Alpine Australia puts its hand up for 1000hp V6 hybrid Ferrari rival
The French performance brand owned by Renault yesterday announced its return to Australian showrooms, which will be led by the Porsche Macan Electric-rivalling Alpine A390 battery-electric fastback that's now officially due on sale here in 2026 or 2027.
When asked about the chances of the as-yet-unnamed supercar arriving in local showrooms, Alpine Australia general manager Glen Sealey told CarExpert: 'We are very excited about the return of the Alpine brand in Australia, and we have our hand up for every vehicle that would be available to this market.'
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. 2022 Alpine Alpenglow concept Credit: CarExpert
Whether the supercar will be produced in right-hand drive, making it available to Australia and key Alpine markets including the United Kingdom (UK), is yet to be confirmed.
But the A390 crossover is expected to be joined here by at least the next-generation Alpine A110 coupe, which was also teased under a sheet this week and will switch from petrol to battery-electric electric power when it's launched in 2026.
The previous A110, and by extension the Alpine brand itself, was axed in Australia in 2021 due to side impact regulations. 2026 Alpine 110 EV teaser Credit: CarExpert
Alpine CEO Philippe Krief – who previously worked at Ferrari – revealed the French automaker intends to introduce the flagship model in 2028, powered by a V6 petrol engine and a pair of electric motors.
In sharing the news, the Alpine chief emphasised the brand will not be going all-electric anytime soon, despite offering only electric powertrains in its A290 and A390 as well as the next-generation A110 due next year.
'We are not selling electric cars. We are selling sporty cars, passion cars, exclusive cars,' Mr Krief said at the launch of the A390. 2025 Alpine A390 Credit: CarExpert
The supercar's petrol V6 will send drive to the rear wheels, with both electric motors mounted to the front axle, making the yet-to-be-named supercar all-wheel drive.
The powertrain will be developed by the automaker's Hypertech division, based at the legendary Formula 1 engine-building facility in Viry-Châtillon, France.
The Alpine F1 team – which recently dropped Australian Jack Doohan after only a handful of races in 2025 – will switch from its own engine to Mercedes-Benz sourced powertrains from the 2026 season. Alpine CEO Philippe Krief Credit: CarExpert
Alpine is targeting 1000hp (746kW) from the V6 hybrid combination – more than the output of the standard Ferrari SF90 Stradale plug-in hybrid supercar, which was developed while Mr Krief was working at the Italian brand.
The standard SF90 – no longer in production – used three electric motors and a turbocharged V8 to make its total of 736kW, and offered power-to-weight of 469kW/tonne.
The target weight of the Alpine supercar is 1600kg, which is close to the SF90's 1570kg figure, and should enable it to produce performance competitive with the Ferrari. Alpine A390, A290 and A110 Credit: CarExpert
The SF90 Stradale claims a 0-100km/h acceleration time of just 2.5 seconds, and is said to reach 200km/h in only 6.7 seconds on its way to a 340km/h top speed.
Alpine is set to take advantage of its F1 racing team in the development of new models for its road car division as it looks to build the brand globally.
'We are going to create a lot more links than traditionally,' said Mr Krief. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
First announced in mid-2023, Alpine's 'revolution' plan includes a goal to become a truly global brand.
Renault's performance brand is targeting break-even financials by 2026, before its global expansion from 2027.
MORE: Everything Alpine
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