Alpine decides the fate of the gasoline-powered A110 successor
Alpine used the Goodwood Festival of Speed to present a development prototype called the A110 Future. It hints at a future electric sports car that may not be exclusively an electric vehicle.
Decision on gasoline version by the end of the year
According to PistonHeads, Alpine CEO Philippe Krief stated that development will be completed by October, and “by then we will know how much it will cost to develop a gasoline version.” With that figure, the company will be able to decide whether to build a version with an internal combustion engine by the end of this year. If the gasoline variant gets the green light, its production could take about two years.
Tax challenges and pricing strategy
Although it is not imminent, the executive noted that taxes on ICE vehicles in France are “extraordinary.” To cope with this, the company is reportedly considering setting either a high or low price. The high-price path would allow the gasoline model to attract wealthy customers who can ignore high taxes, while the low-price path would expand the customer base but likely lead to some compromises, such as reduced performance or equipment.
The U.S. market as a key factor
That is not the only issue, as Alpine is still considering a potential entry into the U.S. market. Americans are not very enthusiastic about electric vehicles, so a gasoline-powered A110 would be critical for the company’s success in the U.S.
Electric version specifications
While only time will tell what happens, Krief said the electric variant should be good for “at least 20 minutes of track time at maximum speed.” That doesn’t sound like much, but he claimed it would be at least as good as the old gasoline model, considering tire wear and the need for brake cooling. The electric variant is also expected to gain about 300 kg compared to the previous coupe.
Special version and platform
Krief also hinted at a high-performance special version that could borrow some features from the Renault 5 Turbo 3E. Although it is still unknown, the publication reported that the new Alpine Performance Platform is designed to serve as the basis for at least two generations of the A110.
Technical details of the future A110
Alpine has not revealed many details about the car, but has previously stated that the redesigned A110 will have two battery packs and a weight distribution of 40:60. The model will also feature 800V technology and “high energy density elements to reduce weight and charging time.”
The batteries will power a new 3-in-1 rear e-axle with two electric motors, promising to deliver “exceptional torque, performance, and ultra-fast handling.” An aluminum suspension with “new integrated braking and steering systems” can also be expected.
Goodwood hill climb and performance
At the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the company added that the A110 will be able to surpass “the best modern sports cars with internal combustion engines.” Alpine also reported that 25% of the car’s total battery capacity will be installed at the front, with the remaining 75% at the rear. They are housed in a “high-pressure die-cast aluminum housing that directly contributes to the car’s structural rigidity.”
The firm also stated that customers can expect Active Torque Vectoring 2.0 and a Wheel Slip Torque Control system that helps reduce understeer. These will be joined by an intense “electric motor-driven sound,” which could be heard during its hill climb at Goodwood.
Alpine’s decision on the gasoline version of the A110 is indicative of the entire automotive industry. It demonstrates that even manufacturers investing heavily in electrification are forced to consider the realities of different markets. High taxes in Europe and cautious attitudes toward electric vehicles in the U.S. create a complex dilemma. If Alpine decides to produce a gasoline-powered A110, it could be not just a niche product but a strategic move to ensure the brand’s global presence. At the same time, the technical specifications of the electric version, particularly the active torque vectoring system and the latest platform, suggest that the company is not giving up on its ambitions to create a true sports car of the future.