a few ICE-powered cars that will be on sale. We will also see the debut of new names as well as the return of old ones. New classes will be added, and the existing ones will get new players. Here are the best cars that are set to come out in the next five years.
Photo Credit: Top Gear
Hyundai N Vision 74
After excellent reception by car fans and the car press, Hyundai decided to put this fantastic concept into production. We don’t have an exact release date or specs at the moment. But, astonishingly, this incredible design will be born as a production car (via Top Gear).
Photo Credit: Hyundai
Presented last year, the N Vision 74 is one car we can’t wait to see on the road. Blending ’70s aesthetics with modern material and technology, the N Vision 74 looks like a long-lost concept car but with a modern twist, which was precisely the idea behind it. It was well-received and car fans are now waiting to see in what exact form will be resurrected. Will it have a hybrid or hydrogen powertrain, or will it be fully electric? A turbocharged ICE engine? At this point, it’s anybody’s guess.
Reflecting back on my life I found myself reminiscing about the times spent in a garage with friends working on my 1971 Datsun 510 and 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle. Both cars long gone because of life events I longed for another project… or two. So I bought a 2000 Yamaha Road Star and a 1969 Ford F-100 Ranger. All original the F-100 has a 360 cubic inch engine under the hood, and is the long bed 4×2…
