Teased: New Renault Sport Trophy racer

No, this isn't the start of a teaser campaign for Renault's new Alpine-badged supercar due in 2016, following the axing of its sports car joint-venture with Caterham, or even a race version of the hard-core Megane RS 275 Trophy-R.

Instead, it's our first 'sketchy' look at the new Renault Sport Trophy concept, which previews a race car that will form the basis of the single-model 2015 World Series by Renault motorsport category.

Developed by Renault Sport Technologies, the same outfit that brought us a long list of accomplished Clio RS and Megane RS hot hatches, the Renault Sport Trophy  will be unveiled at the Moscow International Automobile Salon (MIAS) on August 27.

Renault says its "uniquely stunning design" is "the first indication of its exceptional performance" and that an intense development program will commence immediately, before the car joins next year's World Series by Renault.

Thus, it will mark the start of a new era for the category, which has been unearthing champion drivers for the last decade.

Designed solely for competition, the Renault Sport Trophy's vital statistics are nevertheless mouth-watering.

Built around a carbon monocoque built by Dallara, it will be powered by a NISMO engine that drives through a seven-speed sequential gearbox supplied by Sadev, and delivers more than 500bhp (373kW).

That much power in a package that weighs about 1100kg is sure to stretch the friendship of its specifically-developed Michelins.

"A spectacular car designed with pure performance in mind, it has all the makings of being a big hit with the teams, drivers and fans at Renault Sport Technologies’ Fast, Free & Fun events," says the French car-maker.