Renault boss Carlos Ghosn, has confirmed the re-launch of the Alpine sports brand remains on track for 2016, despite the company’s split with Caterham, over what was to be a jointly developed car.

Renault Alpine project continuing as planned

Speaking to WhatCar at this year’s Paris Motor Show, Ghosn said that “while it would have been better to split the investment with a partner, it wasn’t possible to agree to it.” “Now it is better that we go alone – and the project is continuing as planned,” he added.

Renault’s chief designer Laurens van den Acker also confirmed the project was on course, adding that it had become a simpler project as a sole-developed car.

“We are now in sole charge of our destiny, and we have made some good progress.” Van den Acker also added that “Caterham brought a lot of experience to the team, especially in its knowledge of rapid prototyping and setting up a sports car so it was a shame to lose them.”

It’s rumoured that Caterham is also planning on launching its own rival sports car around the same time.

More details on the Renault Alpine will be made available in the years leading to the launch. In the meantime, watch the beautiful Alpine racer video.