Possible Hybrid Version for the New Alpine A110
The lightweight Alpine A110 sports coupe is renowned for its handling and balance, which could make even the Porsche Cayman nervous. When the French brand confirmed that the next generation A110 would be exclusively electric, it caused disappointment among purists. However, there is hope that developments within the Renault empire could lead to the emergence of a hybrid version of the A110.
Technologies from Horse for Hybridization
Horse, established in 2023 as a joint venture between Renault and China’s Geely, has developed two petrol-electric engines designed for the hybridization of electric vehicle platforms. Both are 1.5-liter transverse four-cylinder units distinguished by their compactness. The base version with a single electric motor between the engine and transmission has a length of only 25.6 inches (650 mm).
More Powerful Version for Enthusiasts
The second version of the engine, which has an additional motor at the end of the transmission, might be more interesting for A110 fans. It adds 3.5 inches (89 mm) to the total length. According to Motor Trend, this version produces 349 hp (354 PS) and 380 lb-ft (515 Nm) of torque, making it less powerful than the top electric A110, but sufficiently effective for a lightweight car.
Weight Characteristics and Comparison
Alpine states that even the electric version will weigh less than 3200 pounds (1450 kg), and the hybrid will have an even lower mass. The current model with an internal combustion engine, which performs excellently with 249 hp (252 PS), weighs only 2425 pounds (1100 kg).
Reality of a Hybrid A110
None of this information about a hybrid A110 is officially confirmed by Alpine or Horse, but for enthusiasts who feared losing their favorite coupe, this is a truly exciting prospect. Given the connection to Renault and a similar step from Porsche, such a turn of events seems quite plausible.
After plans to make the next generation 718 Cayman and Boxster exclusively electric, Porsche announced that models with internal combustion engines will continue to exist – a decision driven largely by customer demand.
Sports car fans simply haven’t embraced the idea of heavy and quiet electric vehicles that sacrifice mechanical emotions for range and instant torque.
Alpine’s Next Steps
Alpine, like Porsche, is trying to find a balance between environmental responsibility and emotional appeal. Its parent company Renault is actively investing in electrification, but Alpine’s identity is built on agility, which batteries often suppress. Most buyers would probably prefer a pure internal combustion engine, but emission standards rule this out. A hybrid A110 could be an attractive compromise, combining electric driving at low speeds with the throttle response and sound that enthusiasts crave.
Impact on the American Market
Unfortunately for American fans, all of this is irrelevant. The A110 is not sold in the USA, and this is unlikely to change, regardless of what is under the hood or the floor. Moreover, Alpine has suspended all plans for America due to President Trump’s tariffs, having previously promised to introduce several crossovers and SUVs in North America starting from 2027.
These changes in approaches to sports cars indicate a broader trend in the automotive industry, where manufacturers face a contradiction between environmental requirements and consumer expectations. Porsche’s success in preserving internal combustion engines for the 718 models could set a precedent for other brands, such as Alpine, which seek to maintain their uniqueness in the era of electrification. Technologies like those developed by Horse could open up new possibilities for creating efficient, yet still exciting cars that combine the best features of both worlds.