Alpine, the French automaker known for its sporty and iconic A110 model, has recently revealed its plans to proceed with the development of an electric successor to the A110. This decision comes after the news that Alpine and Lotus would not be collaborating on the project as initially anticipated.
While the announcement of the separation was made last month, Alpine had remained tight-lipped about the specifics, stating only that it was a mutual decision reached amicably. However, Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo has shed some light on the situation, disclosing that Alpine has opted to create its own platform to underpin the forthcoming model. Surprisingly, this platform will not be exclusive to the A110 successor, as it is expected to be utilized in at least one other vehicle as well.
de Meo, in an interview with Autocar, revealed that more details regarding the new platform will be unveiled on July 26. He tantalizingly hinted at the potential for a “halo hypercar” that could potentially be based on the same platform as the A110 successor. While this prospect remains speculative, adopting a shared platform strategy across multiple vehicles is a strategic move that can help alleviate production costs.
Cost considerations have always been crucial for sports cars and coupes, as these niche models typically have limited sales volumes. Notably, Toyota collaborated with BMW and Subaru for the development of the Supra and GR86 models. The partnership between Alpine and Lotus was expected to follow a similar approach; however, it did not come to fruition. Nevertheless, de Meo emphasized that both companies are open to future collaborations. Potential areas of collaboration could involve Alpine crossovers, but specific details are yet to be determined.
As the development of Alpine’s electric A110 successor gains momentum, the decision to construct an independent platform reflects the brand’s commitment to forging its own path in the electric sports car segment. With additional information set to be revealed in the coming weeks, automotive enthusiasts and Alpine fans alike eagerly await the next chapter in the company’s exciting journey.