Thursday, July 5, 2012

Renault pits A110-50 Concept. vs. original A110

Renault has been busy having a little fun with the company's new A110-50 Concept. The automaker recently invited former rally driver Jean Ragnotti to take the futuristic machine for spin. Rangotti made a name for himself in the Renault 5 Turbo Group B by taking the gold at both the Monte Carlo Rally as well as the Rallye de France. As soon as the driver takes to an abandoned stretch of road, things take a different turn. It's not long before Ragnotti is pursued by an image of his former self behind the wheel of an original A110.

The clip narrowly avoids the pitfall of cheesiness, if for no other reason than we love an excuse to watch these two creations churn their tires in anger. There's just something about watching vintage French tin thrashing about in the Alps that makes us happy.

Of course, back here in reality, the A110-50 would make short work of its predecessor thanks to its 400-horsepower turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 and lightweight carbon fiber bodywork. Then again, the cars we loved in our youth always seem faster through the lens of history.