Alpine’s commitment to excellence and innovation has led its engineering teams to the Arctic Circle in Sweden, where they are putting the A390 through its paces in one of the most extreme environments on earth. This testing phase represents the final stretch of development for Alpine’s upcoming 100% electric sport fastback. Designed to push the boundaries of performance, agility, and driving pleasure, the A390 is poised to be a game-changer in the world of high-performance electric vehicles.
Cold Weather Tests: Pushing the Limits in Lapland
At temperatures as low as -40°C, Alpine’s engineers are fine-tuning the A390 in a series of rigorous tests across snowy roads and frozen lakes. These conditions simulate the equivalent of five years of accelerated use, allowing the team to validate the car’s durability, performance, and overall reliability. With the A390’s performance under intense scrutiny, the goal is clear: to deliver a driving experience that meets Alpine’s legendary standards while ensuring the vehicle’s systems perform consistently, even under the harshest conditions.
Philippe Krief, CEO of Alpine, expressed his excitement about the A390’s development, saying, “We are in Lapland, in the north of Sweden, to finalise the development in extreme conditions of the future A390, the second vehicle of Alpine’s Dream Garage. On this jewel of technology and design, our engineers had to apply all their expertise and passion to achieve the unthinkable: to give a 5-seater sport fastback the performance, agility, and driving pleasure of our iconic A110. The result is thrilling, and the most daring will be able to experience the exhilaration of driving on frozen lakes while looking out of the side windows!”
Extreme Testing for Unmatched Performance
Alpine’s engineering focus on dynamic performance is central to the A390’s development, and the team is leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of excellence. With a cutting-edge 3-electric motor drive system and five driving modes—each tailored to enhance the driving experience in specific conditions—the A390 is designed to adapt seamlessly to the skill level of the driver. The new “Track Mode” and Alpine Active Torque Vectoring are being subjected to real-world testing to ensure the most exhilarating performance possible, all while maintaining an accessible and progressive feel.
In addition to testing the car’s dynamic handling, the engineers are carefully evaluating essential features, including the quality of heating, demisting, and defrosting systems, which are crucial in cold climates. The testing also includes an in-depth review of the car’s Electronic Stability Control (ESC) on snow to ensure safe, controlled driving in slippery conditions.
A 5-Seater Sports Car Like No Other
What sets the A390 apart is its dual nature: it is a genuine 5-seater sports car that delivers both cutting-edge performance and everyday usability. As the first sport fastback from Alpine, the A390 combines practicality with excitement, offering ample room for passengers while retaining the agile, responsive handling Alpine is known for. With a length of 4,615 mm, a height of 1,532 mm, and a width of 1,885 mm, the A390 strikes the perfect balance between comfort and performance.
Visually, the A390 embodies Alpine’s bold design philosophy. The distinctive lighting signature, inspired by the A390_β show car and continuing the Alpenglow theme, adds to its dynamic presence. The front light strip, which cuts through the air like a blade, is complemented by the ‘Cosmic Dust’ lighting feature, evoking the image of a comet piercing the atmosphere. The aerodynamic features of the A390, including the bonnet blade and micro-perforated grille, not only enhance performance but also contribute to its striking, modern design.
Inside the A390: Sports Car DNA Meets Everyday Comfort
The interior of the A390 offers a blend of performance-oriented design and premium comfort. While Alpine is keeping many details under wraps, the prototype reveals a sporty Nappa leather steering wheel with a flat centre, inspired by Alpine’s motorsport pedigree. The steering wheel is equipped with three controls—OV (Overtake), RCH (Recharge), and Drive modes—offering direct access to different driving modes, including the newly introduced “Track” mode, which is designed for more exhilarating driving experiences.
With acceleration on par with the A110 R and precision cornering capabilities, the A390 promises to deliver the thrilling driving sensations Alpine enthusiasts have come to expect. Yet, its spacious interior and advanced technology ensure it remains a versatile and accessible vehicle for everyday use.
Crafting the Future of French Savoir-Faire
The A390 is not just a technological marvel; it is also a testament to the French savoir-faire that defines the Alpine brand. Designed and developed in France, the A390 will be produced at Alpine’s historic Dieppe factory, while the three electric motors will be produced at the Renault factory in Cléon. Alpine’s commitment to French craftsmanship is further highlighted through its partnerships with leading brands. The A390 will feature a premium audio system from Devialet and Michelin-specific tyres, further enhancing the driving experience and ensuring the highest standards of performance and luxury.
A Glimpse of the Future: The A390’s Grand Reveal
The world will get its first official look at the Alpine A390 on 27 May 2025, during the brand’s 70th anniversary celebrations in Dieppe, France. This event will mark a new chapter for Alpine as the A390 makes its debut as the brand’s first fully electric sport fastback. With its cutting-edge technologies, exhilarating performance, and distinctive design, the A390 is poised to redefine what a sports car can be in the electric age.
The A390 promises to carry Alpine’s legacy of performance and passion into the future, offering an experience that is as thrilling as it is innovative. The wait for this exceptional vehicle will soon be over, and the future of Alpine sports cars has never looked more exciting.
