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Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Alpine's New A390 Is a Performance EV Crossover With French Flair
In recent years, legendary French performance and sports car brand Alpine has been reimagining itself as a performance-oriented electric car brand. Last year, the Renault-owned marque launched its first electric car, the A290, a compact hatchback designed to be a faster and more agile version of one of its parent company's smallest offerings. But if sales figures are any indication, many electric vehicle customers are opting for the kind of space and usability found in crossovers like Tesla's Model Y and BYD's Seal U. However, Alpine's lineup of electric vehicles is expanding, and its latest offering is its take on other cars from the popular segment. Alpine has recently unveiled the A390, a five-door electric crossover that it insists you call a "sport fastback." Based almost entirely on the A390_β (beta) concept, the new Alpine takes some crucial styling cues from its A110 sports car and remixes them into a package that looks a little more futuristically aggressive and edgy than most crossovers on the road. From the outside, the A390 slightly resembles the A110, as subtle and sporty features like hidden and flush door handles and a sloped roof give the top half of the crossover the same distinct shape. At the same time, Alpine has also given the A390 some aggressive looks to separate itself from its 'egg-shaped' competition, including triangular-shaped LED cutouts, pencil-thin headlights, and oversized air intakes on the front bumper. The A390 may blend modern and futuristic styling, but it is Alpine's biggest car ever. Its raw numbers show that it has a 106.6-inch wheelbase and measures 181.7 inches in length, 74.2 inches in width, and 60.3 inches in height. Underneath the stylish skin, Alpine proves that it means business with its performance. The new A390 rides on Renault's AmpR Medium platform, which is also used in the Renault Megane E-Tech, Scenic E-Tech, and the Nissan Ariya. However, it features some tweaks for a better driving experience, including an all-wheel drive system with an Active Torque Vectoring system to enhance its handling in the corners. The A390 comes in two different trims: the GT and GTS. Both feature a tri-motor setup with one motor in the front and two in the back. The base GT model delivers 396 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque, capable of 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 124 mph. Conversely, the GTS makes 463 hp and a massive 596 lb-ft of torque, cutting the 0-60 time to just 3.9 seconds and bumping the top speed to 137 mph. Both versions use an 89 kWh lithium-ion battery that provides 323 to 345 miles of WLTP range and can be charged at charging stations offering up to 190 kW DC fast charging. The A390 also features a steering wheel-mounted "overtake" function that provides a boost of power for approximately 10 seconds, although it takes 30 seconds to cool down before it can be used again. In addition, Alpine's two distinct "Drive Sound" profiles, called "Daily" and "Sport," feature different synthetic engine sounds that can be adjusted according to your mood or throttle position. The Alpine A390 shares much of its interior with other Alpine and Renault models, including familiar bits like the steering wheel, drive selector, and dashboard electronics. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12-inch "portrait mode" infotainment screen with some physical switches are pointed toward the driver. However, some Alpine-specific features suggest this is a more premium offering than other models. Top-of-the-line A390 GTSs get Nappa leather Sabelt bucket seats with massage functionality and a 13-speaker, 850-watt Devialet audio system. Pricing has not been announced yet, but it's pegged to be competitive against electric rivals like the $75,300 Porsche Macan Electric and the $109,000 Maserati Grecale Folgore. Alpine is currently offering the A390 solely in Europe, as it is putting its plans to expand to the U.S. on hold due to the tariff situation. Initially, the brand was due to launch in the States during the 2027 model year. Politics aside, French cars are an anomaly in the United States. Though established car enthusiasts may stray away, I can picture a new generation of well-to-do people searching for the avant-garde, adopting the Alpine as their vehicle of choice. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Alpine's Electric A110 Will Be Lighter Than Its Gas-Powered Rivals
An often-touted gripe against high-performance electric vehicles is how heavy they can be, lugging around a massive battery to power the motors for longer than a few minutes. However, Alpine is flipping the script with the next iteration of its venerable sports car. The French manufacturer claims that its next-generation A110 EV will be lighter than its internal combustion competitors when it debuts next year. This is the same car Alpine hopes to sell in the United States. Alpine revealed the A390, its second-ever EV, on Tuesday. While the A290 is an uprated badge-swapped Renault 5 E-Tech, the new tri-motor sport fastback is bespoke to the brand. The five-seater A390 produces 470 horsepower with a 0-to-60-mph time of 4.8 seconds and debuts a new active torque vectoring system. The fastback's 89-kWh battery will get 345 miles of range in Europe and is equipped with 190-kW fast charging. Don't worry if this all-wheel-drive car isn't agile enough for your taste, Alpine isn't abandoning its sporty roots. The French brand is gradually unveiling a seven-model electric "Dream Garage" lineup over the rest of this decade to revive the automaker's image. The A110 EV is believed to be the next car in the works, with Alpine developing a new electric sports car platform that will also underpin a four-seat A310 model. Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo told Autocar, "The next A110 will be lighter than a comparable car with a combustion engine but with no compromise in performance." De Meo compared how Porsche doesn't use the 911 platform for anything, but cars like the Cayenne and Taycan are shared with other models — like how the A390's platform is shared with the Renault Scenic. Read more: These Are The Cars You'd Buy If They Were $20,000 Cheaper Alpine becoming a French Porsche is an appealing idea, and the French brand has toyed with an electric sports car before. The A110 E-ternité concept was revealed in 2022 as a harbinger of its all-electric future. It attempted to replicate a traditional ICE A110 as closely as possible, but there was still a performance deficit. The E-ternité was 568 pounds heavier and had 80 miles less range, but was 0.3 seconds faster from 0 to 60 mph. One can only imagine the performance gains the A110 EV will benefit from when shifting to a completely bespoke platform. The only other question that remains is if we will actually see these new Alpine electric vehicles in the United States. It's fair to say that President Donald Trump's reciprocal tariffs have thrown a wrench in the plans of any European manufacturer considering an expansion into the American market. Alpine was in talks with AutoNation to distribute its cars across the country, but that was before "Liberation Day." Want more like this? Join the Jalopnik newsletter to get the latest auto news sent straight to your inbox... Read the original article on Jalopnik.
