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Alpine A390_ß: A three-motor electric sports car for 2025
Alpine is forging ahead with its electrification strategy, aiming to launch a range of fully electric vehicles over the next few years. One of the most anticipated models is the Alpine A390_ß, a concept vehicle that will debut as a production model in June 2025 under the name Alpine A390. Scheduled to hit the roads by the third quarter of 2025, the A390 represents a significant milestone for the brand, combining cutting-edge technology with the performance-oriented driving experience Alpine is known for.
In an exclusive interview with Alpine CEO Philippe Krief and technical experts, we gained insights into the engineering and design features of this innovative vehicle. The A390 is part of Alpine’s plan to introduce one fully electric model each year through 2028, starting with this groundbreaking sports car.
All-electric model lineup: One new car per year until 2028
Alpine’s future is fully electric, with a commitment to producing only electric vehicles starting in 2025. Each year, a new model will be added to the lineup, beginning with the A390, a sporty fastback designed for both performance and everyday usability. This will be followed by a new generation of the A110, another all-electric vehicle. Krief emphasizes, “We have decided to produce only fully electric vehicles from 2025 onwards,” positioning Alpine as a leader in electric sports cars.
The A390 will blend dynamic styling with practical features, making it an attractive option for drivers who value both speed and responsibility. Alpine’s vision for this model is best described as “a race car in a suit,” highlighting its dual nature as both a high-performance sports car and a reliable daily driver.
Advanced engineering: Built on the AmpR-Medium platform
The A390 is built on Alpine’s AmpR-Medium platform, specifically tailored to meet the needs of high-performance electric vehicles. While the APP (Alpine Performance Platform) will be reserved for the all-electric A110, the A390’s platform still delivers remarkable performance capabilities.
The A390’s standout feature is its three-motor drivetrain: two electric motors powering the rear axle and a third motor driving the front, providing all-wheel drive capabilities. This setup offers extraordinary power and agility, particularly in cornering situations. The electric motors are sourced from Alpine’s Megafactory in Cléon, while the batteries are assembled in Douai.
Torque vectoring for ultimate control
A key highlight of the A390 is its torque vectoring technology, which precisely distributes power between the wheels to ensure optimal traction and stability in every driving situation. Alpine has developed proprietary software to manage the performance of the three motors and the battery pack, dynamically adjusting output based on driving conditions.
According to Alpine experts, “Agility in corners and stability on straightaways were crucial factors during the vehicle’s development.” Extensive fine-tuning by Alpine’s in-house software team has resulted in a light and responsive driving feel, offering a driving experience that combines sportiness with everyday practicality.
Exceptional performance and custom tires
One of the most critical elements in the A390’s design is its partnership with Michelin to develop custom tires specifically tailored to maximize both range and driving dynamics. These tires are engineered to complement the high-performance demands of the vehicle, ensuring no compromises in handling or efficiency.
The combination of custom tires, torque vectoring, and a powerful drivetrain delivers impressive driving dynamics, enabling drivers to fully exploit the potential of the A390 on any road.
Design: Inspired by motorsport, built for the road
The A390’s design takes inspiration from Alpine’s motorsport heritage, particularly Formula 1. The cockpit is a central feature, with a clean, technical design focusing entirely on the driver. Anthony Villain, Alpine’s head designer, explains, “The cockpit is the heart of the car.” The contrasting black-and-white interior emphasizes the technological feel, while the F1-inspired steering wheel includes a Boost button and can be compacted for daily driving.
The seats offer two settings: one for regular driving and another for a more immersive, race-like experience. Alpine’s design ensures that passengers, too, are engaged in the driving experience, creating a shared sense of excitement and adventure.
Externally, the A390 is designed as a sleek coupé-fastback with room for five passengers, balancing aerodynamics with practicality. An active front splitter optimizes airflow, improving range without sacrificing performance. “The A390 was shaped to cut through the wind,” says Marc Poulain, a key figure in the car’s exterior design.
Innovation and sustainability
Alpine’s commitment to innovation is evident in the materials and manufacturing techniques used in the A390. The vehicle’s floor is made from high-performance carbon fiber produced by the Lyon-based startup Lavoisier Composites, featuring a striking triangular structure inspired by basalt columns. This material is entirely sourced from recycled components from the aviation and photovoltaic industries, making the A390 a leader in both aesthetics and sustainability.
The headrests are another example of Alpine’s forward-thinking approach. Made using 3D printing by Erpro Group, they incorporate Pebax® Rnew®, a biobased elastomer derived from castor seeds. This innovative material exemplifies the brand’s blend of sustainability and cutting-edge technology.
Exclusive dealerships and global expansion
Alpine aims to expand its dealership network with exclusive brand stores in major markets such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK. Japan, a key market for Alpine, will also see a stronger presence, with the A110 already proving successful in the region. The A390 is expected to perform similarly well, continuing Alpine’s legacy in both Europe and Asia.
The official unveiling of the Alpine A390 is scheduled for June 2025, with production set to begin in the second quarter of that year. The vehicle is expected to be available to customers by the third quarter, and Alpine anticipates strong sales figures similar to those achieved by the A290. Krief concludes, “With the A390, we continue our tradition of sports cars while driving towards an all-electric future.”
A vision for Alpine’s electric future
The A390 is positioned as part of Alpine’s “Everyday Extraordinary” model series, one of the three pillars of the brand’s new strategy. This series aims to deliver extraordinary vehicles for everyday use. It will be complemented by the “Icons Range,” which includes the new A110, and the “Racing Soul of the Brand,” emphasizing Alpine’s deep motorsport roots.
As Alpine moves into its fully electric era, the A390 is not just a car but a statement of intent. It combines the exhilaration of racing with the demands of daily driving, creating a vehicle that embodies both performance and practicality. Technical details and further insights will be revealed in the coming months, but one thing is certain: the Alpine A390 is set to make a bold impact in the world of electric sports cars.
Douglas K. Richey is a freelance writer and editor with over 15 years of experience in the automotive industry. He has worked as a writer, editor, and content manager for a variety of publications.