Alpine is set to launch an all-new A110, marking a significant shift as the next generation will be fully electric, unlike its predecessor. While the move has raised concerns among some enthusiasts, Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo has assured that the upcoming electric sports car will be lighter than a comparable internal combustion engine (ICE) model, without sacrificing performance.
The new A110, confirmed to be under development in mid-2023, will be available in both Coupe and Roadster variants. The vehicle will be built on a bespoke electric platform, similar to the strategy Porsche employs with the 911, using a unique platform for its sports car while other models like the Taycan rely on shared Volkswagen Group architectures. De Meo explained to Autocar that the approach “keeps the heart very true to the brand,” emphasizing the car’s distinctive identity and high performance. He also added, “the next A110 will be lighter than a comparable car with a combustion engine but with no compromise in performance.”
Alpine has not yet disclosed specific details on how it will achieve such a light design for the electric A110, but the company has been working on an electric sports car for several years. Initially, Alpine had planned to co-develop this model with Lotus, but the two companies parted ways in mid-2023, leaving Alpine to continue the project independently. Alpine does have some experience with electric sports cars, having unveiled an electric version of the current A110, called the E-ternité, in late 2022. This prototype featured a 60 kWh battery pack and a rear-mounted electric motor delivering 239 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. Although the E-ternité was 569 lbs (258 kg) heavier than the ICE A110, it was still lighter than the Porsche 718 Boxster, which impressed many observers.
The 2026 A110 is expected to retain the familiar design of the current model, with de Meo emphasizing that “it needs to look like an A110,” ensuring the car stays true to its heritage while embracing the electric future.
