Alpine's Electric Uprising: An Old Horse Learns New Tricks
Alpine is the one brand that, for decades, made us ponder the mystery of how the French manage to combine wine, cheese, and sports cars in a way that seems almost... poetic. Well, surprise surprise! They're at it again, but this time, there's an electric twist.
You see, the new Alpine A310 is coming in hot (or should I say, electrically charged?) as a suave, four-seater that's apparently ready to give the Porsche Taycan a run for its battery. Alpine, in their ever-so-French flair, describes it as an "icon of future sports cars". Bold claim? Yes. Possible? Well, old habits die hard, but I'm an open-minded fellow.
Part of a seven-car electric bonanza set to roll out by 2030, the A310 isn't coming alone. Oh no! It’s part of Alpine’s master plan, or as they call it, a "wholesale reinvention program" for Renault's sporty offspring. Remember the electric A110 coupé due in 2027? The A310 is its four-seat cousin, or perhaps the French answer to Porsche's 718 Cayman and 911 relationship.
Now, on to the juicy bits. Based on the Alpine Performance Platform (APP, for those who adore abbreviations), it promises to be as flexible as my skepticism about electric vehicles. Can you feel my eyes rolling? Anyway, this car is expected to serve drivers with exciting dynamics that would supposedly make it a future classic.
Alpine Alpenglow
Bruce Pillard, the marketing whiz at Alpine, assures us, “Even if it’s an electric car with a battery inside, you’re going to feel the lightness.” Really, Bruce? The same way I feel light after a Thanksgiving dinner? I'll have to see it to believe it. And as if echoing my skepticism, design maestro Antony Villain chimes in with his vision, “We want to do a 2+2 sports car... and the final design will be finished in a year and a half.”
This decision to add two extra seats to the A310 isn't just because they felt like it. It's part of Alpine’s grand transformation. From being that niche, quirky brand, they're aiming for the stars – or at least a bigger piece of the global car pie.
Their upcoming lineup is quite the spectacle. From a hot hatchback, the A290, to the luxury D- and E-segment cars, Alpine's looking to cover all bases. And the A310 is their poster child for this ambition. As Pillard puts it, “The A110 is limited because it’s a two-seater, and we know that adding two more seats in a car will make a huge difference.” Not exactly rocket science, but alright.
But hey, it's not all about going electric. Apparently, Alpine's also dabbling in hydrogen-combustion tech with their "Alpenglow hypercar concept". There is no doubt that Alpine is on an electric journey, with a sprinkle of hydrogen. As for me? Well, I'm cautiously optimistic. Just remember, Alpine: don't forget the cheese!
Yours truly,
Captain Electro
