Alpine is a lead partner at the 81st Goodwood Members Meeting, opening the action with a parade of its limited edition A110 R Le Mans.
Brand’s strong prescence included displays of a show version of the A424 hypercar and the bold A290_β hot hatch concept.
Alpine’s 60-year, motorsport-focused history represented by its earliest 1960s ‘Berlinette’ cars through to its future electrified model offensive.
Alpine underlined its rich motorsport heritage and ongoing support of one of the UK’s most iconic race venues by being a lead partner at the weekend’s Goodwood Members Meeting (MM81).
The motorsport-bred brand opened the 81st running of the acclaimed event with a dynamic demonstration of the track-focused A110 R Le Mans special edition, the lightweight model being the embodiment of motor racing with 0-62 mph acceleration of 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 177 mph.
With only 100 made, 10 were allocated to the UK and the owners of half of these particpated in the unique parade. Driving the lead A110 R Le Mans was BTCC ace Gordon Shedden – a longtime enthusiast of Alpine and who uses a fleet of A110 models for track tuition at Scotland’s demanding Knockhill circuit.
The Le Mans connection continued away from the spectacular on-track action, with Alpine displaying a show version of its A424_β race car. Powered by a turbocharged 3.4-litre V6 and single electric motor, the phenomenal hybrid is set to make its debut at the world’s most legendary 24-hour event in June, competing in the top LMDH Hypercar category.
Following its outing at last year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, Alpine’s vision for the hot hatch of the future, the A290_β, made a return to the legendary motor racing setting. Merging the brand’s learnings from over half a century of motorsport success with an advanced electric drivetrain, it highlights how racing heritage can play an important role in shaping the vehicles of the future.
Thousands of visitors took the opportunity to peruse the exciting concept that has paved the way for the sporty, five-door A290 - Alpine’s first ever 100% electric car that will also make its world premiere at this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans.
A number of the latest Alpine A110 served as course cars, while several examples of the Alpine A110 Berlinette completed the brand’s presence. Together with the pure-electric A290_β, the strikingly beautiful 1960s coupe perfectly represented Alpine’s 60-year history and the brand’s future direction.
Nic Burnside, MD of Alpine Cars UK, said: “Goodwood and Alpine are the perfect match, sharing rich motorsport heritage that spans decades and which continues to evolve, grow and inspire. Taking a lead at the Members Meeting put Alpine at the heart of an enthusiast audience, providing the Goodwood community with an unmissable insight into how racing heritage can continue to play an essential role in tomorrow’s vehicles, regardless of how they are powered.”
