Alpine is redefining what it means to drive an electric sports car with the launch of the all-new A390 fastback, its most powerful model yet. Central to this evolution is a groundbreaking feature: Alpine Active Torque Vectoring, a one-of-a-kind system that promises to transform the driving experience by distributing torque with unprecedented precision.
A New Era of Electric Performance
The A390 is Alpine’s first five-seat fastback sports car, and it doesn’t just look the part – it delivers staggering performance. With more than 400 hp and over 800 Nm of torque, the A390 GTS accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in under four seconds and covers 1,000 metres from a standing start in just 22 seconds. Yet Alpine’s engineers were determined to do more than chase raw numbers; their goal was to create a car that is as responsive as it is powerful.
Three Motors, Infinite Possibilities
At the heart of the A390 lies a three-motor architecture: a single front motor powers the front axle, while two rear motors drive each rear wheel independently. This configuration enables full all-wheel drive while opening the door to a revolution in rear-wheel torque management. The result is Alpine Active Torque Vectoring, a patented system that allows 0–100% of torque to be directed to either rear wheel in real time, outperforming traditional mechanical limited-slip differentials.
Constance Leraud-Reyser, Alpine’s control systems engineer, explains:
“Alpine Active Torque Vectoring is the step beyond conventional limited-slip differentials. This breakthrough enhances both the safety and dynamic behavior of the A390, giving drivers a feeling of lightness and absolute control.”
Ultra-Fast, Ultra-Responsive Handling
Alpine Active Torque Vectoring operates in milliseconds, constantly adjusting torque between the rear wheels based on steering angle, speed, and traction conditions. This intelligent distribution corrects for any slip, optimises cornering, and virtually eliminates understeer or oversteer. The result is a driving experience that feels weightless and intuitive, allowing the A390 to respond as if it were an extension of the driver’s own body.
“The perceived inertia of the car simply vanishes,” Constance notes. “All you feel is pure sensation – a seamless connection with the A390.”
Beyond driving pleasure, the system also enhances safety. If one rear wheel loses grip, torque is instantly rebalanced to maintain traction, even on slippery surfaces. Drivers can monitor the system in real time via the instrument cluster and Alpine Telemetrics Live Data display, making the invisible technology visible.
Integrated Torque Management and Driving Modes
Alpine’s engineering brilliance doesn’t stop with Active Torque Vectoring. Three complementary torque management systems work in concert:
- Alpine Torque Pre-Control – maintains traction.
- e-AWD – distributes torque between front and rear axles for balance.
- Alpine Active Torque Vectoring – fine-tunes torque between the left and right rear wheels.
The A390 also offers five driving modes—Save, Normal, Sport, Personalised, and a new Track mode—allowing drivers to tailor torque distribution to their preference. Whether prioritising agility, cornering performance, or high-speed stability, the A390 adapts instantly.
“With Active Torque Vectoring, the A390 is as agile and nimble as an A110, yet far more powerful,” Constance concludes. “It’s astonishingly easy to drive considering its performance.”
Redefining the Electric Sports Car
The Alpine A390 is more than an electric sports car; it’s a statement of engineering mastery and driving pleasure. By combining innovative torque vectoring, a three-motor drivetrain, and intelligent torque management, Alpine has created a car that elevates agility, performance, and safety to new heights. With the A390, every corner, every acceleration, and every drive is an invitation to experience the future of electric sports cars—where precision meets exhilaration.
