Renault’s sportscar brand Alpine is developing its own platform called APP (Alpine Performance Platform) for its future all-electric models. Alpine is planning a total of seven electric models by 2030, although not all of them will be based on the APP.
From 2024 onwards, electric cars will also still be built on other platforms. First off, the sportscar brand will release the A290, which is based on the new Renault 5 and Renault 4 and was unveiled in May. Here, as an Alpine version of the Renault 5, the A290 will probably be based on the Alliance CMF-BEV platform. In 2025, the electric crossover GT will follow, but so far, the Alliance platform CMF-EV has been named as the basis here – as is familiar from the Renault Mégane E-Tech Electric and the Nissan Ariya, for example.
The first model based on the new APP platform will not be launched until the end of 2026, when the electric sportscar that was presented as a concept car is to make its debut as the successor to the current A110. A roadster based on the A110 is also planned, as well as a new four-seater sports coupé called the A310. So far, the French company has only spoken in general terms about the APP. The platform can be “modified in length and width as required” and “use the company’s internal resources to achieve economies of scale”. Alpine says the APP will “benefit from the SDV (Software-Defined Vehicle) expertise of Ampere, Renault Group’s future electric and software pure player” but has not yet revealed concrete development targets.
Alpine has also announced two new models in the D and E segments but has not yet given any further details. It is still unclear whether these two large models will use the new APP or the existing Alliance platforms. If these new models are based on the APP, the range of applications for the platform would have to be relatively wide since a two-seater electric sports car like the A110 has different requirements than a sedan or an SUV in the E segment. Incidentally, the carmaker has not even confirmed that these will be electric models, saying that, in addition to the APP platform, Alpine is also developing its own technologies for its exclusive sports models, such as a hydrogen combustion engine or ADM (Alpine Dynamic Module), which the company calls “a central control system to enhance agility and performance.”
In terms of a strategy update for Alpine, Renault group chief Luca de Meo and Alpine brand boss Laurent Rossi presented further business goals: With the premiere of the first electric models in 2024, Alpine’s revenues are to be increased to such an extent that break-even and a turnover of two billion euros are reached in 2026, which requires 40 per cent annual sales growth. The carmakers says that by 2030, sales should already be at eight billion euros – assuming that Alpine is launched in China and contributes one billion euros in sales.
Laurent Rossi, CEO of Alpine, states: “This comprehensive range of sports cars will cement our market share in our key markets in Europe and Japan. It will turbocharge our international growth, particularly in the USA and Asia, where our new models will be on sale from 2027. Our goal is to expand from a niche segment brand to a fully-fledged global brand. By combining a larger range with international expansion, we target an operating margin over 10 % by 2030, and thereby put our business model on a permanent footing.”
Luca de Meo, Renault Group CEO notes here that: “Alpine is the brand for motorsport and state-of-the-art technology enthusiasts. Excellence is its focus. Only two years ago, Alpine was in a dead-end, lacking clear perspectives. Since then, we have turned it into a fully-fledged car manufacturer, bringing together outstanding assets: a top-class engineering center, a unique manufacturing know-how, expanding distribution network. On top of it, Alpine’s entry into F1 prepares it to reach new heights, offering the brand the prestige and recognition attached to the pinnacle of motorsport.”
Keyword: Renault’s Alpine brand develops own electric platform