Alpine is gearing up for the grand reveal of its latest creation, the A390, slated for May 27. This unveiling marks a significant shift for the French automaker, known for its iconic sports cars. The A390, a five-seat “sport fastback,” signals a move towards a broader market segment, embracing the practicality of a high-riding, sedan-shaped crossover while attempting to retain the sporty essence that defines the Alpine brand. This strategic pivot aims to capture a wider audience, even if it means temporarily stepping away from its pure sports car lineage. The A390 represents Alpine’s vision for the future: innovative, adaptable, and still thrilling to drive. The move reflects the evolving automotive landscape, where electric vehicles and versatile designs are gaining prominence. While purists might lament the departure from traditional sports cars, Alpine assures enthusiasts that the A390 will deliver a unique and engaging driving experience, blending performance with everyday usability.
The Alpine A390 is currently undergoing rigorous final testing and development, as showcased in recent teaser photos. These tests include demanding wet-track evaluations at Michelin’s Ladoux facility in France. This collaboration with Michelin is crucial, as it led to the development of two specialized Pilot Sport tires tailored specifically for the A390. The smaller option is a 20-inch Pilot Sport EV, designed to optimize the performance of electric vehicles, while the larger is a 21-inch Pilot Sport 4S, known for its exceptional grip and handling capabilities. The choice of Michelin’s track for testing underscores the importance of tire performance in maximizing the A390’s potential.
The A390 features a sophisticated tri-motor powertrain, distributing power through five distinct drive modes, including a dedicated track mode. This advanced system enables precise torque vectoring and modified stability settings, allowing for controlled “opposite-lock” driving, hinting at the vehicle’s performance capabilities. While Alpine remains tight-lipped about specific details, the emphasis on track-focused testing suggests that the A390 is engineered to deliver a dynamic and engaging driving experience, even in challenging conditions. The tri-motor setup signifies Alpine’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance performance and handling.
One of the most intriguing features of the A390 is the “Alpine Drive Sound” audio system. However, it’s not what you might expect. Instead of playing music, this system generates two distinct sounds designed to enhance the driver’s connection with the vehicle. One of these sounds is derived from the A110’s turbocharged four-cylinder engine, offering a “sportier” auditory experience. The second sound is tailored for daily driving, featuring less bass and a more subtle profile. This innovative approach aims to provide drivers with a more engaging and emotionally satisfying experience behind the wheel of an electric car.
Recognizing that not everyone appreciates artificial sounds, Alpine has included the option to adjust or completely disable both sound profiles. This flexibility ensures that drivers can customize their driving experience to their personal preferences. A similar system is also available in the A290, an electric hot hatchback designed for the European market. The inclusion of the Alpine Drive Sound system reflects a growing trend among electric vehicle manufacturers to create unique and engaging auditory experiences that compensate for the absence of traditional engine noises. This technology aims to bridge the gap between the familiar sounds of combustion engines and the silent operation of electric powertrains.
| Sound Profile | Description | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Sportier | Derived from A110’s turbocharged four-cylinder engine | Performance driving, track mode |
| Daily Driving | Lower bass, more subtle | Everyday commuting, relaxed driving |
Alpine is keen to emphasize that the A390 is not an SUV or a crossover. Instead, it’s officially designated as a “sport fastback,” a term that reflects its sleek, aerodynamic design and performance-oriented characteristics. The production model is expected to closely resemble the A390_β concept car unveiled in October 2024, maintaining its distinctive silhouette and styling cues. Underneath its sporty exterior, the A390 shares a platform with the Nissan Ariya, leveraging the latter’s proven engineering and manufacturing expertise. However, the tri-motor layout is unique to Alpine, featuring a single motor at the front axle and two motors at the rear, enabling advanced torque vectoring and all-wheel-drive capabilities. While specific details regarding power output and range remain under wraps until the official reveal, the A390 promises to deliver a compelling blend of performance, style, and practicality.
