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The launch of the Renault 5-based Alpine A290 hot hatchback is edging ever closer, with the maker confirming a production version will be revealed in \u201cmid-2024\u201d. This could mean the company is planning to show the A290, in some form, at June's Le Mans 24 Hours \u2013 a race that the brand will also be entering with its A424_B hypercar.<\/p>\n
The news was accompanied by a statement saying the souped-up EV will wear a set of Michelin tyres developed specifically for the car. Alpine said the two companies had \u201cfinally settled\u201d on a 225\/40 R19 tyre, suggesting the A290 will get relatively large 19-inch wheels as standard.<\/p>\n
Alpine has a history with Michelin, using the same tyre manufacturer for its A110 sports car. Philippe M\u00e9rim\u00e9e, Alpine\u2019s ride and handling manager said, \u201cIt's on Michelins that the Alpine A110 emerged as a market benchmark in terms of ride dynamics. Why would we have looked elsewhere for the A290's tyres?\u201d<\/p>\n
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The car maker has confirmed three tyres have been developed for the new model; two summer tyres and one winter tyre. The Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyre is said to optimise \u201cenergy efficiency, combining grip, longevity and autonomy,\u201d while the Pilot Sport S5 is a sportier tyre for maximum performance.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Pilot Alpin 5 tyre is said to be able to \u201ccope with a spectrum of winter conditions, particularly in cold and inclement weather and on wet or snow-covered surfaces.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Alpine A290 was first previewed earlier this year by the A290_\u00df show car. The maker will take the hot hatch mantle from Renaultsport, with the small car set to be the first Alpine-badged EV.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Although this A290_\u00df show car is based on a one-off bespoke platform not dissimilar to that of the Renault R5 Turbo 3E concept shown last year, the production version will be based on sister firm Renault\u2019s CMF-B EV architecture, which the A290 will share with the future Renault 5 all-electric supermini.<\/p>\n
The two concepts share a similar silhouette and basic shape, but the A290_\u00df offers an even sportier stance, thanks to wider track widths covered by chunky bodywork. Alpine has confirmed the future A290 will measure 3.99 metres long \u2013 54mm shorter than a Renault Clio, for example. While images of the production car remain under wraps until the summer, we expect plenty of the concept\u2019s styling cues to be carried over.<\/p>\n
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\u00a0Indeed, according to Alpine design director Antony Villain, the A290\u2019s bodywork is very close to production. Expect more conventional door mirrors and some slightly different exterior detail treatment (the forged carbon is unlikely to make it in a bid to keep costs down). But the overall shape and stance, front end and lighting elements should all be replicated when the roadgoing model is revealed.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe exterior is pretty close to what you will see on the street soon,\u201d Villain told Auto Express. \u201cHowever, the interior is an homage to racing. We will have a more conventional layout for the production car, but we will still redefine everyday sportiness through EV and target new customers \u2013 and the interior will be a key part of this.\u201d<\/p>\n
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As Villain outlined, the A290\u2019s cabin is pure concept. While this \u00df model still features a five-door silhouette (only the front doors open, due to the car\u2019s extensive roll cage), the three-seat layout inside draws inspiration from Alpine\u2019s racing exploits, with a central driving position as in Formula One.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s space for a passenger either side of the driver, set back slightly, while blue-LED lighting runs horizontally around the dash, intersected by a magenta LED stripe that highlights the central driving position.<\/p>\n
The lightweight, 100 per cent \u201craw- carbon\u201d bucket seats are trimmed in Alcantara, and while there\u2019s an overhead console for the car\u2019s kill switch, indicators and lights, the A290_\u00df doesn\u2019t feature a screen; Alpine says this is so that the driver can focus totally on driving. There is a slim head-up display, however.<\/p>\n
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While the A290 production car will have a more conventional interior layout, Alpine has committed to a design that will still be focused on the driver. So expect racy trim treatment and a lower seating position than in many electric vehicles to really involve the driver.<\/p>\n
Technical specifics for the A290_\u00df have not been revealed, but we know it has two electric motors on its front axle (the production car will feature just one unit), with torque-vectoring tech to improve agility.<\/p>\n
There are three drive modes: Wet, Dry and Full. In Wet the car responds more gently for extra stability and confidence; Dry sees aggression and performance dialled up, while Full unleashes maximum output. This can also be accessed using the red boost button on the car\u2019s steering wheel \u2013 marked \u2018OV\u2019 for Overtake \u2013 which will deliver a 10-second boost of power. According to Robert Bonetto, Alpine\u2019s engineering vice- president, this feature will be present on all Alpine production models in the future.<\/p>\n
The chassis has front strut suspension and a rear multi-link set-up, with hydraulic bumps stops on the A290_\u00df\u2019s suspension dampers \u2013 technology carried across from Alpine\u2019s A110 sports car.<\/p>\n
That model\u2019s brakes have also been fitted, so alongside the \u00df\u2019s adjustable regenerative braking modes, four-piston Brembo brake calipers bite 320mm discs at the front.<\/p>\n
One thing that will be new for the A290 production model \u2013 and previewed by this concept \u2013 is the car\u2019s triangular graphics. Said to evoke the spirit of the Alps, where the brand takes its name from, the design will likely become a personalisation option for future models, with Villain outlining that this is a key area of development for Alpine.<\/p>\n
Alpine Design Director<\/em><\/p>\n The man behind the A290_\u00df show car gives us insight into the design and what will make it on the production version.<\/p>\n Q: Is it difficult to design a sporty EV with a low driving position, given that the battery is mounted in the car\u2019s floor?<\/strong><\/p>\n A: \u201cYes and no. The production car will have a lower seating position. Yes, the battery does hinder this slightly, but the dynamic feeling comes from the low centre of gravity. That weight [the battery] is very low, so the car feels very agile.\u201d<\/p>\n Q: What does the A290 represent for Alpine?<\/strong><\/p>\n A: \u201cIt\u2019s an exciting opportunity. We are a young brand going from one to three cars in our range over the next few years \u2013 but also going full EV with those cars. It\u2019s a double revolution opportunity, and the A290 will start it.\u201d<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/media.autoexpress.co.uk\/image\/private\/s--r1phDb3R--\/f_auto,t_content-image-mobile@1\/v1683628288\/autoexpress\/2023\/05\/Alpine%20-%20Antony%20Villain.jpg\")
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