Classic A310 was the original inspiration for a new 2+2Four-seater was originally planned to take inspiration from classic A310, but it is too "niche"
The forthcoming Alpine 2+2 electric roadster will sit on the new platform developed for the next-generation A110 – but it will have a new look unrelated to that model, according to brand chief Philippe Krief.
The next-generation A110 EV will launch next year as the first model on the highly flexible Alpine Performance Platform (APP). But while it will be an entirely new car, its styling it set to remain close to the previous A110, which takes inspiration from the 1960s original.
Alpine unveiled an A310 concept car (pictured below) at the Paris motor show, which was inspired by the company's 1970s coupé. But while the firm had at one stage planned to use that model as the basis for a four-seater, it will instead inspire a limited-run two-seater that will sit in Alpine’s special series.
Krief said that the design planned for the 2+2 “is not a tribute” to a past Alpine model, or based on the A110. He added: “It’s something outstanding, but not attributed to the A310.”
He acknowledged the previous plan for the 2+2 to be based on the A310, but said “this first one was too close” to the original, hinting instead the new model will be “very, very modern”.
“If the A110 is recognised worldwide as an absolute timeless beauty, the A310 is loved by French guys and connoisseurs, but the appeal is more niche. That’s why we are going to do the 2+2 with an outstanding but more modern design.”
Alpine will launch the A110 next year, but has yet to confirm whether the priority after that will be launching the 2+2 as a series production model, or developing the A310 as a limited-run special edition. Krief suggested the final decision could depend on the “awareness and desirability of the brand” in the coming months and years, “and also globally where we are in terms of network profitability.”
Krief wouldn’t give details about production volumes for an A310 special, but said that the A110 Ultime – the first car in Alpine’s special series – pointed to its potential market segment.
He added: “The Ultime was something to try. It’s not to make money. You don’t do this kind of car to make money: except Ferrari, nobody is making money. The Ultime was to promote the brand, which was an A110 with infinite possibility of personalisation. With this car we were able to average €300,000, so we found customers. So there’s room there, and the A310 will have the scope to go in that direction in terms of exclusivity, personalisation and exclusivity.”