The stage is set for a revolutionary entry in the world of electric vehicles, with Alpine on the brink of unveiling the first two-seat all-electric coupe that’s infused with the heritage and competitive spirit of the iconic French racing brand. As Alpine celebrates its 70th anniversary in its birthplace of Dieppe, executives have unveiled thrilling details that promise to position this ambitious contender squarely against the likes of Porsche’s upcoming electric Cayman and Boxster.
Philippe Krief, Alpine's dynamic leader, and the charismatic Renault Group chief Luca de Meo shared invaluable insights about the electric replacement for the beloved A110 coupe. The upcoming electric coupe is touted to ride on a specially designed sports car platform, with an impressive target weight of just 1,450 kg—similar to the celebrated Cayman GT4 RS. With a stunning range of over 560 kilometres (approximately 350 miles) on a single charge and equipped with cutting-edge in-wheel motors, this vehicle is set to deliver exhilarating performance. “We’re talking about ‘more than enough power,’” Krief passionately asserts, underscoring his commitment to engineering excellence. The significance of the A110 extends beyond its performance—it represents the cornerstone of Renault Group’s vision to transform Alpine’s racing legacy, which boasts a remarkable heritage in Formula 1 and the World Endurance Championship, into a thriving line up of seven premium vehicles at the forefront of technological advancement.
The introduction of the A390, an electric SUV unveiled during the Dieppe event, is critical for generating revenue to support this ambitious growth. De Meo articulates a bold ambition: “We aim to craft France’s equivalent of Porsche,” he confidently declares. Notably, the original A110, powered by an inline Renault four-cylinder engine, made its debut in 1963—the same year the iconic Porsche 911 was born. While the A390 rides on a meticulously updated version of Renault Group’s AmpR-Medium architecture, the new coupe will be the flagship model of the Alpine Performance Platform (APP), which is set to make its grand debut at the Paris motor show in October 2026. In an ambitious move, De Meo explains, “We made a brave decision to invest in a highly adaptable modular sports car platform to elevate the next-generation A110.”
This APP sports car platform is crafted from lightweight extruded aluminium sections, and its production will take place at the famed Dieppe factory, where artisans have honed their skills in working with this lightweight material. “We believe we can create an electric car that weighs less than its gasoline-powered counterparts,” de Meo asserts. To achieve this, Alpine has embraced a revolutionary approach to placing the electric motors in the wheels, enhancing the car’s centre of gravity. The A110 will build upon the avant-garde in-wheel motor technology that powers the audacious Renault 5 Turbo 3E, transforming it into a thrilling rear-wheel-drive machine. This innovation eliminates unnecessary components, paving the way for significantly reduced weight and allowing expert torque management across individual wheels.
While the Turbo 3E aims for drifting prowess, the new A110 is meticulously designed to tackle tight corners with remarkable precision. “There will be two motors on the rear,” states Krief, adding an intriguing twist with an all-wheel-drive variant that features two rear motors and a lightweight front motor. When asked about power output, Krief exuberantly confirms, “Expect over 500 horsepower! There’s a lot of power in store, and we are poised for future enhancements to offer diverse performance options.” The electric motors will draw energy from high-density batteries integrated into an advanced 800-volt electrical architecture, drastically improving charging capabilities while enabling compact, lightweight wiring solutions. The current A110 may weigh in at a sprightly 1,102 kg and features a modest 249 hp engine, rocketing to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds.
While the upcoming electric model may expand in size slightly, maintaining a height below 1.3 meters is key to preserving its sporty demeanour. To achieve the optimal weight distribution, one clever battery stack is proposed to fit behind the rear seats—a classic mid-engine position—while additional cells could be integrated up front. Krief anticipates a robust electric range of about 600 kilometres, ensuring that the new A110 maintains its usability. “Customers won’t settle for a small battery that compromises function,” he emphasizes, conveying the importance of driving dynamics and agility provided by electric technology. As the A110 develops, Alpine is experimenting with an innovative sound symposer that enhances the driving experience by dynamically adjusting audio output based on throttle input and motor speed. “Electric cars have a unique potential for delivering an agile, responsive ride,” Krief emphasizes. “The new A110 will embody the legacy of its predecessors while forging its own identity—a true Alpine car.” The aesthetic vision for the new A110 will honour the brand's heritage while incorporating contemporary design elements, ensuring it remains instantly recognizable.
De Meo highlights Alpine’s commitment to design continuity, stating, “There are distinctive cues that resonate throughout our brand, from the pointed front end to our signature double-headlight feature.” With the new Alpine Performance Platform serving as a foundation, the brand holds ambitious plans for various models, including a two-seat coupe, a captivating roadster, and even 2+2-seater variants. The dream extends to a 1,000-hp hybrid supercar and potentially a larger SUV, poised to conquer international markets. In this pivotal era of electrification, Luca de Meo offers a refreshing perspective: “The electric transition levels the playing field. While some may have a century of experience, we have an opportunity to redefine what electric power can mean for performance.” Alpine stands poised to showcase not just an electric vehicle but an exuberant extension of its passionate racing heritage. Get ready to witness the exciting future of Alpine and the arrival of a thrilling electric era!