Latest news with #Dieppe
Auto Express
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Alpine Alpenglow hypercar to make production with V6 hybrid power
French sports car maker Alpine will jump to hyperspace with a production version of its Alpenglow hypercar concept, running an all-wheel drive V6 hybrid. The just-unveiled A390 electric 'fastback' SUV, generating 464bhp from its three electric motors, is the punchiest Alpine in history. But it will be eclipsed in 2026 by the all-electric replacement for the A110 two-seat coupe, before the hypercar arrives a couple of years later. '[The halo car] won't be a pure EV,' Alpine boss Philippe Krief told Auto Express at the A390's unveiling in Dieppe, Alpine's French hometown. 'It will be a hybrid with a V6 engine. It will not be a plug-in, but it will be hybrid because we need more power.' Advertisement - Article continues below The French engineer led development on Alfa Romeo's performance comeback with the 503bhp twin-turbo V6 Giulia and Stelvio Quadrifoglio, before he headed back to Ferrari to mastermind its plug-in monsters, mixing electric thrust with the V8 SF90 and V6 296 GTB. The hypercar will provide an emotional link between Alpine's on-track exploits in Formula 1 and World Endurance Racing and the road cars. Renault Group no longer has its own V6 so Hypertech Alpine, the brand's R&D centre of excellence based in Viry-Chatillon, will undertake development work. No word yet on the engine's displacement or whether it requires forced induction. The engine will power the rear wheels and may be fitted with an electric motor between engine and transmission. Ferrari (plus Lamborghini and McLaren) all use a compact and lightweight axial flux motor from pioneering British engineers Yasa, although Krief ruled out the supplier due to its acquisition by Mercedes. Renault has taken a 21 per cent stake in axial flux maker Whylot. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below One thing's for sure: twin electric motors will spin the front axle, making the hypercar all-wheel drive. Alpine will have two electric axle configurations by the end of next year, with twin central drive units spinning the A390's rear axle, while the next A110 coupe will adopt in-wheel motors to save weight. The mix of petrol and electric power will provide a mighty output, in excess of 1,000 horsepower. 'And we are trying to keep weight below 1,600kg,' said Krief. That would provide a minimum power to weight ratio of 625bhp per tonne – pretty similar to the Ferrari SF90 Stradale. Renault Group head of design Laurens van den Acker told Auto Express that the hypercar's mission was to create a 'technology showcase'. 'Can we offer something nobody else has?,' he said. 'That should be the ambition of a supercar, because [hypercar] customers want something really special that nobody else has, because they generally already have multiple cars. We're very much on this, but it will take a little bit of time.' Alpine has shown two iterations of its Alpenglow supercar concept, with the latter running a 3.5-litre V6 that burned hydrogen from three tanks. Click here for our list of the best hypercars ... Find a car with the experts It's only a matter of time before Jaguar Land Rover builds a factory in the USA It's only a matter of time before Jaguar Land Rover builds a factory in the USA Mike Rutherford thinks Jaguar's 'Reimagine' strategy will result in the company exploring further opportunities in the USA Car Deal of the Day: Seal the deal on this BYD electric saloon for just £289 a month Car Deal of the Day: Seal the deal on this BYD electric saloon for just £289 a month The BYD Seal is a seriously tempting Tesla Model 3 rival, especially at this price. It's our Deal of the Day for 26 May Car Deal of the Day: Nissan's X-Trail is a do-it-all seven-seat hybrid SUV for only £235 a month Car Deal of the Day: Nissan's X-Trail is a do-it-all seven-seat hybrid SUV for only £235 a month If the Qashqai is too small for you, then the larger X-Trail is a fine alternative. It's our Deal of the Day for 25 May
Motor 1
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Alpine's First Electric Sports Car Has Mid-Engine Proportions
You know times are changing when Alpine has not one, but two EVs in its lineup. Following the launch of the A290 hot hatch last year, Renault's performance arm introduced the A390 this week as the brand's first SUV. Sorry, it's a sport fastback . Currently hidden under a cover, a third electric model is in the works for a 2026 release. It won't be an addition to the lineup but rather a replacement for the gasoline-powered A110. Alpine will stop taking orders for the turbocharged sports coupe in early 2026, shifting its focus to the EV successor. Initially, the Dieppe-based niche brand partnered with Lotus in 2021 to co-develop a small electric performance car. Just two years later, however, the companies parted ways. Renault chose to pursue the project independently, funding the model's development without a partner. 