Alpine A290_β

Alpine maintains the mystery as to the power and the choices made for the motorization, but the brand specifies that it will be based on the Torque Vectoring technique, which will allow the torque to be distributed in a different way at each wheel.

Alpine A290_β: the sporting concept of the Renault 5 electric

The design prefigures the future series model, with its “X” headlights, and its interior is futuristic, with the driver in the central position.

The Renault Sport claw made goodbye to the Renault Mégane R.S. Ultimate and sports models of the diamond will now be marketed under the Alpine brand. One of the first cars responding to this new strategy will be a nod to the past: the Renault 5 Alpine launched in 1976 was a pioneer since the sports city cars were very rare at the time, and since the R5 will be reborn under the form of an electric vehicle, its alpine declination is also provided.

The French manufacturer has thus unveiled the alpine A290_β (to pronounce “beta” since it is a prototype), a concept which foreshadows the serial model which will be launched in 2024, two others being planned in a second time. The name of the model takes up the A of the Alpine, the 2 of segment B and the 90 of the future “Lifestyle” range of the manufacturer. Based on the Renault 5 prototype presented two years ago, the A290_β allows itself to make it more sporty.

Gallery: concept car alpine A290_β

A design close to the serial model

On the design side, the teams led by Antony Villain imagined an alpine A290_β in colors reminiscent of the alpine universe, with a powdered white body and the lower carbon parts tinged with blue parts. The roof and the cover are metallic black, while we find touches of the tricolor flag on the sides. Several parts are in sandblasted aluminum, outside and inside the car.

The A290_β multiplies the air intakes thought for aerodynamics and cooling, and the car is characterized by its 20 -inch rims, which will be kept on the final model. A square shape is cut in the center to add dynamism, combining three colors, a white named snow alpes, black and blue.

One of the peculiarity of the alpine A290_β is its light signature in “double x”, inspired by the headlights of the historic A110 and which will be found on the serial model. At the rear, the lights are vertical, as on the A470 engaged in LMP2 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

On the whole car, different references are made to the world of gaming, with battery fans recalling those of computers, and Alpine also imagined a virtual variation of his car, with two new materials that do not exist in the real world.

The first, named “0A1” (referring to 0 and 1 of the binary system and the A of Alpine), is placed on the dashboard and the bucket. The second is more “alive” and changes color depending on the speed.

A futuristic interior

If the exterior design foreshadows the serial model, Alpine has taken liberties for the interior of the A290_β, more conceptual. The driver is thus placed in the central position, facing an arrow -shaped dashboard which recalls the nose of a formula 1. The cockpit is minimalist, with a steering wheel from the race world and a carbon bucket seat. Two additional places are present at the rear.

A blue light line connects the dashboard to doors and steering indicators, also blue, are placed at the mirrors. The concept does not provide any screen but a driver with a helmet that displays it information on the visor, and order buttons are on the ceiling light.

The steering wheel of the Alpine A290_β displays an “OV” button (for “Overtake”, ie “exceeding” in English), one of the few elements of this cabin that will be found on all the next electric models of Alpine. He will provide a power gain for ten seconds.

Other winks to the competition are visible in the A290_β, with the message “do not push” (“do not press”) on. The brake pedal !

Mystery around engines

Alpine maintains the mystery as to the power and the choices made for the motorization, but the brand specifies that it will be based on the Torque Vectoring technique, which will allow the torque to be distributed in a different way at each wheel.

The concept incorporates Brembo and Alpine brakes worked on shock absorbers, suspension springs and front and rear anti -roll bars to ensure good stability.

The Alpine A290_β finally offers three driving modes (“Wet”, “Dry” and “Full”, the latter giving access to total power) and 11 settings for ABS.

Alpine at 290

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Mode_expert: we

A290_β takes the experience of the electric car in expert mode. It redefines the codes of agility electric version, while giving Alpine a new dimension, symbol of a new lifestyle thanks to its central driving position specific to racing cars, its controls inspired by Formula 1 and L ‘Instant impulse provided by pressing Overtake.

Alpine’s 100% electric showcar

The palette of brilliant matte colors with light carbon elements comes to a nod to the purity of the snow and the minerals of the Alps. The Cyans and Magentas LEDs create a sporting atmosphere in the cabin, while the observers can scrutinize the pilot get the most out of this car through its unique curved windshield. The two wisely located battery fans are a nod to the exhaust jars of sportsmen from the past.