Now in the final phase of testing before its unveiling in May this year, Alpine put its upcoming A390 through a series of chilling tests in the Arctic Circle. The new car will be a fully electric “5-seater Sport Fastback”, delivering the same thrill as that of an A110 says Philipp Krief, CEO of Alpine.
The testing was undertaken by Alpine’s engineering team with a goal to measure the car’s durability and reliability over “five years of accelerated use”. In temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius, the team pushed the A390 to ensure it delivers the performance expected of an Alpine, no matter the weather! The credit for its staggering abilities goes to the three electric motors which will deliver power via 5 different driving modes. During its recent tests, eyes were particularly on the car’s ‘Track Mode’ and abilities of Alpine’s ‘Active Torque Vectoring’.
Cold weather testing also allows the engineers to check things like the heating and demisting features of the car, all the way to its ESC (Electronic Stability Control) in conditions that are as punishing as they are unique. While the cars were under wraps during testing, a few aspects can be spotted like the distinctive lighting first shown off by the A390 B concept. There’s also a front bonnet blade, micro-perforated grille and more aerodynamic components to ensure the car gets enough of air for optimal performance.
There’s a couple of bits borrowed from Alpine’s F1 car too with the sporty steering wheel featuring buttons for ‘Overtake’ (OH), ‘Recharge’ (RCH) and ‘Track to ensure that this is one sharp sporty SUV!
Continuing in the brand’s tradition, the A390 will be produced in France at the Dieppe plan while the motors and powertrain components will be made by Renault at the Cleon facility. Not much else is known for the moment apart from the fact that Devialet have been tasked with working on the audio system and Michelin on the tyres!
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Words by Matthew D’Souza, media courtesy of Alpine Cars Media.