2025 Alpine A110 55 Source: Alpine While the upcoming electric A110 no longer features a 1.8-liter gasoline four-cylinder behind the seats, it still maintains the proportions of a mid-engine car. It retains Alpine's signature quad lights, though they've evolved from circular to hexagonal. The company previously explored electric sports cars with the A110 E-ternity prototype , unveiled in 2022. That model weighed 3,037 pounds (1,378 kilograms), making it 568 pounds (258 kg) heavier than its internal combustion counterpart. On the subject of weight, Renault CEO Luca de Meo has stated the production A110 EV will be lighter than ICE models in its segment, not that many of those are still available anyway. Porsche is discontinuing the 718 Boxster and Cayman in October, with electric replacements planned for the 'medium term.' Although front-engined, we should mention the BMW Z4 M40i dies next year. De Meo acknowledged that investing heavily in a niche product like the A110 EV was 'not rational,' but the project was approved nonetheless. To help offset development costs, Alpine will also use the bespoke platform for the upcoming A310, a larger and more practical derivative with rear seats. MG Cyberster Photo by: MG Motor MG Cyber GTS concept Photo by: MG Motor The new Alpine and Porsche EVs will enter the rarefied electric sports car space, which already includes the MG Cyberster . Currently sold only as a convertible, the Cyberster will soon gain a coupe version with rear seats to beat the A310 to the market. Alpine's portfolio will continue to grow with larger vehicles, at least one of which is expected to come to North America. Hopefully, the electric A110 will also receive a US visa. The ship has already sailed for the gas model, as production is set to end next year. Catch Up With Alpine: This Alpine Supercar Has a Hydrogen V-6 Engine Alpine Wants to Sell a Hydrogen V-6 Road Car Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Source: Alpine Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
French sports car maker Alpine unveils its first electric SUV
If you dare to be a little different, then the new electric SUV from French performance car-maker Alpine may be just 'le job' for you. The new Tesla-rivalling Alpine A390 was launched with fanfare today at the company's headquarters in the coastal town of Dieppe and is described by bosses as 'a racing car in a suit' promising 'an extraordinary driving experience'. Two versions of the four-door 'fastback' coupe will be available from the performance-subsidiary of Renault. The standard 400hp A390 GT accelerates from 0 to 62mph in 4.8 seconds up to a top speed of 124mph with a range of up to 344 miles. However, a more potent 470hp GTS will hit 62mph in a scintillating 3.9 seconds - quicker than a Porsche Macan EV by 0.1 seconds - and onto a top speed of 133mph with a range of up to 328 miles. All-wheel drive power comes from three electric motors – one at the front and two at the rear - with energy supplied by an 89kW battery. Prices are expected to start from around £60,000 for the GT version and from around £70,000 for the GTS, with official figures to be announced later. Orders books will open in November with first deliveries expected in spring 2026, with customers who sign up early to a VIP Priority pass being at the front of the queue. Firmly in the sights of the new Alpine A390 are the Porsche Macan EV, which starts from £68,500, but whose 510bhp Macan 4S Electric (costing from £76,900) is considered more of a benchmark in performance terms. Other electric models it hopes to steal sales from include the Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback, BMW ix2, Cupra Tavascan, Maserati Grecale, Tesla Model Y, and BMW i4 M50. It aims to be the only car under €100,000 (£84,000) with three e-motors and active torque vectoring. The A390 model follows in the wake of the new A290 - which is a tuned version of Renault's 5 E-Tech - and ahead of the all-electric A110 in what Alpine bosses say is the creation of their 'dream garage'. Alpine described the A390 as 'a true sports car' dressed for the road 'like a racing car in a tailor-made suit' noting: 'The A390 is designed to deliver its performance unabated in the most demanding conditions, whether climbing mountain passes or even on the race-track.' At the unveiling of the prototype model ahead of last October's Paris Motor Show, Alpine CEO Philippe Krief told This it Money it has 'a racing soul' and will give drivers 'an exhilarating experience'. Alpine achieved cult status with its sports and racing cars in the 1960s and the brand was revived by Renault as its sporting arm in 2017. The firm says 85 per cent of the design revealed in last year's striking Paris show car has been retained. Integrated handles for the two rear doors help maintain the coupe-like fastback profile. The car's unique lighting signature includes, at the front, a cluster of illuminated triangles called Cosmic Dust which 'evokes a comet piercing the atmosphere'. Alpine notes: 'When the driver approaches the vehicle, they come to life in a welcome sequence. A projection of the Alpine logo surrounded by snowflakes is also directed sideways at ground level.' At the rear, fragmented triangles frame a backlit Alpine logo in complete lettering. Thin light bars front and rear appear 'to slice through the air like a blade' to evoke a sense of lightness. Inside, the dashboard, centre console and door panels are coated in leather and a sophisticated blue-themed lighting atmosphere. The driver-oriented cockpit has 12.3-inch and 12-inch high-definition screens facing 'to immerse customers in the Alpine universe'. And in a victory for drivers concerned about digital distraction, Alpine stresses: 'Physical climate control allows drivers to adjust settings without taking their eyes off the road.' There is also specific switchgear for audio controls. Alpine CEO Philippe Krief said at the Dieppe launch: 'The Alpine A390 shows how to reinvent the spirit of the A110 in a 5-seat sport fastback. 'The A390 is the quintessential Alpine, combining sportiness and performance with technology and refinement, all for a unique driving experience that is equally suited to everyday use and more spirited driving.' He added: 'Inspired by French design expertise, its distinctive styling will delight all lovers of beautiful sports cars, just as Alpine has done for more than 70 years. 'Above all, this all-wheel-drive sport fastback is the finished product from a team of passionate men and women who believe electric sportiness is meaningful and are working hard to do it justice.'
