French brand Alpine is introducing the battery-electric A390 as GT and GTS models. The sporty fastback features an Active Torque Vectoring system.
Alpine A390 GTS and GT
Alpine
The new Alpine A390 is a battery-electric five-door model measuring 4,615 mm in length, 1,885 mm in width, and 1,532 mm in height. The body features flowing shapes and illuminated triangles at the front below the LED light strip, known as "Cosmic Dust". At the rear, the backlit Alpine logo in the continuous light strip is also framed by triangles. "It features many elements from our A390_β show car, and its lighting signature takes its inspiration directly from the Alpine Alpenglow concept and the A424 Hypercar competing in the World Endurance Championship", said Antony Villain, Vice President of Design. A "blade" on the hood is designed to improve airflow over the upper part of the vehicle. Air ducts on the wheels, a spoiler integrated into the base of the rear window, and the diffuser are also intended to improve aerodynamics. Depending on the version, the A390 stands on 20- or 21-inch wheels.
According to Alpine, the A390 is intended to be something like a five-seat A110. The wheelbase is 2,708 mm. The interior features leather on the dashboard, center console, and door panels. The sports seats are electrically adjustable and heated. The cockpit consists of two displays, measuring 12.3" and 12". The automatic climate control is operated using physical controls. The sports steering wheel features a blue RCH rotary switch that controls the multi-stage recuperation system, including one-pedal driving, while the red OV button can be used to set Launch Control and Boost (10 seconds). Drivers also have a choice of five modes: Save, Normal, Sport, Perso, and a new Track mode. The infotainment system is based on Google Android and Google Automotive Services. The "Alpine Telemetrics" function provides access to three services: "Live Data", "Coaching" and "Challenges". The 13-speaker sound system is from Devialet.
Three Motors and Torque Vectoring
The AmpR Medium platform provides the basis for the A390. The motor layout consists of a front motor with a wound rotor and two permanent magnet synchronous motors at the rear, each assigned to one wheel. The sound feedback system provides the engine sound in the interior. The base model A390 GT offers a system output of 294 kW (400 hp) and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, with a top speed of 200 km/h. The GTS version delivers 346 kW (470 hp) and maximum torque of up to 808 Nm. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and has a top speed of 220 km/h. Braking is provided by 365 mm brake discs and 6-piston brake calipers at the front.
The weight distribution is favorable at 49 % at the front and 51 % at the rear. Driving dynamics are enhanced by the Active Torque Vectoring system, which controls the distribution of torque between the front and rear axles and between the left and right rear wheels. "This allows us to influence the balance between understeer and neutral behavior or even oversteer, thereby improving handling", says Robert Bonetto, Vice President of Vehicle Projects. Torque is distributed to the rear wheels depending on the steering angle and vehicle speed. The system is supplemented by the upstream Alpine Torque Pre-Control torque management system. The electronic stability control (ESC) can also be switched off completely.
Alpine A390 with 400 V Technology
The 400 V battery installed in the underbody was developed by Verkor specifically for Alpine. It features a specially dimensioned cooling system with higher water flow and NMC chemistry with high nickel content and high energy density. The net capacity of 89 kWh provides a range of up to 555 km according to WLTP in the GT model, while the GTS with 21" wheels can travel up to 520 km. The battery is designed to deliver the same performance several times in succession while maintaining the same level. The 11 kW on-board charger has a V2L-compatible bidirectional charging function, and a 22 kW charger is also available as an option. The fast charging capacity is up to 190 kW and is designed to be available over a long period of time. This allows the battery to be charged from 15 to 80 % SoC in less than 25 minutes. A heat pump is standard on board. The EV route planner takes into account the state of charge, battery temperature, real-time consumption, and automatic preconditioning of the drive battery.
In terms of driver assistance systems, the A390 offers features such as a fatigue warning system with progressive emergency braking, a rear emergency braking assistant, a lane departure warning system, and an exit assistant. With "My Safety Switch", settings can be individually configured and accessed. Both versions of the A390 are manufactured at the Alpine plant in Dieppe Jean Rédélé and are expected to be available at the end of the year.
This is a partly automated translation of this German article.
