Alpine A290: Electrifying the Arctic Circle with Its First Cold Weather Test
The Alpine A290, a promising electric hot hatch, has recently completed its inaugural cold weather testing in the Arctic Circle, showcasing its innovative features and durability. This marks a significant milestone in its development process, which has spanned over two years so far.
Key Takeaways:
- The Alpine A290 has been rigorously tested under extreme conditions in Sweden, focusing on handling and agility in low grip situations.
- Alpine's engineers have meticulously fine-tuned the A290, ensuring it excels in all weather conditions with its cutting-edge technology and dynamic performance.
- The A290 will officially debut in June 2024, offering a glimpse into the future of electric sports cars with its unique features and design.
In the depths of Sweden's Lapland, near the Arctic Circle, the Alpine A290 has been undergoing a crucial phase of its development. For more than two years, the Alpine engineering team has dedicated itself to refining the A290, a vehicle that represents a significant leap forward for the brand into the electric vehicle market. This period of testing under the harshest conditions imaginable is designed to ensure that the A290 not only meets but surpasses the expectations set for modern electric sports cars.
"Our A290, the future compact B-segment electric sports car is currently being tested in the extreme and demanding conditions of Sweden's Lapland." Philippe Krief, Alpine CEO, stated. "The target of this important stage is to confirm the direction we have taken with handling and agility, which is part of our DNA on low grip conditions.
"To fine-tune its development so that it can be effective in all circumstances and all-weather conditions, the winter development stage of the A290 is crucial as it is a completely new car.
"Our engineering team has scrutinised all the criteria, and the results bode extremely well for its launch in the coming months."
The A290's testing regimen was comprehensive, covering everything from its low-grip performance in temperatures dipping below -30°C, to its dynamic performance, including motor responsiveness and driving precision. Special attention was paid to the vehicle's ability to handle extreme conditions, with a focus on the effectiveness of its heating system, defogging and defrosting capabilities, and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) on snow.
Notably, the A290 made its first appearance in an exclusive Alpine camouflage, featuring the 'A-Arrow' logo and the iconic Alpine Blue colour scheme. This was the public's first look at the A290's definitive bodywork and dimensions, presenting a vehicle designed not just for performance but also for aesthetic appeal.
The collaboration between Alpine and Michelin has led to the creation of the "A29" marking for the A290, signifying a custom set of tyres developed specifically for this model. These tyres, including the MICHELIN Pilot Alpin 5 winter tyre and two sport summer tyres, are designed to maximise performance across various driving conditions.