Alpine Developing A310 Electric Sports Car for 2028
Set to Challenge Porsche 911 Head-On
Alpine, the Renault Group’s performance brand, is gearing up to compete with the Porsche 911 with its new electric sports car, the A310, set for release in 2028. The A310 will be a 2+2-seat coupe that aims to compete with high-performance brands like Porsche, Maserati, and Lotus. It marks Alpine’s bold entry into the world of electric sports cars.
A310: Alpine’s Vision for the Future of Sports Cars
Drawing inspiration from the four-seater coupe Alpine introduced in the 1970s, the A310 will be a more spacious, high-performance alternative to the A110, Alpine’s current flagship two-seater sports car. Just as Porsche differentiates its models with the 718 Cayman and the 911, Alpine plans to distinguish the A110 and A310, catering to a broader audience looking for both performance and additional seating.
Alpine’s Marketing Director, Bruce Pillard, highlighted the market demand for a more versatile sports car. He explained that the A110’s two-seater configuration limits its sales potential. He believes the market response will vastly differ if two additional seats are added.
Lightweight Engineering and Cornering Precision
Alpine has long made lightweight design a core principle, and the A310 will be no exception. The vehicle will utilize the brand’s new Alpine Performance Platform (APP), which addresses the common issue of battery weight in electric cars. To optimize performance, the A310 will incorporate an active torque distribution system, ensuring nimble handling despite the additional weight of its electric powertrain.
Unlike other electric cars, which prioritize acceleration over handling, Alpine focuses on delivering a sports car with exceptional cornering capabilities. This is a key feature for enthusiasts who value precision on twisty roads and racetracks.
Performance and Design: A Glimpse of What’s to Come
The A310 is expected to have one electric motor in the front and two in the rear, generating powerful output. Using the same powertrain as the electric SUV A390, it is expected to surpass the existing A110 R Ultime (345 horsepower) in performance.
The design is also expected to differentiate itself from existing models and show a unique style. In particular, the wraparound light bar, sharp nose, and center fin inspired by the Le Mans race car will likely be applied, reflecting the front design of the previously revealed A390 concept SUV.
In addition, while high-performance electric vehicles, such as the Hyundai Ioniq N, have recently adopted virtual engines and shifting sounds, Alpine plans to exclude such artificial effects and maintain a pure sensation.
A310: More Than Just a Sports Car
Alpine is developing the A310 not just as a simple electric sports car but as a core model that continues the brand’s tradition while being suitable for the era of electrification. This sports car’s performance and driving experience, aimed at the Porsche 911, are expected to be even more anticipated in 2028.
