RENAULT

The new and still unreleased Alpine A110 EV will use a platform that previously served as the basis for the R5 Turbo 3E

It was already known that Alpine would have to build a new platform for the all-electric A110, since the chassis solutions currently available within the Renault Group are not suitable for distinctly sporty and very low vehicles, in order to be more efficient. From this need arose the Alpine Performance Platform (APP), which promises to be a true Swiss Army knife, capable of serving as a base for various models, with a more generous cabin than the battery-powered A110 (which only has space for two adults) and even the possibility of accommodating combustion engines, given the "different" way it houses the two battery packs.

The APP from the French group's sports car manufacturer revealed a bold solution, with extruded aluminum elements reinforced by others cast in the same material, placed at the front and rear to support the suspensions. Everything to produce a sports car that, despite the presence of batteries, Alpine insists does not exceed 1400 kg, a very low value — the current combustion generation offers between 252 and 345 hp and a weight of 1180 kg —, as is tradition for this French manufacturer.

Equally curious is the solution found for the battery which, unlike usual, will not be installed at the base of the platform. In order for the driver to be able to sit as low as in the current combustion A110, the cells that make up the battery have been divided into two packages, one installed behind the two occupants and the other smaller one in front, in order to ensure that 60% of the weight falls on the rear wheels and the remaining 40% on the front wheels. While not the ideal mass distribution, considering the center of gravity, it has the advantage of allowing the construction of a shorter model closer to the asphalt, to be more agile, without, however, explicitly sacrificing a very high center of mass.

In mechanical terms, the future A110 EV will feature — at least initially — two electric motors, both positioned on the rear axle, each associated with its wheel. Alpine thus manages to guarantee torque vectoring to modulate the sports car's behavior and offer above-average power without needing to resort to very large motors, since it has two units instead of just one.

Alpine to compete with the Cayman coupe and Taycan sedan... Alpine CEO Philippe Krief further stated that the APP platform uses an 800V electrical system to allow charging at higher power levels and was the same platform that served as the basis for designing the Renault 5 Turbo 3E, the impressive hatchback that revives the name and shape of the beloved 1981 rally model and which, curiously, boasts 540 hp and 1400 kg, the same weight as the upcoming A110 EV. But Krief opened up a bit more about the APP, revealing that the same platform as the two-seater electric coupé will also allow for the creation of a four-seater battery sedan with four doors, designed on a "stretched" version of the APP. If the A110 EV aims to beat the 718 Cayman, the sedan is decidedly targeting the Taycan, given the known fact that Alpine aims to compete directly with Porsche models.

When asked about the possibility of the APP allowing the adoption of combustion engines, in order to exploit the opening permitted by the European Union to the demands of German brands to continue marketing hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines after 2035, Krief began by stating that "this platform was born to be 100% electric and was never intended to house combustion engines." However, the way it was designed, with the battery packs in a higher position, instead of on the platform, "may make it possible to include combustion engines, should that need arise."

Alpine also guaranteed that the A110 represents the brand's origins, and the new A110 EV will surprise by establishing itself as an electric sports car ready for the track, offering a driving position similar to that of F1 cars, as can be seen in the images, which will certainly appeal to potential customers. Despite the high charging power ensuring recharges in just a few minutes, the range provided by the batteries should reach 550 km, with Alpine planning to develop an "open" version of the A110 EV later on.

Alpine plans to launch the new electric A110 next year, a model that will share its platform and some mechanical components with the Renault R5 Turbo 3E, as confirmed by the French brand's CEO in statements to Autocar. Philippe Krief also stated that the new A110 family will consist of several variants, positioning the model as a competitor aligned with the Porsche 911. Thus, a slightly longer model is expected, although with an aesthetic very similar to that of the combustion engine car – in turn, inspired by the A110 Berlinette, originally in production between 1963 and 1977. Therefore, the four-part headlights and the low silhouette typical of a mid-engine configuration are expected to be maintained, although with more futuristic and less retro aesthetic elements. 

The APP platform is made of aluminum and places the 70 kWh battery behind the occupants, without compromising the driving position. This solution will allow maintaining the same ground clearance as the current car, and Krief confirms that the foot position will be higher than before, in the style of an F1 car, and the seats more reclined. The electric propulsion system will consist of two rear motors, although there is still the possibility of offering motors in the wheels, just like in its Renault "sibling". In the case of the 5 Turbo 3E, the total power is 540 hp, allowing 0-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 270 km/h. The platform allows for various configurations, including hydrogen, which opens the possibility for a "super" four-wheel-drive A110, with two more motors at the front (one per wheel). In any case, any of the new electric A110s will surpass the 350 hp of the combustion-powered farewell edition R Ultime. Krief also adds that the new A110 EV will have a similar weight to its direct combustion engine competitors, around 1500 kg, and that the battery will allow it to complete three full laps of the Nürburgring circuit or travel more than 482 km.

The interior will feature a driver-focused cockpit with several physical controls – unlike Renault interiors. The choice is for a minimum of screens and distractions, for the most analog driving experience possible. Antony Villain, Alpine's designer, says this is a new generation interior that will allow for an emotional connection with the machine.

A range consisting of a coupé and a cabriolet (both in the computer-generated images by Autocar) is expected, as well as extended 2+2 versions for both body styles (which it has been speculated could be called A310).

Alpine expects to launch seven cars in seven years. After the A290 and A390, it will be the turn of the electric A110, which will be joined in the future by an SUV larger than the A390 (which, according to Krief, will help it enter the North American market), as well as an ultra-exclusive hypercar inspired by Le Mans models, which will evolve from the V6 Alpenglow concept.

by Autonews