Coming soon: Alpine A290

Alpine’s associations with Renault stretch back many decades, the brand now building its own range of sports cars based around the stunning A110 coupe and competing in Formula 1, endurance racing and various championships across rallying, sports cars and single-seaters. And all of the above are being channelled into this, Alpine’s all-electric ‘urban sports car’ for a new generation of driving enthusiasts.
Called the A290_β – or A290 Beta, in reference to its test stage of development – it’s an electric hot hatch sharing an all-new platform with the soon to be reborn Renault 5 and motor technology with the existing Zoe and Megane E-Tech 100% Electric.

The car you see here is officially a concept, and has some wacky features like a central driving position with two passengers (or co-pilots, according to Alpine) seated behind and with a clear view of the road ahead for a greater connection with what’s going on. Launched in a blaze of lights and music, the A290_β’s debut was part video game, part Daft Punk concert and the view from the driver’s seat is as much that of a driving simulator as it is an actual car. This is no static exhibit, though, as the real-time demonstration of the car’s abilities proved, the rally car style hydraulic handbrake demonstrating flicking it sideways while the twin front-mounted motors pulled it through the turns. A range of motorsport-inspired features are also included, comprising a 10-second overtaking boost from a button on the wheel and various different modes for the brakes and other systems according to the conditions on track.
While you can expect the interior to be more conventional when the A290 launches next year Alpine says the exterior looks of the car are pretty close to the production model, the small size and sense of agility living up to that ‘urban sports car’ promise. In due course the A290 will be joined by two more electric models in the shape of a small crossover and a battery powered replacement for the current A110 to create what’s being described as a ‘Dream Garage’ for brand enthusiasts. It's certainly a cool looking thing, the dynamic debut a clear statement this car will be about fun at the wheel from the off. More information when we get it but, for now, excitement for what could be the first true electric hot hatch is high!