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The Alpine A290, a new electric hot hatch, has officially made its debut run in the Arctic Circle, marking a significant milestone in its development. For over two years, Alpine has been fine-tuning this vehicle, with the recent cold weather tests in Sweden serving as a critical phase in its evaluation. The A290 prototype was spotted with a unique Alpine camouflage, hinting at its imminent launch in June 2024.
Philippe Krief, the CEO of Alpine, stated, “Our A290, the future compact B-segment electric sports car, is currently being tested in the extreme and demanding conditions of Sweden’s Lapland. This stage is crucial for confirming our direction with handling and agility, which is part of our DNA on low grip conditions.”
In Sweden, the A290 has been rigorously tested under extreme weather conditions, with temperatures plummeting below -30°C. Alpine’s technical teams have been pushing the prototypes to their limits on both tracks and open roads, ensuring that the car’s performance meets the high standards expected of the brand. The focus has been on dynamic performance, including engine responsiveness, driving precision, and agility, to deliver a driving experience that withstands extreme conditions.
The prototype revealed definitive bodywork and dimensions, sporting the ‘A-Arrow’ logo and an Alpine Blue color scheme. It also featured an exclusive Alpine sport steering wheel in Nappa leather, designed with cues from motorsport and Alpine’s Formula 1 steering wheels, including functions like OV (Overtake), RCH (Recharge), and Drive modes.
See also: Alpine Unveils A290_B Show Car, First in its New Era of Electric Sports Cars
For these tests, the A290 was equipped with MICHELIN Pilot Alpin 5 tires, designed to enhance braking and driving precision in severe winter conditions. This collaboration with Michelin underscores Alpine’s commitment to performance, with the A290 set to feature three types of tires to accommodate various driving conditions, including a specific 19-inch winter tire and two sport summer tires for optimized energy efficiency and performance.
These extreme cold tests are part of the A290’s comprehensive development strategy, leading up to its highly anticipated unveiling in June 2024. Alpine’s focus on dynamic performance, coupled with its strategic partnership with Michelin for tire development, underscores the brand’s dedication to delivering an electric hot hatch that excels in all conditions.
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