Alpine Leaves the Door Open for a Possible Gasoline Sports Car Alongside the Electric A110

Alpine is primarily focused on developing an electric successor to its A110 sports car, but company executives have indicated that a gasoline-powered derivative remains a possibility for the future.

Speaking to Top Gear magazine, Alpine's UK managing director Nicola Burnside stated that the brand has not completely ruled out fitting an internal combustion engine into the next-generation sports car platform. While the company is fully committed to launching the new model first as an EV, the underlying Alpine Performance Platform (APP) is described as flexible enough to accommodate different powertrains with relatively minor modifications.

Platform Flexibility and Technical Details

Alpine has shared several details regarding the architecture for the upcoming electric A110:

• Aluminum-intensive architecture: Designed to maintain low weight.
• Split battery layout: Batteries are divided between the front and rear sections rather than placed entirely under the cabin, helping preserve a low seating position.
• Target weight: Engineers are aiming for a curb weight under 1,500 kilograms (3,307 pounds).
• Suspension and Drivetrain: Features double-wishbone suspension with rear-wheel drive as the primary configuration, while a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive version is also possible.

Market Strategy and Comparisons

Previously, Alpine CEO Philippe Krief suggested that a combustion-powered derivative could potentially help the brand expand into international markets where electric sports cars might face slower adoption, such as the United States. However, executives emphasize that nothing is confirmed regarding a gas model at this stage, and customers should give the upcoming electric version a chance first.

In contrast, other sports car manufacturers have adjusted their electrification strategies. Porsche initially considered offering combustion engines for top-tier versions of its next-generation 718 Boxster and Cayman, but ultimately confirmed those models will be exclusively electric.

Practical Implications and Verification

For sports car enthusiasts interested in Alpine's future vehicle lineup, the primary takeaway is that an internal combustion engine is not actively in development right now, though the architecture leaves room for future possibilities. Readers can verify official announcements and future vehicle specifications directly through Alpine's official media channels or automotive publications like Top Gear.