When you think of European performance car icons, names like Porsche and Ferrari instantly spring to mind as synonymous with speed, style, and engineering excellence. Yet in the quieter corridors of French automotive history, Alpine has always delivered on promises of dynamic handling, lightweight agility, and a deep motorsport heritage. Today, that whisper is turning into a roar. Under new leadership, Alpine has unveiled an ambitious roadmap to escalate its presence, challenge established performance brands, and redefine the modern sports car in both electric and hybrid forms.
From nimble EV coupes to a hybrid supercar targeting four-figure horsepower, Alpine is stacking its deck with vehicles designed to draw serious comparison to the best from Stuttgart and Maranello. Here is a closer look at how this storied French marque is preparing its most ambitious challenge yet.
A New Philosophy for a New Era
Alpine’s vision is no longer about incremental evolution. It is about asserting a dominant presence in segments historically held by performance giants. This shift is guided by CEO Philippe Krief, a former Ferrari Engineering Director and Head of R&D who was instrumental in the development of the Ferrari 458 Speciale and the SF90 Stradale.
Krief’s pedigree gives the brand immediate credibility. His influence is visible in Alpine’s expanding product portfolio and a strategic direction that prioritizes high-performance architecture. Alpine does not just want to participate in the sports car arena; it intends to compete at the highest level of automotive engineering.
From Lightweight Hot Hatches to Dedicated Electric Sports Cars
The first steps toward this global goal are already in motion. Alpine is currently building its Dream Garage, a lineup that blends compact performance with electric innovation to lay the groundwork for future halo products.
- A290 Hot Hatch: Launched as the brand’s first all-electric model, this performance hatch brings Alpine’s racing DNA to the urban environment.
- A390 Sport Fastback: Unveiled as a performance crossover, the A390 features a tri-motor setup and active torque vectoring to maintain spirited driving dynamics in a larger silhouette.
These models are built upon the Alpine Performance Platform (APP), a bespoke architecture designed specifically for high-performance electric vehicles. This platform is the key to preserving the brand’s signature agility despite the inherent weight of battery systems.
Electric A110 Successor: A Modern Classic Reborn
The most anticipated project in the pipeline is the all-electric successor to the A110. Production of the current combustion-powered A110 is scheduled to conclude in mid-2026, making way for the third-generation model.
- Target Debut: Expected to be revealed in the first half of 2026.
- Performance: The new EV sports car is expected to produce approximately 480 hp, a significant increase over the current 1.8-liter turbocharged engine.
- Engineering Focus: To maintain its lightweight reputation, Alpine is targeting a curb weight under 3000 lbs, utilizing an innovative battery layout split between the front and rear to optimize balance.
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A310: The Porsche 911 Rival
Beyond the A110, Alpine is reviving a legendary nameplate: the A310. This four-seat (2+2) fastback sports car is envisioned as a legitimate rival to high-performance coupes like the Porsche 911.
By adding rear seats, the A310 introduces a level of daily usability that has historically been missing from Alpine’s two-seat lineup. Positioned for a 2028 debut, the A310 will also utilize the APP architecture and is expected to feature a tri-motor all-wheel-drive system, offering a distinct alternative to the established German and Italian grand tourers.
A Hybrid Supercar With Ultra-High Performance
While Alpine is moving aggressively toward electrification, its boldest statement is a planned hybrid supercar. This project is a direct result of Philippe Krief’s expertise with high-output hybrids and is developed by the Hypertech division, which leverages the brand’s World Endurance Championship (WEC) experience.
- Powertrain: A mid-mounted V6 engine paired with two electric motors on the front axle.
- Power Output: Targeted at 1000 hp, placing it squarely in the territory of the Ferrari SF90 and Lamborghini Revuelto.
- Construction: Extensive use of carbon fiber and aluminum to ensure the car remains a laboratory of innovation for lightweight performance.
The Racing DNA Driving the Brand Forward
Alpine’s aggressive strategy is rooted in a longstanding motorsport pedigree. From historic rally victories to its current presence in Formula 1 and endurance racing, the brand understands the link between the track and the road. This heritage informs every aspect of their engineering, from weight distribution to the calibration of active torque vectoring systems.
Comparison With Porsche and Ferrari: Interpretation Over Imitation
When Alpine speaks of challenging Porsche and Ferrari, it is not about duplicating their formulas. It is about offering a French interpretation of performance:
- Porsche: Focuses on precision engineering and a broad range from the 718 to the Taycan.
- Ferrari: Focuses on exotic emotion, high-revving engines, and exclusivity.
- Alpine: Focuses on the “pleasure of driving” through extreme lightness, motorsport-derived technology, and avant-garde French design.
What This Means for Performance Car Buyers
The emergence of Alpine as a serious contender marks one of the most exciting shifts in the automotive landscape. For enthusiasts, this means a new era of choice:
- Driver-Centric EVs: Electric sports cars that prioritize handling over straight-line speed.
- Versatile Performance: The return of the 2+2 grand tourer with the A310.
- Flagship Hypercars: A 1000 hp hybrid that proves France can compete with the world’s most elite manufacturers.
Alpine is no longer a niche manufacturer for the few. It is a brand in ascent, ready to meet the demands of the modern era without losing the soul of a true driver’s car.
As the automotive world pivots toward a sustainable future, Alpine is proving that the transition to electric and hybrid power does not have to mean the end of driving excitement. By blending its rich racing history with forward-thinking engineering, the French marque is carving out a unique space where performance and innovation coexist. To stay updated on the latest automotive trends, expert vehicle analysis, and deep dives into the future of performance, follow Motozite for your daily dose of industry insights.
