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Despite the millions spent by Renault on its F1 team and its past success in the competition, translating these efforts to its production cars is largely a moot point because Renault’s lineup is seriously lacking in the sports car department. Renault currently uses the RS for its performance models but according to latest reports the RS badge is expected to be replaced by the revived Alpine label.

Renault bosses have confirmed in the past that there are plans to bring back the Alpine name but until now it was thought Renault would use the storied badge for a new dedicated sports car. According to AutoWeek, Renault’s next-generation Megane hatch, due towards the end of the year, will feature a high-performance ‘Alpine’ model.

The motivation behind the decision to rejuvenate the Alpine badge was the success Fiat is having with its Abarth label. Like Abarth, Alpine was an independent manufacturer of racing and sport cars that eventually merged with a major carmaker, in this case Renault.

Pictured above is the 2006 Alpine 210 RS concept car, a modern interpretation of the original Alpine race cars from the 1960 and ’70s.