Alpine plots seven-car lineup in EV model blitz
Four-seat sports car, A110-based roadster and even hydrogen power proposed for incoming 'revolution'
We’ve heard quite a lot from Alpine about its ‘Dream Garage’ - the parade of future models it has planned for its targeted net-zero carbon production in 2030. The allusion was apt partly because it wasn’t always clear exactly how much of the proposed lineup was actually based on costed reality. Well, now, as part of a far-reaching ‘Renaulution plan’ (we kid you not) intended to see Alpine break even by 2026 - and expand globally a year later - the firm has officially confirmed its intention to launch seven new models by the end of the decade.
The strategy, which, needless to say, projects an ambitious annual growth rate, was launched by Luca de Meo and Laurent Rossi (CEOs of Renault and Alpine, respectively) at the firm’s F1 facility in Enstone on Monday. Predictably, it includes the A290 B-segment contender expected next year, a C-segment crossover in 2025 and the all-new replacement for the A110 in 2026 - but also incorporates a future roadster (based on the A110), a ‘four-seat sports coupe’ and two new models in the D and E segment.
Ambitious enough for ya? Clearly, the plan is intended to ‘turbocharge international growth’ as Alpine looks to launch in the US and Asia from 2027. Renault is convinced that for the brand to transition from niche prospect to fully-fledged (and profitable) manufacturer, it must dramatically expand the business model. Its CEO did not mince his words.
“Alpine is the brand for motorsport and state-of-the-art technology enthusiasts. Excellence is its focus,” noted Luca de Meo. “Only two years ago, Alpine was in a dead-end, lacking clear perspectives. Since then, we have turned it into a fully-fledged car manufacturer, bringing together outstanding assets: a top-class engineering centre, unique manufacturing know-how, [and a] expanding distribution network.”
While the A290 is of considerable interest to anyone interested in the battery-electric future of the hot hatch (and the success of the family-sized Crossover GT will inevitably be crucial to the firm’s bottom line) it is the advent of the Alpine Performance Platform (APP) that continues to draw focus - not least because it must be achieved outside of the mooted partnership with Lotus.
Alpine reckons it can ‘capitalise on the company's internal resources to achieve economies of scale’ when it comes to the business of developing a modular architecture to replace the much-loved A110, and confirmation that it will, in time, spawn both a roadster and a larger sports coupe - already dubbed the A310 - is evidence enough of its intentions for what is a hugely costly piece of technology.
Elsewhere, Alpine suggested that it is also ‘developing proprietary technologies’ for its cars, including a hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine. Naturally, that prospect will be of keen interest to anyone unconvinced by the thought of a performance car lineup comprised purely of BEVs - and it might potentially align more neatly with the brand’s enthusiastic participation in motorsport.
Alpine remains vocal about the importance of motor racing to its brand, and, beyond the announcement earlier this month that it intends to compete in the WEC as a factory team from next year, it used the trip to Enstone to welcome new investors to its F1 fold. If the manufacturer truly hopes to one day compete with the likes of Porsche, it will need all the circuit-based success (and exposure) it can get.
On another thought, given many EVs have similar power delivery and weight, will we see the end of multi-car garages (as in daily and weekenders) once we all finally switch over? Can’t imagine there will be a significant difference based on the current offerings.
Only part that's a bit worrying is "Alpine is the brand for motorsport and state-of-the-art technology enthusiasts". Is it? Motorsport I'll grant, but, but really, technology enthusiasts? I thought the A110's appeal was meant to be lightness and minimalism, not being stuffed full of gizmos. Hopefully that's just the usual drivel given to De Meo by some committee whose only job is to argue about the wording of major media releases. Even if not, minimalist or techy, we need all the moderately affordable sports cars we can get nowadays.
That’s the sort of thing a 1980s Barry would do to his knackered Mk4 Cortina to make it look exactly like a Testarossa. Once seen, can’t be unseen.
As for the ambitious model plans I agree with others, sounds very Lotus. Or Alfa for that matter. Always teasing us with fantastic things just a few years away but they never quite seem to materialise.
That’s the sort of thing a 1980s Barry would do to his knackered Mk4 Cortina to make it look exactly like a Testarossa. Once seen, can’t be unseen.
As for the ambitious model plans I agree with others, sounds very Lotus. Or Alfa for that matter. Always teasing us with fantastic things just a few years away but they never quite seem to materialise.
Apart from Ferrari.
Apart from Ferrari.
Rest of the door functioned fine, Spartan car with additional lightness
Unfortunately the holes were also close to the vents that brought air cooled warmness into the cabin.
Doing my little bit for global warming before it became unfashionable.
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