Alpine A290_Beta Concept EV Hot Hatch Teases 2024 Launch

Alpine A290_Beta or 'A290_ß', the all-new electric hot hatch 2024 concept unveiled by Alpine offers a sporty stance and a homage to racing in its interior design

Alpine is stepping up to the plate in the hot hatch segment with its latest offering, the A290_ß or A290_Beta concept car, which provides a glimpse into the company's future. The A290_ß is a development program show car that previews a forthcoming production model scheduled to debut in 2024.

The name "beta" is borrowed from the gaming industry to underscore that the car represents a preview of what's to come. While the A290_ß is built on a bespoke platform similar to that of the Renault R5 Turbo 3E concept, the production version will be based on the Renault CMF-B EV architecture, which the A290 will share with the forthcoming Renault 5 electric supermini.

The A290_ß shares a similar silhouette and basic shape to the Renault 5 concept, but its wider track widths and chunky bodywork give it an even sportier profile. The concept car is equipped with 20-inch wheels fitted with bespoke Michelin tires (the production version will come with 19-inch wheels), a front bumper that houses the brand's trademark four-light face and X LED signature, an extended side skirt, a big rear spoiler, and wheel arches made of a new rock-like forged carbon material with blue inlay.

According to Antony Villain, the design director at Alpine, the A290's bodywork is very similar to the production model's, with the exception of more conventional door mirrors and some exterior detail treatments. However, the general shape, stance, front end, and lighting elements should be replicated when the road-going version is unveiled.

The A290's interior is a nod to Alpine's racing heritage, with a central driving position inspired by Formula One. While the ß model still features a five-door silhouette, only the front doors open due to the extensive roll cage. There is space for a passenger on either side of the driver, with blue-LED lighting that runs horizontally around the dash, intersected by a magenta LED stripe that highlights the central driving position.

The 100% raw-carbon bucket seats are trimmed in Alcantara, and the car does not feature a screen. Alpine has opted to exclude it to allow drivers to focus solely on driving. However, there is a slim head-up display.

While Alpine has not disclosed any technical specifics for the A290_ß, we do know that the concept car features two electric motors on its front axle (the production model will feature only one), with torque-vectoring technology that improves agility. There are three driving modes: Wet, Dry, and Full.

Wet mode is designed for extra stability and confidence, while Dry mode dials up aggression and performance. Full mode unleashes the maximum output, which can also be accessed by pressing the red boost button on the car's steering wheel marked 'OV' for Overtake, which delivers a 10-second boost of power. According to Robert Bonetto, the Vice President of Engineering at Alpine, this feature will be present on all Alpine production models in the future.

The A290's chassis has a front strut suspension and a rear multi-link set-up, with hydraulic bump stops on the concept car's suspension dampers, which is technology carried across from the Alpine A110 sports car. Additionally, the ß features the A110's brakes, and alongside adjustable regenerative braking modes, four-piston Brembo brake calipers bite 320mm discs at the front.

One of the unique features of the A290 production model is the car's triangular graphics, which are meant to evoke the spirit of the Alps, the brand's namesake. This design is likely to become a personalization option for future Alpine models. Antony Villain says the design and personalisation of the A290 is one of the most important key areas for the development of the concept.

A production model of the A290_Beta is set to make its debut in 2024 from Alpine.