Alpine is going to transform its Dieppe factory into an all-electric vehicle manufacturer, starting with Alpine GT X-Over production. The new model will have CMF EV architecture that is being used in Renault’s new Megane E-Tech electric. The other two models that will later be launched by the automaker are Renault 5 supermini and an all-electric replacement for its A110 flagship sports car.
The newly named GT X-Over was previewed last year as Alpine confirmed plans to launch the hot 5 as its first EV in 2024. A silhouette sketch hinted at its positioning as a high-riding grand tourer, which could provide the French brand with a rival to quick premium EVs including the Porsche Macan EV and Lotus Type 132. Alpine says the new model will “combine the brand’s competitive know-how and the group’s experience in electric vehicles, with all the excellence in sports vehicles that defines the Alpine brand”, which suggests that keeping weight down and providing engaging dynamics will remain a focus, in spite of its more mainstream positioning than the A110.
It will use the Mégane E-Tech’s 215bhp single electric motor at the front, but Renault engineering boss Gilles le Borgne has hinted at a more potent, 4WD set-up for the Alpine car: “In the rear, we will have a big surprise.”
Shifting to EVs
As part of the transformation, the factory itself has been renamed from Usine Alpine Dieppe (Alpine Factory Dieppe) to manufacture the Renault dealer who founded the Alpine brand in 1955. Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo said: “Over the past 12 months, Alpine has succeeded in setting a new dynamic in motion and upholding its commitments. It can be seen today in Dieppe, where the future GT Alpine X-Over will be made, thus giving a clear vision of the future and solid prospects for the historic, industrial site.” Furthermore added, “Alpine’s ambition must remain high, where only the most passionate strive to be, those driven by the quest to attain perfection. This level of excellence must be like oxygen for Alpine.”
Alpine’s other EV model A10 flagship sports car will be another vehicle to look forward to. The original A110 was the truer realization of founder Jean Rédélé’s vision of a lightweight, compact, highly agile sports car given to excel on mountain passes than anything that came after it and it was the car that enabled the Alpine-Renault team to claim the World Rally Championship manufacturers’ title in 1973.
Credits for information- Autocar
