RENAULT

Alpine A390: the five-seater Alpine A110 

The Alpine A390 will be revealed on May 27, but before that, the French brand decided to anticipate it by releasing images of the new camouflaged model being tested in extreme conditions in Lapland — the land of Santa Claus.

Not all the details of Alpine's first electric crossover have been released yet, but we already know that one of the versions will have three electric motors: one in the front and two in the rear.

In this version, by having one engine per wheel at the rear, it will allow true torque vectoring (Alpine Active Torque Vectoring). Is there a better place to test these features than on snow-covered roads?

As for the model's power and performance, Alpine left the question up in the air. Only in the spring should we know more about the exact specifications of the A390.

Aerodynamic design...The A390 test prototype in the images already suggests some details regarding the model's design, which appears to be very close to the concept seen last year at the Paris Motor Show.

Among the details, the “Cosmic Dust” light signature stands out at the front, made up of several points of light, already seen in the concept and which is inspired by another, the Alpenglow.

Despite being a crossover — Alpine says it’s a “five-person A110” — there’s been a focus on aerodynamic refinements, such as the hood’s “blade,” which optimizes airflow across the top of the vehicle. Or even the micro-perforated grille that helps guide the air, and the rear spoiler, which is somewhat discreet.

At 4,615 mm long, 1,532 mm high and 1,885 mm wide, the A390 is slightly smaller than the Porsche Macan, which should be one of its main competitors. Alpine says space on board is generous, with seating for five.

The buttons include OV (overtake), a button for extra power when overtaking, RCH (Recharge), linked to energy regeneration and track driving mode (image above)

Speaking of the interior, Alpine hasn't revealed what it will be like this time, with the exception of the steering wheel. We can see that it is flattened at the ends, inspired by the design of Formula 1 single-seater steering wheels, and comes covered in Nappa leather.

French production...The Alpine A390 will be entirely produced in France, including the electric powertrain components. The electric motors will be produced at Renault's Cléon plant, while the rest of the production will take place in Dieppe, Alpine's headquarters.

Mundoquatrorodas