Rumored: Renault To Show New Alpine At Geneva

Rumors say that Renault is preparing to launch an unspecified concept car at the upcoming Geneva show, alongside the new Koleos crossover. Patrick Pelata, the French automaker's product planning manager, confirmed that Renault is working on a new sportscar. "Think Mazda MX-5 or even Smart Roadster and you are on the right lines", said Pelata in a recent interview.

As previous reports said the small roadster will have more content than the previous Renault Sport Spider and could feature a mid-mounted turbocharged engine driving the rear wheels. Reviving the Alpine name, the new model is also expected to be just first of a new lineup of sport cars that would capitalize on Renault's success in Formula One. Meanwhile marketing chief Stephen Norman revealed that the company is also working on a new flagship sedan positioned above the new Laguna set to target French rivals from PSA Peugeot-Citroen. We have just two weeks to see what Renault has for us in Switzerland this year.

Hyundai Wants An Iconic Car

Everybody knows now Hyundai can make high quality and reliable cars that rival mainstream brands like Toyota and Chevrolet. Now it wants to prove it can build an iconic sports car and boost its image. At least say to the world that Hyundai is exciting and dynamic.

Last week at Sydney Motor Show Hyundai's general manager of European design Raphael Bretecher revealed his desire to launch such a car:

"As a car designer I would like to make the icon, that is obvious. But this company looks at what is most profitable and that is what must be delivered first," he said.

Gallery: Hyundai Velostar Concept