Alpine A290_β All-Electric Hot Hatch Debuts with McLaren F1-Like Centre Driver Seat

Alpine A290_ß, an all-electric hot hatchback concept shown by the French carmaker, is scheduled to go into production in 2024. Alpine A290_ß is a strange name, but Alpine justifies it by saying all of their cars have names that begin with "A," then "three numbers." The "2" represents the B-segment, while the "90" indicates its potential future lifestyle options. A beta version is a transitional stage between the current iteration and the final iteration. The vehicle is expected to go into production in the following year, as the Greek letter ‘beta’ indicates. It's an extreme version of the Renault 5 concept that was shown off in early 2021. Taking cues from the A470 endurance racing car, the feisty EV has a recognisable set of quad headlamps and vertical taillights. The production-ready Alpine will ride on the new CMF-B EV platform and be built in Douai, France, under the ownership of Renault. 

Also Read: Porsche 718 Spyder RS is the Final ICE Iteration of the Series with 493bhp

Alpine A290_ß: Exterior

The Alpine A290_ is just 4.05 metres in length, but it rides on enormous 20-inch wheels with a square cut in the middle, making it stand out from the crowd. Michelin, which also supplies rubber for next year's production model, designed the centerlock alloys that are wrapped with the French flag. Without a doubt, the production model won't look quite as wild as this, but it should still be competitive with other hot hatchbacks. The bodywork was designed with performance in mind, so it sports features like a sculpted air intake below the headlights and a bumper with huge air inlets up front to boost aerodynamics.

Alpine A290_ß: Interior

The driver occupies the central position, somewhat in front of the two passengers, who sit in carbon fibre bucket seats in the manner of the McLaren F1. The dashboard's design was inspired by the nose of a Formula 1 vehicle and is shaped like an arrow. This year's LMP2 A470 and F1 A523 racing cars served as inspiration for the minimalist interior's angular steering wheel. A blue line connects the dashboard to the entryways and runs the length of the panel. The kill switch, lights, and other indications are all controlled by a panel situated on the roof. The driver may also benefit from a headset with a display that provides live updates on the race.

Also Read: Honda Brio Facelift Launched in Indonesia, Also Gets an RS Variant

Alpine A290_ß: Performance

Alpine did not disclose the power output of the A290_ß.  The concept's four-piston Brembo brakes come from the one and only A110, while the front and rear anti-roll bars, shock absorbers, and suspension springs have all been tuned for optimum performance over a wide variety of surfaces.