Alpine maintains plans for electric sports car and sees a different future from Porsche

Alpine, the renowned French sports car manufacturer, has reaffirmed its commitment to the electrification of its iconic A110 model. The company has demonstrated confidence in the transition to electric vehicles (EVs), positioning itself strategically and distinctly in relation to the challenges faced by larger competitors, such as Porsche, in the global high-performance vehicle landscape.

New electric Alpine A110 makes first appearance at Goodwood

The next generation Alpine A110, which promises to be launched next year, had its first public contact during the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Unlike the current model, which has a four-cylinder turbo engine mounted in a central position, the third version of the A110 will be powered by two electric motors installed at the rear, marking a significant evolution in the brand’s lineup.

The change comes at a time of uncertainty in the electric vehicle market, where demand does not always meet expectations. Despite this, Philippe Krief, CEO of Alpine, was optimistic. He highlighted that Alpine does not face the same “uphill battle” as large players, such as Porsche, in adapting to the electric segment, focusing on a more agile and niche-oriented approach.

Brand expansion strategy with the new APP platform

Alpine’s CEO detailed that the introduction of models such as the A290 and A390 aims to win over new consumers and solidify the brand’s recognition on the streets. The main focus now falls on the new A110 and its Alpine Performance Platform (APP), designed not just for this vehicle but for a range of future cars. This versatility of the platform suggests a wider range of models to be developed by the company in the coming years.

The APP platform is being developed with the capacity to support an even larger model, which could have three electric motors. This new vehicle is designed to directly rival strong competitors, such as the Porsche 911. Krief emphasizes that the A110, even though it is electric, will maintain the essence of a “true sports car” thanks to its lightness and excellent weight distribution, crucial factors for the driving experience.

The contingency plan and the decision on gasoline engines

Despite heavy investment in electrification, Alpine’s APP platform was designed with the flexibility to accommodate a gasoline engine. This option would be considered if customers show a preference for a non-fully electric version. However, Krief expressed little expectation that the company would need to go down that path.

Alpine has set the fourth quarter of 2026 as the deadline to reassess the situation. On that date, the company will have a clearer understanding of market dynamics. For the CEO, this alternative is not a plan to mitigate risks, but rather an “opportunity” to adapt, reinforcing the brand’s confidence in its electric vehicle strategy.

Lessons from the market: Porsche’s experience with the electric 718

The automotive sector closely watches the movements of other automakers. Porsche, for example, has already postponed the launch of its electric 718 project due to low demand and rising production costs. There are even reports that the German manufacturer may completely cancel development of the model, which would leave it without a more affordable sports option below the iconic 911.

This situation contrasts with Alpine’s vision, which, despite being a smaller company, does not express a “fear of failure” in the electric vehicle market. The differentiated approach could allow Alpine greater agility to respond to the needs of a specific segment of enthusiasts, without the pressure of large production volumes that affect larger companies.

Track performance: the priority in the design of the new A110

The pursuit of an authentic driving experience is paramount for Alpine. Krief highlighted that the new A110 needs to offer high performance and be “extremely fun to drive”. Attention to detail extends to the cockpit design, which will be “timeless, sporty and personalized”, in line with the brand’s identity.

One of the highlights is the battery optimization, sized to guarantee at least 20 minutes of track driving with maximum performance. According to the CEO, this capability will make the car “at least as good, and maybe even better” than the previous generation A110. This guarantee of performance on the circuit is an important differentiator to win over sports car purists.