Alpine Developing 2028 A310
Electric 2+2 Coupe to Challenge 911
Emphasizing Lightweight Design and Cornering Prowess
Alpine, the performance brand under Renault Group, is set to launch the A310 in 2028, a fully electric 2+2 coupe designed to rival the legendary Porsche 911. This vehicle will be a cornerstone of Alpine’s electrification strategy, combining impressive performance with a lightweight design and agile cornering capabilities.
A310: A Modern Tribute to Alpine’s Legacy
The A310’s roots can be traced to the four-seater coupe launched in the 1970s. While the A110, Alpine’s flagship, is a two-seater focused on lightweight performance, the A310 will balance practicality and performance, offering two additional seats without sacrificing the brand’s agility and driving experience. This positions the A310 as a competitor to the Porsche 911 in both performance and everyday usability, much like how Porsche distinguishes between the 718 Cayman and the 911.
Alpine’s Marketing Director, Bruce Pillard, emphasized the strategic value of the A310’s 2+2 seating arrangement: “The A110 is a two-seater, so sales are limited. The market would react differently if there were just two more seats.” The A310 aims to expand Alpine’s offering to a broader customer base, tapping into the market for high-performance electric sports cars.
Lightweight and Nimble Performance
True to Alpine’s identity, the A310 will be built on the new Alpine Performance Platform (APP), emphasizing lightweight engineering. One of Alpine’s key challenges is managing the increased weight of the electric vehicle’s battery. The company plans to counteract this by incorporating advanced technologies such as an active torque distribution system. These innovations will help retain the nimble driving experience Alpine is known for while managing the added weight of the battery.
While the A110 R Ultime delivers 345 horsepower, the A310 is expected to produce significantly more power. However, Alpine is not solely focused on acceleration. The brand’s mantra of “cornering is key” will continue to guide the development of the A310, ensuring it delivers exceptional handling and driving dynamics.
Distinct Design Inspired by Racing Heritage
The A310’s design will set it apart from existing Alpine models. It incorporates elements inspired by Le Mans race cars. The vehicle is expected to feature a wraparound light bar, a sharp front nose, and a central fin, taking cues from the A390 concept SUV that was previously unveiled.
Unlike many recent high-performance electric vehicles, such as Hyundai’s Ioniq N, which add artificial engine sounds or gear shift noises to enhance the driving experience, Alpine plans to take a more authentic approach. The A310 will not feature these artificial enhancements; instead, it will prioritize a pure driving experience.
Alpine’s Bold Move into the Electric Future
The A310 represents a bold step for Alpine, bridging the gap between tradition and the future of electrification. As the brand continues to evolve, the A310 is set to be a key model in its lineup, offering a thrilling driving experience that can compete with the Porsche 911. The A310’s combination of performance, agility, and cutting-edge technology makes it one of the next decade’s most anticipated electric sports cars.
