The next-generation Alpine A110 will arrive later this year with an electric powertrain for the first time – and brand boss Philippe Krief confirmed an ICE variant is also in the works.
In electric form, the new A110 will be “the first true EV sports car” and will “outperform the best of today’s combustion” rivals, said Krief.
It will sit on an advanced new architecture – which, as Autocar has previously revealed, is shared with the Renault 5 Turbo 3E – and will be key in positioning the Renault Group as a leading electric performance firm.
“And before you ask, yes, the platform is designed to accommodate an internal combustion engine,” Krief confirmed today. Until now, Alpine had always officially said the next A110 would be electric-only.
Explaining further, Krief said: “The new A110 will be electric. The goal of Futuready [Renault Group’s future-looking plan] is to be prepared for the future, so we have developed the platform to receive an ICE.”
While he added that the platform’s adaptability “doesn’t mean we’re going to do it [an ICE version]” he stressed that “we need to be ready” given legislation around powertrains and emissions has flip-flopped in recent years, especially in Europe and the US.
This also gives the brand scope to take the next A110 to other markets, where electrification is not as advanced. “At the moment we focus on Europe,” he said. “If having an ICE engine offers opportunities for Alpine in other markets then we can make it.”
The new A110 will eventually be offered in a range of bodystyles, including coupé, spider and a 2+2, with the goal to develop it into a full range to mirror ICE rivals such as the Porsche 911.
The EV will sit on the new Alpine Performance Platform (APP), which will use 800V technology and features an aluminium structure to make it as light as possible without compromising stiffness. It will also be modular, which Alpine claims will boost dynamic response and efficiency.
The A110 will have a 40:60 weight balance front to rear, thanks to use of two separate battery packs in the architecture – which also enables it to retain the current ICE A110’s shape.
The platform will use a new rear-wheel-drive, dual-motor powertrain with the two motors powering the rear wheels.
As Autocar has previously reported, in-wheel motors, as seen on the 5 Turbo 3E, could eventually be offered.
The A110 will sit on full aluminium suspension and feature integrated braking and steering systems. The platform also features a new Alpine Dynamic Model ECU, which is described as a “high-tech brain” that will integrate systems such as the battery management, motors, braking, steering and active aerodynamics.
Active torque vectoring will be used to ensure the car retains the lightweight feel of the current A110, despite the extra weight of the EV’s batteries, and the firm also claims a “Formula 1-inspired driving position” will add to the feel.
The A110 will grow Alpine’s electric line-up to three models, alongside the A290 hatchback and A390 fastback.