FYI: Alpine’s second electric vehicle for the U.S., the A390, is set to debut at the 2024 Paris Motor Show and start production in 2025 in France. Here’s what to expect.
Alpine’s A390: A Glimpse into the Future of Electric Crossovers
Alpine is gearing up to introduce its highly anticipated A390 concept at the 2024 Paris Motor Show in mid-October. Although we’ve already seen camouflaged prototypes, the official appearance will offer more insight into this innovative electric vehicle.
A390 Design and Features
The A390 is an electric compact crossover boasting a sleek fastback design, akin to the Polestar 2. Some anticipated design elements include:
- Separate daytime running lights and headlight clusters
- Aerodynamic wheels for enhanced efficiency
- LED light strips for taillights
- A short rear overhang for a more compact look
Platform and Performance
Underpinning the A390 will likely be the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance’s dedicated EV platform, specifically the CMF-EV architecture already seen in the Renault Megane E-Tech and Nissan Ariya. This platform can generate up to 429 horsepower in its highest-performance configurations, as evidenced by the Ariya Nismo, and the A390 might follow suit.
Production and Market Launch
The A390 is scheduled to enter production in 2025 at Alpine’s Dieppe plant in France. This factory currently manufactures the gasoline-powered A110 sports car, Alpine’s sole offering in the market. Production for the A290, an electric subcompact hatchback, is also slated to commence next year.
Alpine aims to initiate sales of the A390 across various markets by late 2025. Despite ambitions to enter the U.S. market by 2027, the A390 and A290 are not anticipated to be part of the initial American lineup. Instead, Alpine plans to introduce two crossovers designed to compete with the Porsche Macan and Cayenne to U.S. consumers.
Future Lineup and Naming Strategy
Looking beyond the A390, Alpine’s pipeline includes an electric successor to the A110 and a four-door sedan or liftback named the A310. Alpine’s naming convention is straightforward: the initial "A" is followed by three digits. The first digit denotes the size and market positioning, while the last two digits differentiate between sporty (numbered 10) and lifestyle (numbered 90) models. For example:
- A110: Current sports car
- A290: Upcoming electric subcompact hatchback
- A390: New electric compact crossover
Conclusion
The Alpine A390 promises to be a transformative addition to the brand’s lineup, integrating advanced EV technologies with contemporary design. As Alpine prepares for its U.S. entry, it’s clear that the brand is committed to delivering high-performance electric vehicles tailored for diverse markets.
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Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi
