The future of the Alpine A110 is in flux, with the brand's CEO, Philippe Krief, hinting at a potential petrol-powered successor. The US market entry is a key factor in this decision, as the slower adoption of EVs in the US means that offering only an electric A110 would likely hinder sales. Krief confirms that the APP platform can be modified to accommodate engines, and the development of a petrol version is underway. The pricing and power sources for the new model are still uncertain, with taxes on new ICE cars in France being a significant hurdle. However, the electric car will remain the focus of the A110 range, with the A110 Future Concept at Goodwood providing a preview of the EV's performance potential. The twin electric motor rear axle setup of the A390 is expected to deliver torque vectoring, creating a limited-slip differential-like delivery of torque to the tarmac. The EV's battery size is expected to enable at least 20 minutes of track time at maximum speed, which is comparable to the current A110 petrol. The interior design is expected to include a blend of physical and digital controls, with a focus on keeping the driver's hands on the wheel. The A110's platform is intended to survive two generations of the A110 family, with 2+2 and convertible versions planned. Krief also hints at a "special edition" that could see the base turned up to maximum performance potential, which would be a welcome addition for EV fans. The prospect of a petrol-powered A110 successor means that the current car's lineage won't come to a screeching halt, but the solutions to the challenges of pricing and power sources remain unclear. The US market is a key driver of sales, and if Alpine wants to be regarded as a successful sports car maker in America, it can't only sell EVs. This is a lesson that Porsche has learned, and it will be interesting to see how Alpine navigates this challenge.
