Electric, Hydrogen, and Heritage Drive the Spotlight
Alpine marked its 70th anniversary at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed with a high-impact presence that offered insight into the brand's strategic direction. From the world debut of the Alpine A290 Rallye to the UK debuts of the Alpenglow Hy6, A110 R Ultime, and A390 electric fastback, the lineup underscored three priorities: motorsport credibility, electrification, and brand expansion.
Headliners: A290 Rallye and Alpenglow Hy6 Lead the Charge
Alpine A290 Rallye made its global dynamic debut at Goodwood. Based on the all-electric 2025 European Car of the Year, the A290 Rallye is built for motorsport. It features:
- ZF limited-slip differential
- Upgraded suspension, brakes, and running gear
- Full FIA-spec safety cage
- Bespoke motorsport livery
This isn’t a show car—it’s a proof of Alpine’s race-focused intent. The team, led by racing design chief Raphael Linari, stripped weight and emphasized function. His quote was clear: “This is an Alpine A290 in sporting clothes.”
Specifications: Alpine A290 Rallye
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | Single electric motor |
| Differential | ZF mechanical limited-slip |
| Chassis Reinforcement | Full roll cage, stripped interior |
| Visuals | White wheels, high-contrast livery |
| Intended Use | Competition-spec; rally development program |
Alpenglow Hy6: Hydrogen Vision on Wheels
Alpenglow Hy6 is Alpine’s hydrogen-powered vision. First shown in 2024, it runs a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 that produces 740 hp using hydrogen combustion. It’s not electric. It’s not fuel cell. It’s combustion, but clean.
- Output: 740 hp
- Engine: 3.5L twin-turbocharged V6
- Fuel: Hydrogen combustion
- Application: Future motorsport platforms
The concept is clear: reduce COâ‚‚ while preserving driving excitement. The body hints at future Alpine road and track models.
Alpine A110 R Ultime: Final Flagship Lap
The A110 R Ultime represents the swan song for Alpine’s revered mid-engine coupe. With 345 hp and 420 Nm of torque, it hits 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 3.8 seconds.
That’s not the only number that matters.
- Weight-to-power ratio: One of the best in class
- Nordschleife delta: 20 seconds faster than the standard A110 R
Performance Comparison
| Model | Power (hp) | Torque (Nm) | 0–100 km/h | Nordschleife Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine A110 R | 300 | 340 | 3.9 sec | Base |
| Alpine A110 R Ultime | 345 | 420 | 3.8 sec | -20 sec |
The A110 R Ultime will compete in Goodwood’s timed shootout. This is more than nostalgia—Alpine wants to close the A110 chapter with a final, focused assault on lap times.
Alpine A390: Fastback Entry into a Broader Market
The A390, an all-electric five-seat fastback, targets a growing segment. It’s designed to inject A110-like agility into a format more aligned with global market demand.
- Body style: Electric fastback
- Seating: 5
- Segment: C/D electric sports sedan
- Focus: Driving dynamics + utility
Key A390 Talking Points
- Uses Renault-Nissan’s CMF-EV platform.
- Prioritizes lightweight construction and handling balance.
- Expands Alpine beyond two-seat sports cars.
The A390 won’t be a halo car. It’s designed to scale. Production volume will likely exceed the A110 by a wide margin, targeting electric buyers who want performance without sacrificing practicality.
Road Cars and Formula 1 Presence Reinforce Alpine’s Core
Alongside debuting models, Alpine showcased its existing A290 and A110—both available for public sale—plus daily runs by the BWT Alpine Formula One Team.
This mix of road, race, and concept aligns with Alpine’s strategy:
- Brand legitimacy from F1
- Product range from urban EV to track-ready special
- Technology diversity from BEVs to hydrogen combustion
Key Figures and Industry Impact
| Car | Powertrain | Market Focus | Debut Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine A290 Rallye | Electric, RWD | Competition-only | World debut |
| Alpine Alpenglow Hy6 | V6 Hydrogen Combustion | Concept/future motorsport | UK debut |
| Alpine A110 R Ultime | 1.8L Turbo, RWD | Final production special | UK dynamic debut |
| Alpine A390 | Electric, AWD/FWD | Mainstream performance | UK dynamic debut |
These aren’t isolated releases. Together, they preview Alpine’s global strategy: grow volume, protect racing roots, and expand powertrain options.
Alpine at 70: Strategy, Not Celebration
Alpine didn’t use Goodwood for pageantry. It used it to set expectations.
- A110 is ending. It won’t be replaced by a like-for-like combustion coupe.
- Electrification is expanding. The A290 and A390 prove Alpine will go where the volume is.
- Hydrogen remains exploratory. The Alpenglow is years from production but sets Alpine apart in the EV-heavy space.
- Racing stays core. With the A290 Rallye and daily F1 runs, Alpine is not distancing itself from its roots.
Alpine managing director Nic Burnside emphasized this approach: “We’re going the extra mile to put on a headline-grabbing line-up. Goodwood is our biggest celebration in the UK.”
Future Outlook: What to Watch From Alpine
- Production Timeline
- A390 expected to launch by mid-2026.
- A110 R Ultime final units to be delivered by early 2026.
- Technology Path
- Hydrogen V6 likely reserved for future prototype racing.
- Battery-electric development continues with extended range A290 and A390 variants.
- Global Expansion
- Alpine will enter new markets beyond France and the UK.
- North American launch window still unconfirmed.
- Platform Sharing
- More performance EVs using Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance platforms.
Conclusion: Alpine’s Next Chapter Starts With Four Cars
Alpine didn’t just roll out concepts or tweak old models. It gave clear, directional answers at Goodwood:
- Electric performance is no longer a side project.
- Motorsport innovation continues with hydrogen.
- The end of the A110 opens the door to broader appeal.
- The A290 Rallye proves racing will remain a test bed.
For a company built on track credibility, these moves suggest that Alpine is aiming at growth without watering down performance. If future EVs match the A110’s precision and the A290’s spirit, the next 70 years may bring the brand’s most meaningful progress yet.
- Add new comment
- 151 views