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Iconic sports car brand reveals its very first SUV with focus on ‘light handling' and ‘daily usability'
It's set to rival the Porsche Macan and Cupra Tavascan FRENCH CONNECTION Iconic sports car brand reveals its very first SUV with focus on 'light handling' and 'daily usability' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ICONIC sports car brand Alpine is set to rival the Porsche Macan with its very first performance SUV - called the A390. The French marque - part of the Renault Group - already has two cars in its line-up, the highly-acclaimed A110 sports car and the stunning A290 hot hatchback that's modelled on the new Renault 5. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Alpine reveals the aggressive-looking, all-electric A390 SUV, set to rival the Porsche Macan Credit: Renault 3 A driver-focused cabin features a portrait-oriented touchscreen, physical controls, and race-inspired adjustment dials - including a red overtake lever Credit: Renault 3 The A390 boasts a tri-motor powertrain delivering up to 464bhp - while boasting surprising agility and performance Credit: Renault Now, they're adding a third; an aggressive-looking, all-electric SUV to pit them against the electric Macan Electric and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. Described as a crossover-coupe, the A390 will start at around £60,000 - with UK orders to open in November. Much like the A290, Alpine is seemingly attempting to further broaden its product range with the A390, as SUVs continue to be Europe's most popular type of car. Essentially giving the people what they want - a luxury SUV that combines class, power and everyday usability. Size-wise, the A390 matches the Tesla Model Y and Cupra Tavascan - with dimensions of 4.6m long by 1.5m tall - but boasts a corking 464bhp, making it more geared towards the performance SUV range. What's more, using a bespoke tri-motor powertrain, with two at the rear and one at the front, it will feature rear-biased all-wheel drive and torque vectoring to help with agility and responsiveness. Indeed, the tri-motor powertrain is capable of overspeeding the outside wheels in a bend, rather than simply braking the inside wheels, which Alpine says gives a 'much smoother, delicate feeling of control.' Krief told Autocar: 'You can generate a quite immediate response time. It's like the behaviour of a light car.' Inside, it comes with a portrait-oriented touchscreen angled towards the driver, as well as physical controls on the steering wheel and centre console. Like the A290, it has a race-inspired adjustment dial on the steering wheel for the brake regen and the so-called overtake lever that gives the car full-power for short periods - somewhat giving drivers the gimmick of F1's DRS-tech. Alpine A290 GTS delivers a hot hatch EV that comes with F1-style 'overtake button' And for those not keen on the silence of an electric motor, it comes with the option of a synthetic 'Alpine drive sound' inspired by the A110's four-cylinder petrol engine. The standard GT model produces 395bhp, with the 464bhp coming from the top-of-the-range GTS - which hits 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds. For some context, that matches the ultra-light, stripped-out A110 R. The A390 is the second of seven electric cars that Alpine plans to launch, with an electric successor to the A110 next in the pipeline. Then, there's the A310 coming after, said to be a four-door fastback to rival the Polestar 4.
