Renault has revealed a new, virtual Alpine race car for the Vision Gran Turismo design series. The new Alpine race car will be available for download and driving within the game, and serves as a prelude to the return of the Alpine brand in 2016.

Renault's in-house design teams submitted 15 designs for the concept, with designers and engineers working together to make the digital car. While no individual element of the concept will make it to production, officials say that several details on the car have been "directly inspired" by the upcoming sports car.

The new Gran Turismo concept is based on a carbonfibre monocoque chassis and is powered by a mid-mounted 4.5-litre V8 engine producing 444bhp and 59.17kgm of torque. Its top speed is pegged at 320kph, with power sent to the rear wheels by a seven-speed sequential transmission. It weighs 900kg.

Alpine says that the concept stands “at the crossroads of the past, present and future”, and it provides “a link between the virtual and real worlds”.

Much like other manufacturers, Renault has also produced a full-scale model of the concept. After the collaboration between Alpine and Caterham collapsed, Renault had previously confirmed that its upcoming sports car could be used to assess the business case for a new family of Alpine models. This was back in 2012, when Renault had first showcased a new-generation Alpine concept car at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Players will be able to download the Alpine concept car from March.