Alpine’s Dream Garage Begins to Fill Up

The year 2024 definitely marks a turning point for Alpine. The single-product phase is coming to an end, clarifying the horizon for the French manufacturer.

Alpine has made us feast on the A110 until we could eat no more, but we knew it was for a good cause. The luck of the Dieppe-based manufacturer was ultimately to begin its revival with an exceptional car, and in this case, luck was indeed created. But all good things come to an end, and the thermal A110 bows out with a final version called… Ultime.

Produced in 110 units, it is actually a version of the A110 R with an optimized chassis and an engine pushed to 345 hp with a maximum torque of 420 Nm available from 3200 rpm, which is 80 Nm more than the A110 R Turini version, as well as 160 kg of additional downforce at maximum speed. This model perfectly illustrates the philosophy that has guided the entire career of the A110 with special series of special series. Alpine assures us that this is the last of the last, but if there is demand, let’s be sure it won’t be the case!

But the short-term future of the brand with the arrow-shaped A is named A290. A small sports car that strangely resembles the Renault 5… and for good reason. It is indeed a R5 with an Alpine twist. Besides a very nice aerodynamic kit, depending on the trim level, the engine can reach 220 hp in GT Performance and GTS. Enough to catapult from 0 to 100 km/h in 6 seconds thanks to a modest weight of 1,479 kg. An Overtake function controlled by a physical red button on the steering wheel (named OV) instantly delivers maximum power of 220 hp. The A290 offers a launch control feature that triggers with a very simple procedure. During the resulting acceleration, a spectacular specific animation is implemented in the instrument screen. The Alpine spirit is very much present.

Alpine finally took advantage of the Mondial de l’Auto to present two concepts. The show-car A390_β gives a preview of the future sport fastback that will be produced in Dieppe from 2025. Even though everyone at Alpine avoids talking about SUVs, the A390 will indeed be one. Finally, once the 22-inch wheels of the concept are replaced with more reasonable models, and the sharp edges of the front and rear faces are smoothed out to avoid injuring the legs of pedestrians to pass homologation.

The Alpenglow Hy6 is a design marvel due to the brilliant creativity of Anthony Villain, the Director of Alpine Design. It is powered by a brand-new 3.5-liter V6 engine, entirely developed by Alpine for optimal hydrogen combustion, delivering a power of 740 hp. Designed as a rolling laboratory, the Alpenglow Hy6 foreshadows the Alpine Supercar that will be 100% electric. Hydrogen is rather expected on the circuits of the 24 Hours of Le Mans…

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