Alpine's bold pivot towards an all-electric future has sparked mixed reactions among its fervent fans and aficionados of the iconic petrol-powered A110 sports cars. However, brand executives assert that this transition is not just necessary; it’s the only feasible trajectory for a high-performance powerhouse. Alpine is busy engineering ways to challenge the laws of engineering and invoke thrilling emotions for drivers. In a recent interview, Alpine's design director, Antony Villain, shed light on this shift, stating, “If we were to continue with internal combustion engines, achieving a competitive performance against well-established rivals would require years of development and exorbitant budgets. In France, for instance, sports cars face a hefty €60,000 tax, making the market unviable. Today, even Porsche has opted out of selling sports cars in France. Hence, we’ve positioned ourselves well, capturing nearly 98% of the two-door coupe market here.”
Despite a slight decline in demand for electric vehicles (EVs), Alpine is steadfast in its ambition to roll out a lineup of seven fully electric models by the decade's end. The only exception will be the road-going rendition of the Alpenglow hypercar, set to feature a hybrid V6 engine. Villain emphasizes a critical advantage of the electric transition: “It’s like hitting the reset button on our expertise, leveling the playing field. This opens up exciting opportunities to remain competitive while staying true to Alpine’s essence. From the beginning, Alpine hasn’t just been about engines; our sports cars are crafted from the finest existing components, reimagined in innovative ways. We believe that our upcoming models will deliver an even better experience than the current A110.”
This ambitious statement comes from Philippe Krief, Alpine's head since 2023. Known for steering the development of the remarkable Ferrari 458 Speciale and that of the groundbreaking Ferrari SF90 and 296 GTB plug-in hybrid supercars, Krief’s extensive expertise infuses Alpine with confidence. Enter the new Alpine A390, a testament to the brand’s dedication to its core principles. This spacious five-seat 'Sport Fastback', built on the same underpinnings as the Renault Scenic family SUV, features a custom triple-motor setup producing a staggering 464 hp and 1098 Nm of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds. Yet, even though it boasts thrilling acceleration akin to an A110 R, Sovany Ang, Alpine's VP of product performance, notes, “That’s not the sole criterion for an Alpine. We aim for agility and lightness.”
To encapsulate this agility, Alpine employs cutting-edge technology, with a standout feature being an active torque vectoring system. This system optimally utilizes the dual electric motors at the rear and a single motor at the front. Krief’s expertise is reflected in this design, leading Ang to guarantee that the 2.1-tonne head-turner can "pivot around corners while remaining stable in straight lines,” creating the illusion of a featherweight vehicle.
The forthcoming electric A110, scheduled for unveiling in October 2026, will also incorporate torque vectoring, but Alpine is pushing boundaries even further. Among its innovations are a proprietary bonded-aluminum platform and futuristic in-wheel electric motors powering the rear wheels. Most significantly, the upcoming models are expected to weigh less than 1,500 kg—placing it in the same category as heavier contenders like the Lotus Emira or the Porsche Cayman GT4 RS. Following the A110, the new A310—a resurgence of a classic from the brand's history—will emerge as a four-seat sports coupe, offering a zero-emissions counterpart to the powerful Porsche 911.
For those still drawn to the roar of gasoline engines, fear not: the current petrol-fueled A110 remains available with prices starting around €65,000, along with numerous new and used models scattered across Europe. Additionally, the spirited Alpine A290 hot hatch can be leased for as low as €350 per month. Ang articulates the dilemma the brand faced: “We could have opted to abandon the sports car/two-door coupe segment, discontinuing the A110. But that’s not our vision! We want the A110 to endure and evolve into an icon over the next 70 years. Therefore, embracing the technology available today is crucial, and electric powertrains enable us to achieve thrilling performance.” With the electric A110, the vision expands beyond mere speed. Villain asserts, “We aim to infuse soul and sensuality into our designs; it won’t be just a cold machine.”
Ang further elaborates on the emotional connection: “While electric performance may exceed combustion engines, we strive to elicit those cherished sensations that make sports cars irresistible.” This ethos marks a transformative phase in Alpine’s design philosophy. Villain observed, “While today’s A110 serves as a bridge to our storied past, we’re embarking on a new era, projecting the brand into the future.” The Alpenglow hypercar concept has already set the tone for Alpine’s modern aesthetic, retaining the brand’s unmistakable DNA while introducing sharper and more distinctive styling elements—like the iconic quadruple lights seen across the concept, the A110, and the A390. Yet, Villain acknowledges, “We noticed that while people regard the A110 as 'cute,' this appealing aspect sometimes deters potential buyers. Thus, we’re refining the design, striving for a bolder look while maintaining the allure.”
