For the past 17 months or so, Gran Turismo’s Vision project has been the catalyst for some truly remarkable virtual vehicles. GT developer Polyphony Digital created Vision as a means to celebrate 15 years of video gaming awesomeness, but the major car manufacturers are getting in on the action to offer branded concepts that range from the beautiful to the outrageous.  

So far, it’s been a win-win for all involved, and that goes unchanged with Alpine’s GT Vision. First made available for download last month, this roofless single-seat slab of speed is a celebration of the French manufacturer’s founding 60 years ago, and features styling that melds old school and new school draped over a cohesive performance package that should elicit more than a few giggles from PS3->ke3735 owners.

The video you see here is a bit of an amalgamation as well, mixing 3D computer renderings, cartoons, paint-on-glass animation and real-life action to highlight the stunning design work that went into the creation of the Alpine GT Vision. It’s short, artistic and even uplifting. Plus, it makes you want to drive the snot out of this concept in the game.

GT

Continue reading to learn more about the Alpine Gran Turismo.0}

This video game concept is a primer for Alpine’s anticipated reemergence in 2016, with the firm recently announcing its intentions to offer a new line of sports cars and a new SUV for the 2017 model year. The manufacturer has been MIA for the past two decades, so it takes PR like the GT Vision concept to drum up a little bit of attention and nostalgia. 

Renault executive vice president Bruno Ancelin even went so far as to suggest Alpine would enable the French automaker to compete with the likes of Audi and Porsche, which is bold to say the least. However, the Vision concept certainly seems like a step in the right direction. 

Now, I’m not saying I expect the 2017 Alpine to come with an open cockpit. But as far as styling and feel go, it looks like the company has some great ideas in store.

Why it matters

While relegated to the ones and zeroes of GT, the Alpine Vision is still quite a marvelous thing to behold. The exterior conjures up thoughts of an LMP2 racer crossed with memories of the Alpine A110 ,thanks to a rounded front fascia and an off-center driving position. The rear/mid-ship layout utilizes a 4.5-liter V-8 that produces 450 horsepower and 428 pound-feet of torque, with a 7,500 rpm redline and 199 mph top speed. A seven-speed sequential gearbox puts the muscle to the rear wheels, while a sub-2,000-pound curb weight is possible thanks to the carbon-fiber monocoque chassis.

Read our full review here.