Alpine A390 Review: Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
▼ Summary
– The Alpine brand has a long history of unique road cars and motorsport success, including current participation in Formula One and the World Endurance Championship.
– Its A110 sports car is celebrated as a lightweight, analog driving masterpiece.
– Alpine plans a global expansion, entering new markets like the US with a three-car electric lineup in 2027.
– The upcoming A390 is a five-door sports coupe that extends the A110’s design language while having model-specific aerodynamic features.
– While some design elements like the “cosmic dust” nose and wheel design are questionable, the A390’s overall individuality is a positive contrast to generic new EVs.
The Alpine A390 represents a bold step into the future for a brand with a rich motorsport heritage, aiming to carve out a distinct identity in the competitive electric vehicle market. While often mentioned alongside Lotus for its focus on driving purity, Alpine has cultivated its own legacy over seventy years. The brand is actively competing in Formula One and the World Endurance Championship, and its acclaimed A110 sports car is a testament to its engineering philosophy. This new model is a critical component of a planned global expansion, which includes an entry into the United States with a trio of electric vehicles slated for 2027.
The A390 is positioned as a genuine five-door sports coupe, an unusual and intriguing proposition designed to build upon the design language that made the A110 so successful. It avoids being a simple retro exercise, instead evolving key aesthetic themes. The connection is visible in the car’s side profile and pronounced shoulders, while the front end incorporates model-specific aerodynamic features like air curtains and bonnet blades. Alpine describes the car’s overall presence as a “race car in a suit,” a fitting moniker for its blend of performance intent and everyday practicality.
Some design elements, however, may prove divisive. The triangular patterns etched into the nose, which the brand has curiously named “cosmic dust”, and the alloy wheels with a snowflake-inspired design are distinct choices. Yet, in an era where many new electric vehicles can feel homogenized, the A390’s strong individuality is a welcome attribute. It promises to deliver the engaging, lightweight driving dynamics Alpine is known for, but now packaged within a more versatile and globally-focused electric vehicle, setting the stage for the brand’s next chapter.
(Source: Wired)
