Alpine's Electric Revolution: Embracing Performance with Passion

Alpine is embarking on a thrilling journey into the future of electric vehicles, promising that the all-new, all-electric Alpine A110 will embody both soul and sensuality with a bold new design.

The Shift to Electric

Alpine’s transition to electric vehicles has sparked mixed reactions among its devoted fans who cherish the iconic petrol-powered A110. Despite the apprehension, company executives assert that this shift is essential for the brand’s survival and relevance in the competitive performance market.

Antony Villain, Alpine's design director, shared insights into this pivotal change: "Sticking solely with internal combustion engines (ICE) would lead to exorbitant costs and an extensive wait time to match the performance levels of renowned competitors. Moreover, the tax burden in France on ICE sports cars makes it a challenging market to navigate."

Alpine currently holds a staggering 98% market share for two-door coupes in France, demonstrating its stronghold despite the challenges presented by the shift to electric.

A Bold Future with Seven Electric Models

Alpine is unwavering in its commitment to developing a lineup of seven electric models by the close of the decade. The lone exception is the forthcoming Alpenglow hypercar, which will feature a hybrid V6 powertrain.

Villain emphasizes a unique advantage of electric technology: "It’s a fresh start for innovation. Every manufacturer is adapting at the same time, which opens doors for us to be competitive while honoring Alpine's heritage."

With a rich history of creatively utilizing existing components, Alpine aims to deliver a driving experience that surpasses the capabilities of the current A110.

Innovative Performance: The A390

The upcoming Alpine A390 exemplifies the brand’s commitment to performance and innovation. This five-seat 'Sport Fastback' leverages a high-output triple-motor setup capable of delivering up to 464bhp and 808Nm of torque, offering acceleration from 0-62 mph in just 3.9 seconds. However, the real challenge lies in how to preserve the agility and lightweight feel synonymous with Alpine.

To achieve this, Alpine is implementing advanced active torque vectoring technology, enhancing the stability and maneuverability of the A390, allowing it to navigate curves with grace and composure.

The Next-Gen A110: Light and Agile

Expected to debut in October 2026, the next-generation A110 will also leverage this active torque vectoring and an innovative bonded-aluminium platform. The aim is to keep the weight under 1,500kg, moving towards a balance between performance and handling reminiscent of its gasoline predecessors.

Additionally, the design ethos for the new A310 models, drawing from Alpine’s rich heritage, will establish a four-seat sports coupe that serves as an emissions-free alternative to the legendary Porsche 911.

Crafting Emotion in Electric Performance

Ang and Villain stress that the electric A110 will strive to deliver soul and sensuality, challenging the notion that electric cars lack character. Villain articulates, "We intend to evoke emotions that resonate with sports car enthusiasts, crafting experiences that may differ from traditional ICE cars but still ignite that passion for driving."

A New Era of Alpine Design

Alpine is not just evolving its technology; it is redefining its design language. Villain asserts that the current A110 was a nostalgic bridge, while the upcoming models will carve a path into a forward-thinking future. Drawing inspiration from the Alpenglow concept, Alpine's new designs will maintain the brand’s identity while adopting sharper, more dynamic aesthetics to attract a broader audience.

He acknowledges previous design limitations, particularly in certain markets where the A110's charm may hinder its appeal. The new design will feature a sportier look while retaining the sensuality that defines the brand.

In summary, the transition to an electric lineup allows Alpine to remain true to its core principles—creating exhilarating, emotive driving experiences while paving the way for a sustainable future in performance cars.