Alpine will be hoping to steal all the headlines at the upcoming Paris motor show (which starts on September 14) with this, the A390_ß.
What’s that then?
Well, it’s all explained by Alpine’s new model-name concept. The three numbers refer to the size (the first number) and the style (in this case, 90 means a more family-focused car than a pure sports car). The little ß is beta, and for Alpine that means a concept car (although in this case it’s one that’s very close to a production reality).
So this is Alpine’s family SUV then?
Yes it is. Think of the A390, when it eventually goes on sale late next year, as Alpine’s answer to the electric Porsche Macan, and one of seven Alpine models - including the new electric A290 hot hatch based on the Renault 5 EV, and an eventual electric replacement for the A110 sports car - which will make up the company’s ’dream garage’ lineup. The idea being that you can pick one or two Alpine models and have the perfect mix of cars for family needs and driving fun.
Is this just a sportier Renault Rafale?
No, but we can see where you’re coming from. The rakish silhouette of the A390_ß does look rather Rafale-like, but this concept is going to be all-electric, so it’s expected that the mechanical package of the Renault Scenic - complete with its impressive 625km official range - are under there. While Alpine has committed to going all electric with its road cars, the French outfit is also looking at hydrogen tech and will display its Alpenglow hydrogen-powered Le Mans racing car concept at the Paris show, too.
The Scenic’s not very sporty though...
No, it’s not but then Alpine has said that it will use some proper performance car trickery - including four-wheel steering and active torque distribution - to make its electric models feel suitably Alpine-like when you’re driving them.
We’ll get the full details next week.