The Alpine A290 Beta Concept is more than just a pretty face. It's a preview of the French brand's first electric sports car, which will arrive in 2024 as a successor to the current Alpine A110. The concept, which debuted at the 2023 Geneva Motor Show, combines a sleek and lightweight design with a powerful and efficient powertrain that promises to deliver a thrilling driving experience.
The concept is powered by a mid-mounted turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 210 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an electric motor that adds 80 horsepower and 74 lb-ft of torque for a total output of 290 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The electric motor also acts as a starter-generator and a mild-hybrid system that can provide short bursts of extra power or recuperate energy during braking. The power is sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with paddle shifters.
The concept also features a carbon-fiber monocoque chassis that weighs only 220 pounds and provides high rigidity and safety. The chassis is fitted with a multi-link rear suspension, torque vectoring, adaptive dampers, and Brembo brakes. The concept rides on 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. The concept weighs 2,425 pounds, which is about 440 pounds less than the current Alpine A110.production model will likely retain most of the concept's design and technical features but with some modifications to meet homologation and customer requirements. The price of the new Alpine sports car is estimated to be around $60,000 (€50,000), which would make it a competitive alternative to other mid-engine sports cars such as the Porsche Cayman, the Toyota GR Supra, and the Lotus Emira.
The concept's exterior design is inspired by the classic Alpine A110, which was a successful rally car in the 1960s and 1970s and won the Le Mans 24 Hours race in 1978. The name A290 refers to this historic achievement, while the Beta suffix indicates that the concept is still undergoing development and refinement. The concept features a low and wide stance, a long hood, a short rear overhang, and a distinctive double-bubble roof. The front fascia is dominated by a large hexagonal grille with LED headlights and daytime running lights that form an X shape. Muscular fenders, large air intakes, and aerodynamic skirts characterize the side profile. The rear end features a prominent spoiler, LED taillights, and a center-mounted exhaust pipe.
The interior of the Alpine A290 Beta Concept is minimalist and driver-focused. The cockpit features a unique one-plus-two seating layout that places the driver in the center of the car, like in the McLaren F1. The driver sits on a narrow bucket seat with a four-point harness and faces a three-spoke steering wheel with a futuristic design and a digital instrument cluster. The passenger seats are located on either side of the driver and are slightly recessed for better visibility. The cabin is trimmed with leather, Alcantara, carbon fiber, and aluminum accents. The concept also offers high connectivity and safety features, such as wireless charging, smartphone integration, head-up display, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot monitor, and an airplane-inspired "no step on wing" warning on the dashboard.
The Alpine A290 Beta Concept is expected to enter production in late 2024 or early 2025 as the flagship model of Alpine's electric lineup. The
The Alpine A290 Beta Concept is one of the most exciting sports car concepts we've seen in recent years. It demonstrates that Alpine is serious about reviving its reputation as a maker of agile and elegant sports cars that can challenge the best in the segment. We can't wait to see how the concept evolves into the final production model and how it performs on the road and on the track.
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