Alpine previews electric hot hatch with A290_β

Alpine has unveiled a new show car called the A290_β (A290 “beta”) which previews the brand’s first full electric hot hatch, set to be released in 2024.

What we see isn’t much, but its silhouette shows off some distinct styling cues that raise our excitement levels. Such features include what looks to be a bonnet scoop and a kicked up rear wing which are likely nods back to the Renault 5. More on this later.

It’s name follows along the lines of those that came before it, with the usual ‘A’ preceding three digits. The ‘2’ refers to the size of the vehicle in the French carmaker’s lineup, while ’90’ is specific to the brand’s multi-purpose sports vehicles, such as hatchbacks. Alpine now reserves ’10’ for its pure sports cars like the A110.

As for the “beta” in its name, this refers to beta testing in computing but has been used here to signify the EV’s status as a test version, before the final example is released.

No other information was provided about the upcoming show car but reports suggest the production version will be based on the yet to be revealed Renault 5.

Both Alpine and Renault have shared a close relationship throughout history with the former recently becoming Renault’s dedicated sportscar brand.

Alpine says its new electric hot hatch is “ready to reinvent sportiness” when it’s revealed in full on 9 May 2023.