Alpine late on Tuesday took the covers off the A290 Beta, a concept car that previews the first member of the French performance marque’s future electric fleet.<\/p>\n
The A290 Beta is a subcompact hatch that’s due to spawn its production counterpart in 2024. Alpine said the production version will share the concept’s exterior styling but feature a more conventional interior. That means no McLaren F1-style central driving position, like on the show car.<\/p>\n
The basis of the A290 Beta and the production model it will spawn is parent company Renault’s upcoming 5 hatchback<\/a>, which is inspired by the original 5 of the 1970s, sold in the U.S. as the Le Car.<\/p>\n Differentiation will come from signature Alpine styling cues, like the additional driving lights up front, a nod to Alpine’s historic rally cars, and aerodynamic elements. The concept sports a front lip spoiler, air curtains, a vented hood, a rear wing, and a rear diffuser. The concept also rides on 20-inch wheels, though the production version will feature 19-inch wheels wrapped in bespoke Michelin tires, Alpine said.<\/p>\n