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Alpine’s Chief Executive Philippe Krief has asserted that the second-generation, fully electric Alpine A110 will outperform its legendary petrol-powered predecessor in every respect, promising an evolution in both driving dynamics and design.

The new two-seater sports car is scheduled for a full unveiling next year. However, Alpine has already offered a first glimpse through the A110 Future prototype, showcased while tackling the hill climb at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

This prototype serves as a development vehicle, featuring the brand-new Alpine Performance Platform (APP) and a bespoke electric powertrain beneath bodywork derived from the now-retired petrol A110. The APP has been developed entirely in-house by Alpine, deviating from conventional EV layouts that use a single underfloor battery. Instead, it employs two smaller battery packs positioned at either end of the chassis, lowering the centre of gravity and ensuring optimal weight distribution.

According to Krief, the new A110 will be slightly longer and wider than the outgoing model while maintaining the same length-to-height ratio, preserving its compact proportions.

When asked about the key objectives for the new A110, Krief explained, “First and foremost, it has to remain a sports car. The silhouette must unmistakably say A110, and as a product, it must deliver the pure enjoyment that a true sports car should offer.”

He elaborated that Alpine’s engineering team was tasked with surpassing the strengths of the current A110, particularly its hallmark lightness and agility. “The new platform enables us to achieve perfect harmony between mechanical and electronic systems,” Krief noted, adding that around 95% of the components in the upcoming model are new and not shared with other Renault Group vehicles.

One critical part of the development process, Krief revealed, was ensuring that the electric A110 could sustain maximum speed and cornering performance on a racetrack for at least 20 minutes. “This benchmark ensures the new car matches or even exceeds the current model’s dynamic capabilities,” he said confidently.

While Alpine has yet to reveal the final design of the production model, Krief confirmed that it will retain the A110’s distinctive family look while incorporating a more futuristic aesthetic. “It will carry the spirit of the A110 forward but with a bolder, more modern expression,” he explained.

Krief also emphasised the significant improvements made to the interior, an area that faced criticism in the current model due to its shared components with other Renault vehicles. “The current A110 is a brilliant sports car, but the cockpit lacked uniqueness. We’ve completely reimagined it to create a timeless interior – intuitive, driver-focused, and free from unnecessary screens,” he said.

Personalisation will be another major focus for the next-generation A110, allowing customers greater freedom to tailor their cars. Alpine views this as crucial for increasing profit margins and appealing to a broader premium audience as it expands its global footprint.

The new APP architecture is expected to underpin at least two generations of the A110, with Krief revealing that “a special extreme version” will be introduced midway through that lifecycle.

The upcoming A110 EV will debut as a traditional two-seat coupé, followed by a 2+2 configuration and convertible variants of both models, broadening its appeal across different customer segments.

Alpine is currently undergoing a major product expansion, having recently introduced the A390 crossover and the A290 hot hatch. Krief confirmed that the brand intends to continue its growth trajectory. When asked about Alpine’s long-term ambitions, he remarked, “In terms of annual volume, we are closer to Ferrari than to Porsche,” hinting at a target of around 15,000 units per year.

However, Krief was quick to clarify Alpine’s positioning: “We are not Ferrari, and we are not trying to be Porsche. Our goal is to remain more exclusive than Porsche, focusing on both exclusivity and profitability for our models.”