Alpine, the Renault Group’s sports brand that was reborn in 2017, continues its expansion. The first model of the modern era was the reissue of the legendary A110of which many variants have been launched. From there the French brand is set to enter the electric era, first with the A290, based on the Renault 5 E-Tech, and then with the A390, a coupé-style SUV about which practically nothing is known yet.
However, the A390 already has an official presentation date: October 11, in the run-up to the Paris Motor Show where the Renault Group (Renault, Dacia, Alpine, Mobilize and Renault PRO+) will present seven world firsts and two prototypes, one of which will be the A390.
Surprisingly, despite the proximity of the date, we had not yet received spy images of this model, something that we can now offer and that allows us to observe the silhouette of this new model. There is no doubt that The styling of the A390 bears some resemblance to that of the Renault Rafalealthough in the images of the camouflaged car it gives the impression of being lower and sharper, a style more inclined to fastback, like the Peugeot 408.
The Alpine A390 will have 100% electric propulsion
The prototype is still heavily camouflaged, but We can distinguish flush front door handles and hidden door handles in the C-pillar for the rear doors. The taillights will be a thin strip of LEDs running from side to side. A version with split headlights and a sporty-looking front end is also expected, as well as large wheels in a design available only for Alpine models.
Regarding the propulsion system, nothing is confirmed, although Everything indicates that, like the A290, it will be 100% electric. If this is confirmed, it is expected to use the CMF-C EV platform (also known as AmpR Medium), the same as the Renault Megane and Scenic E-Tech, as well as the Nissan Ariya. In fact, the latter could serve as a reference, since the Japanese firm has just presented a high-performance version signed by Nismo that could well serve as a ‘donor’ for the Alpine A390.
Specifically, The Nissan Ariya Nismo is capable of developing 435 hp thanks to the use of two electric motors and a 91 kWh battery capacity. In the case of the A390, there are rumours that there could be a version with around 600 hp extracted from three engines (two rear and one front), although we do not know if this configuration will be technically possible on the CMF-EV platform.
The figure, however, is not unreasonable: there is the example of the Kia EV6 GT, which develops 585 hp and could be one of its direct rivals, or the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, which goes up to 650 hp. Another alternative, in terms of concept, could be the Ford Mustang Mach E, which in the case of the highest performance version (GT) goes up to 487 hp.
Production of the Alpine A390 will take place at the French factory in Dieppe, although this will still have to wait until 2025. On October 11, we will learn more details about this new model, which will undoubtedly open a new era for the French firm.
