Alpine A290 Beta concept redefines hot hatch for EV era

PARIS -- Alpine unveiled the A290 Beta small "hot hatch" concept ahead of its 2024 launch as a production model, as the Renault Group brand builds out a full lineup and plans for international expansion.

The A290 Beta is a small full-electric hatchback based on the coming Renault 5, but with a specially tuned chassis, more power and a heavily modified body, as well as a race-themed interior.

The production version will be launched in the second half of 2024, Alpine officials said. Like the Renault 5 and a future Nissan Micra, it will be based on the Renault-Nissan Alliance CMF-B EV platform; it will be built in Douai, northern France.

The A290 Beta is 4050 mm long, 1850 mm wide and and 1480 mm high, the same length as a Renault Clio but 50 mm wider and 40 mm higher. Renault has not released dimensions for the Renault 5. 

The hot hatch market is enjoying a revival from full electrification, as automakers are finding it more and more difficult to homologate high-output small gasoline engines. 

Competition for the A290 is likely to come from the next-generation full-electric Mini, the Fiat New 500's Abarth version and the upcoming Urban Rebel from Volkswagen Group's Cupra brand.

The performance-oriented A290 Beta has two electric motors as well as a "push to pass" button allowing a 10-second burst of power, similar to Formula One racing cars.

Renault has renamed its Formula One and endurance racing teams Alpine, a "win on Sunday, sell on Monday" effort to leverage the exposure from the international series that draw millions of fans.

The "push to pass" button will be a feature of future Alpine production models. It will be regulated to ensure that it is used only in safe conditions, Alpine says.

Renault has said that the production version of the A290 could have a different battery chemistry than the Renault 5, but officials would not confirm at a preview in April whether high-performance batteries could come from Verkor, a startup that would complement other supplies of batteries from LG Chem and AESC Envision.

Exterior design features are focused on maximizing aerodynamics, Alpine designers said, including two large air scoops in the front grille, air ducts ahead of the front wheels and "floating" side mirrors.

Other features on the show car include a windshield that extends into the hood, 20-inch wheels with a square pattern – and which will appear on the production version -- and specially built Michelin tires with raised white lettering.

The front light arrangement recalls the original A110, with running lights inboard of the headlights, while vertical taillights are a reference to the A470 endurance race car. 

The exterior silhouette of the A290 Beta is about "85 percent" of the production versions, Alpine says, but the three-place interior is more conceptual. The driver sits in the center in front of a racing-style steering wheel, with two passengers slightly behind on either said. The seats are carbon-fiber racing shells; protection comes from high door sills and a roll cage.

The steering wheel integrates a number of functions, including the push-to-pass button, drive mode selection and adjustable ABS.

Renault has not released technical specifications for the Alpine A290 Beta or production versions, but they will have multilink rear suspension, torque vectoring power delivery, and four-piston Brembo disc brakes.

The A290 will be part of what CEO Laurent Rossi calls a “dream garage,” with a coming compact SUV called the GT and the replacement for the current A110 sports coupe. Future plans for the brand include a midsize and large SUV, as well as expansion to North America.

Alpine has adopted a naming convention that will debut with the A290, with “2” signifying the B (small) segment, and “90” standing for a “lifestyle” vehicle as opposed to a full sports or racing car. The “Beta” in the show car’s name signifies a pre-series model, similar to computer software releases.

Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo has said the brand could sell about 150,000 vehicles a year by 2030. As part of that effort, it is growing its point of sale network to 300 outlets from 140, and is reportedly considering partnering with AutoNation in the U.S.