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Alpine unveils its A390 electric SUV: Bosses say it will be 'a racing car in a suit'
If you dare to be a little different, then the new electric SUV from French performance car-maker Alpine may be just 'le job' for you. The new Tesla-rivalling Alpine A390 was launched with fanfare today at the company's headquarters in the coastal town of Dieppe and is described by bosses as 'a racing car in a suit' promising 'an extraordinary driving experience'. Two versions of the four-door 'fastback' coupe will be available from the performance-subsidiary of Renault. The standard 400hp A390 GT accelerates from 0 to 62mph in 4.8 seconds up to a top speed of 124mph with a range of up to 344 miles. However, a more potent 470hp GTS will hit 62mph in a scintillating 3.9 seconds - quicker than a Porsche Macan EV by 0.1 seconds - and onto a top speed of 133mph with a range of up to 328 miles. All-wheel drive power comes from three electric motors – one at the front and two at the rear - with energy supplied by an 89kW battery. Prices are expected to start from around £60,000 for the GT version and from around £70,000 for the GTS, with official figures to be announced later. Orders books will open in November with first deliveries expected in spring 2026, with customers who sign up early to a VIP Priority pass being at the front of the queue. Firmly in the sights of the new Alpine A390 are the Porsche Macan EV, which starts from £68,500, but whose 510bhp Macan 4S Electric (costing from £76,900) is considered more of a benchmark in performance terms. Other electric models it hopes to steal sales from include the Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback, BMW ix2, Cupra Tavascan, Maserati Grecale, Tesla Model Y, and BMW i4 M50. It aims to be the only car under €100,000 (£84,000) with three e-motors and active torque vectoring. The A390 model follows in the wake of the new A290 - which is a tuned version of Renault's 5 E-Tech - and ahead of the all-electric A110 in what Alpine bosses say is the creation of their 'dream garage'. Alpine described the A390 as 'a true sports car' dressed for the road 'like a racing car in a tailor-made suit' noting: 'The A390 is designed to deliver its performance unabated in the most demanding conditions, whether climbing mountain passes or even on the race-track.' At the unveiling of the prototype model ahead of last October's Paris Motor Show, Alpine CEO Philippe Krief told This it Money it has 'a racing soul' and will give drivers 'an exhilarating experience'. Alpine achieved cult status with its sports and racing cars in the 1960s and the brand was revived by Renault as its sporting arm in 2017. Alpine described the A390 as 'a true sports car' dressed for the road 'like a racing car in a tailor-made suit' The firm says 85 per cent of the design revealed in last year's striking Paris show car has been retained. Integrated handles for the two rear doors help maintain the coupe-like fastback profile. The car's unique lighting signature includes, at the front, a cluster of illuminated triangles called Cosmic Dust which 'evokes a comet piercing the atmosphere'. Alpine notes: 'When the driver approaches the vehicle, they come to life in a welcome sequence. A projection of the Alpine logo surrounded by snowflakes is also directed sideways at ground level.' At the rear, fragmented triangles frame a backlit Alpine logo in complete lettering. Thin light bars front and rear appear 'to slice through the air like a blade' to evoke a sense of lightness. Prices are expected to start from around £60,000 for the GT version and from around £70,000 for the GTS, with official figures to be announced later this year Inside, the dashboard, centre console and door panels are coated in leather and a sophisticated blue-themed lighting atmosphere. The driver-oriented cockpit has 12.3-inch and 12-inch high-definition screens facing 'to immerse customers in the Alpine universe'. And in a victory for drivers concerned about digital distraction, Alpine stresses: 'Physical climate control allows drivers to adjust settings without taking their eyes off the road.' There is also specific switchgear for audio controls. Alpine CEO Philippe Krief said at the Dieppe launch: 'The Alpine A390 shows how to reinvent the spirit of the A110 in a 5-seat sport fastback. 'The A390 is the quintessential Alpine, combining sportiness and performance with technology and refinement, all for a unique driving experience that is equally suited to everyday use and more spirited driving.' He added: 'Inspired by French design expertise, its distinctive styling will delight all lovers of beautiful sports cars, just as Alpine has done for more than 70 years. 'Above all, this all-wheel-drive sport fastback is the finished product from a team of passionate men and women who believe electric sportiness is meaningful and are working hard to do it justice.'
CTV News
6 days ago
- Climate
- CTV News
Disc golf growing in popularity in New Brunswick
The wet weather in the greater Moncton-area this weekend didn't dampen spirits or stop amateur and professional disc golfers from hitting the links in Dieppe.
