The A390_β show car, the very first 100% electric Alpine sport fastback introduces a new dimension to the brand's sporting universe. It foreshadows the second of three Dream Garage models, the ideal garage by Alpine for all enthusiastic drivers.
After the A290 and before the future electric A110, the A390_β anticipates the second phase of Alpine's Dream Garage, the trio of sports cars marking the brand's electric transition.
The name A390_β follows Alpine's nomenclature, which combines an A followed by three numbers. The 3 refers to the size of the vehicle, and the 90 to the brand's multi-purpose, everyday vehicles. The Greek letter beta refers to the intermediate stage of development before the official launch of the production car.
The A390_β offers a glimpse of the future road car designed for daily use and capable of transforming itself into a racing beast like the iconic A110, for a far sportier driving experience. Alpine defines it as a true sports car under a “dressed” design, like a racing car in a tailor-made suit.
Like the Alpenglow concept car presented at the 2022 Paris Motor Show, the A390_β show car draws inspiration from the Alps' mountain ranges. Rock, minerals, and snow are natural elements that have fuelled the design and choice of materials, giving it its strength of character.
Drawing on its heritage and racing DNA, Alpine proposes a creation emblematic of French savoir-faire, a perfect blend of daring and innovation. At a time when low-carbon transport is becoming essential in the automotive sector, the Alpine A390_β show car is more than just a promise. It demonstrates the Alpine brand's commitment to high-end, exhilarating, and sustainable sportiness.
"A390_β previews the future Alpine sport fastback, which we have designed like an A110 with 5 seats. The duality between the racing spirit and the refinement of this show car embodies the performance and driving experience that we will deliver from 2025 onwards in our production vehicle, produced in France at the historic Dieppe Manufacture. More than the promise of a 100% Alpine experience, it's a genuine commitment."
Philippe Krief, Alpine CEO
A390_β EXTERIOR DESIGN: THE SPORT FASTBACK, AN ALPINE FIRST & FOREMOST
At first glance, the A390_β catches the eye with its undeniably Alpine look, interpreted here as a minimalist, high-tech strip of light.
A390_β, the new Alpine silhouette
The silhouette of the A390_β, as dynamic as it is fluid, unveils a genuine sculpture. It resembles a monolithic bubble, drawing its inspiration from a drop of water. This natural shape offers the optimum balance between functionality and aerodynamics. Lastly, the side of the car follows the signature line of Alpine cars, adding an impression of movement, even when stationary.
“Bleu Specular”, an iconic colour
The A390_β's intense, multi-faceted blue highlights the show car's sharp shapes. The moving paint particles vibrate with movement. The tint oscillates between bright, light-catching blues and deeper shades; this interplay of contrasts accentuates the vehicle's lines.
The lighting signature, the soul of the show car
The Alpine A390_β show car stands out for its distinctive lighting signature, in line with Alpenglow. A swarm of illuminated triangles called “Cosmic Dust” under the front and rear lighting strip evokes a comet piercing the atmosphere. Lastly, the slender light bars at the front and rear, which seem to split the air like a blade, evoke lightness.
Aerodynamics for even more sportiness
As if flowing through the air, the A390_β features visible aerodynamic elements. At the front, a “flying bridge” enhances airflow over the upper part of the vehicle. The micro-perforated grille guides the air in the best possible way, while the wide side scoops create an air curtain to accelerate the natural flow.
The more conceptual rear end is the interpretation of “Light Follows Function": the light underlines the show car's aerodynamic elements. The shark fin, a reference to the Alpines racing at Le Mans, is synonymous with fluidity and stability.
Lastly, in harmony with the rear diffuser, the illuminated light strip can be extended or retracted by 80 mm, enabling the A390_β to transform from a 'short-tail' to a 'long-tail' design. This ability to extend reduces the aerodynamic drag coefficient and improves the vehicle's operating range.
The snowflake as a source of inspiration
The design of the A390_β show car's wheels are inspired by the crystalline properties of a snowflake, both strong and light. The 22-inch front and 23-inch rear wheels are enhanced by a cabochon in the wheel centre, illuminated by a bluish halo reminiscent of jewellery. The transparent effect of the central flange, which resembles a thin layer of ice, highlights the Active Torque Vectoring function in the background.
The definition of sport fastback, according to Alpine
For a show car whose exterior design is 85% true to that of the future production model, A390_β embodies a philosophy where form follows function and the technical and aerodynamic elements are intentionally sporty.
It takes the form of a sport fastback, combining fluidity and sportiness with spaciousness. This silhouette, with its plunging rear window, like an unbroken line, contributes to the vehicle's aerodynamic performance.
As a result, A390_β boasts lines combining lightness and dynamism and is, first and foremost, an invitation to experience sportiness with others.