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Iconic sports car brand reveals its very first SUV with focus on ‘light handling' and ‘daily usability'
ICONIC sports car brand Alpine is set to rival the Porsche Macan with its very first performance SUV - called the A390. The French marque - part of the Renault Group - already has two cars in its line-up, the highly-acclaimed A110 sports car and the stunning A290 hot hatchback that's modelled on the new Renault 5. 3 Alpine reveals the aggressive-looking, all-electric A390 SUV, set to rival the Porsche Macan Credit: Renault 3 A driver-focused cabin features a portrait-oriented touchscreen, physical controls, and race-inspired adjustment dials - including a red overtake lever Credit: Renault 3 The A390 boasts a tri-motor powertrain delivering up to 464bhp - while boasting surprising agility and performance Credit: Renault Now, they're adding a third; an aggressive-looking, all-electric SUV to pit them against the electric Macan Electric and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. Described as a crossover-coupe, the A390 will start at around £60,000 - with UK orders to open in November. Much like the A290, Alpine is seemingly attempting to further broaden its product range with the A390, as SUVs continue to be Europe's most popular type of car. Essentially giving the people what they want - a luxury SUV that combines class, power and everyday usability. Read more Motors News Size-wise, the A390 matches the Tesla Model Y and Cupra Tavascan - with dimensions of 4.6m long by 1.5m tall - but boasts a corking 464bhp, making it more geared towards the performance SUV range. What's more, using a bespoke tri-motor powertrain, with two at the rear and one at the front, it will feature rear-biased all-wheel drive and torque vectoring to help with agility and responsiveness. Indeed, the tri-motor powertrain is capable of overspeeding the outside wheels in a bend, rather than simply braking the inside wheels, which Alpine says gives a 'much smoother, delicate feeling of control.' Krief told Autocar: 'You can generate a quite immediate response time. It's like the behaviour of a light car.' Most read in Motors Inside, it comes with a portrait-oriented touchscreen angled towards the driver, as well as physical controls on the steering wheel and centre console. Like the A290, it has a race-inspired adjustment dial on the steering wheel for the brake regen and the so-called overtake lever that gives the car full-power for short periods - somewhat giving drivers the gimmick of F1's DRS-tech. Alpine A290 GTS delivers a hot hatch EV that comes with F1-style 'overtake button' And for those not keen on the silence of an electric motor, it comes with the option of a synthetic 'Alpine drive sound' inspired by the A110's four-cylinder petrol engine. The standard GT model produces 395bhp, with the 464bhp coming from the top-of-the-range GTS - which hits 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds. For some context, that matches the ultra-light, stripped-out A110 R. The A390 is the second of seven electric cars that Alpine plans to launch, with an electric successor to the A110 next in the pipeline. Then, there's the A310 coming after, said to be a four-door fastback to rival the Polestar 4.
Top Gear
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Revealed: the fast, sporty, tri-motor Alpine A390
Revealed: the fast, sporty, tri-motor Alpine A390 And in good news, it's not another crossover. Yay! Meet Alpine's powerful new five-door Skip 13 photos in the image carousel and continue reading Turn on Javascript to see all the available pictures. 1 / 13 Well we expected the new Alpine electric five-door to be fast. And it is. The surprise, and relief really, is that it isn't a crossover. It's lower than a VW ID.3, and barely taller than a Golf. It's low proportions give it a chance to feel properly sporty. So does the fact it has three motors. The rear two are independent for each wheel, so it can dance through corners. Advertisement - Page continues below Most of all perhaps, we've got Alpine's record. While the A110 is a very different thing – petrol-driven and analogue versus electric and digital – at least it shows they know what they're aiming at. The little A290 EV hot hatch is pretty fine too. Best estimates put the A390 at somewhere between £60k-70k. The lower of those prices gets 400bhp, 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds and plenty of equipment. Step up to the top rung and it's 470bhp, 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds and even more kit including bigger 21in wheels and very fancy French Diavelet hi-fi. The body design is a striking departure from everyone else's EV five-doors. From the side, it has more than a soupçon of stretched-out A110, thanks to the belt-line crease dropping towards the rear wheel, and the distinctive window and roof lines, with the characteristic bubble glass tailgate behind. At the front it goes its own way, with no obvious reference to the small inner lamp pairs of the A110 and A290 (themselves are echoes of the 1960s rally spotlamps). The A390 has multiple triangular LEDs to give the face a pixie-dust look. A wing surface runs between the headlamps along the upper nose, with an air channel beneath it. Aero matters in this car. Advertisement - Page continues below The interior story is much more like the A290, with two big screens and lots of physical switches. It runs the Renault Group's version of Google maps. In our experience that has provided comfortingly accurate estimates of remaining range – it takes into account altitude and the speed of the roads you'll be driving on. It also effectively plans longer routes with the minimum charging downtime, sniffing out quick chargers that are unoccupied when you approach. Talking of charging, it'll get from 15-80 per cent in about 25 minutes. Both versions have a useful 89kWh battery, using cells of unique formulation to be able to chuck out the necessary 1200 amps to keep all three motors fed at full power. All of that gives it a range of 325 to 347 miles WLTP. The more expensive one is the less rangey, as is usual. And as it's a car and not a hulking SUV, we're hoping for sensible real-world efficiency as well as a very fine steer. Top Gear Newsletter Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox. Success Your Email*
