Alpine’s Electric A310: A French 911 Rival with Motorsport DNA

Alpine is preparing a bold return to the 2+2 sports car segment with the upcoming Alpine A310, a modern electric reinterpretation of its 1970s icon. Slated for launch in 2028, the new A310 is aimed squarely at the Porsche 911, pairing Alpine’s lightweight ethos with cutting-edge EV performance. According to Autocar and other sources, the A310 will debut as a rear-wheel-drive electric coupé, followed by a convertible Spyder and performance-focused variants.

Under the Skin: Alpine Performance Platform

Central to the A310’s capabilities is the Alpine Performance Platform (APP), a bespoke EV architecture developed by Renault with input from Alpine’s motorsport division. APP is designed for agility and minimal weight, even with the mass of battery packs. It supports multiple configurations, including:

• Tri-motor layout – one up front, twin motors at the rear for advanced torque vectoring.
• All-wheel-drive capability – enabling potential sub-3-second 0-62 mph times.
• Flexibility for hybrid and internal combustion powertrains for select markets.

This platform already underpins the Alpine A390 SUV, which delivers up to 474 bhp and 810 Nm of torque, sprinting from 0-62 mph in 3.9 seconds. In a lighter, low-slung A310 body, similar hardware could push acceleration times closer to three seconds.

The 2+2 Advantage

Unlike Alpine’s smaller A110, the A310 will offer four seats and a larger cabin, bridging the gap between pure sports car and GT. CEO Philippe Krief told Auto Express the A310 will be “less exclusive” than the A110, making it more practical for long trips while retaining performance credentials. This echoes Porsche’s strategy with the Cayman and 911, giving Alpine a two-pronged attack on the sports car market.

A Multi-Model Offensive

The A310 is part of Alpine’s plan to launch seven new models by 2030, including:

• A110 EV coupé and Spyder
• A310 coupé and Spyder
• A290 electric hot hatch
• A390 performance SUV

Alpine’s range structure is divided into three categories:

• Iconic – focused sports cars like A110 and A310.
• Versatility – mainstream-oriented performance EVs like A290 and A390.
• Exclusive – hardcore, motorsport-inspired specials such as the A110 R Ultime.

Krief has hinted that “Exclusive” A310 variants could rival Porsche’s GT and RS models, with bespoke chassis tuning, aero packages, and uprated powertrains – electric or ICE depending on market.

Design and Driving Philosophy

Alpine is determined to preserve its hallmark agility in the EV era. The combustion A110 tips the scales at just over 1,100 kg, and APP’s engineering aims to keep electric versions as light as possible. The A310 will blend aerodynamic efficiency with Alpine’s signature sculpted lines, likely drawing visual cues from the original 1971–1985 A310.

Beyond speed and handling, Alpine wants the A310 to deliver emotional engagement – an increasingly rare commodity in the EV world. Expect driver-centric cockpit design, communicative steering, and dynamic tuning informed by the brand’s motorsport programs.

Why This Matters

The global sports car market has remained flat at around 360,000 units annually for two decades, with Porsche and BMW dominating. Alpine’s entry is significant: it’s one of the few brands betting on electric sports cars without abandoning the lightweight, driver-first formula. If the A310 can deliver 911-caliber performance with Alpine’s distinctive French flair, it could carve out a valuable niche.

From the return of a storied nameplate to the deployment of advanced EV hardware, the A310 marks a decisive step in Alpine’s evolution. With a potent mix of heritage, innovation, and adaptability, this is one French sports car that’s not just chasing the Germans – it’s coming for their crown.