Currently reading: Alpine confirms plans for a supercar – and it is expected to be an EV

Car will be developed at new EV R&D base, named Hypertech Alpine

French car maker Alpine has confirmed plans to launch a supercar – and it is expected to be an EV.

The car is currently being referred to as the Future Alpine Supercar. The brand has not released any further details, except that the car will be developed at a new state-of-the-art research and development centre that will open later this year.

This R&D base, named Hypertech Alpine and located at the Viry-Châtillon Formula 1 engine facility to the south of Paris, will focus on work into future EV technologies. 

This includes the development of the brand’s sports car batteries to be used by the likes of the upcoming A110 EV, as well as next-generation ultra-high density cells to be used in future solid-state packs. The latter will be tested in “extreme operating conditions for supercar-type applications”, said Alpine.

Next-generation and ultra-efficient electric motors will also be developed with Ampere, Renault’s new EV and software arm. 

This suggests the new supercar will be electrically powered, and used to showcase Alpine’s future EV tech, rather than a production version of the brand’s Alpenglow concept, which is powered by a hydrogen V6 powertrain.

That low-slung, technologically advanced hypercar concept could, however, give clues to the design of the future supercar. Alpine design chief Antony Villain previously told Autocar the concept - an evolution of the Hy4 concept – was created with a production car "in mind". 

The new hub will also bring the firm’s motorsport divisions  under one roof, including its WEC, Dakar, and F1 teams.

Alpine confirmed that this meant engine development for the Alpine F1 team would cease at the site from the end of the 2025 season. The site has built F1 engines since Renault entered the sport in the 1970s. No replacement supplier has yet been announced.

"Creating this Hypertech Alpine centre is key to Alpine's development strategy and, more broadly, to the group's innovation strategy,” said Alpine CEO Philippe Krief.

“It is a turning point in the history of the Viry-Châtillon site, which will ensure the continuity of a savoir-faire and the inclusion of its rare skills in the group's ambitious future while strengthening Alpine's position as an 'innovation garage'. 

“Its racing DNA remains a cornerstone of the brand. It will continue to fuel an unprecedented industrial and automotive project, thanks particularly to Hypertech Alpine.

Will Rimell

Will Rimell
Title: News editor

Will is Autocar's news editor.​ His focus is on setting Autocar's news agenda, interviewing top executives, reporting from car launches, and unearthing exclusives.

As part of his role, he also manages Autocar Business – the brand's B2B platform – and Haymarket's aftermarket publication CAT.

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LP in Brighton 1 October 2024
Win on Sunday, sell on Monday! Trouble is Alpine isn't doing much winning these days and don't look like doing so any time soon. I get the impression that Alpine, along with Lotus, Aston Martin and even perhaps McLaren are struggling at the moment. Supercars are not as aspirational as they once were , heavyweight electric versions don't really suit the format and, well, who actually needs one?
Peter Cavellini 1 October 2024
LP in Brighton wrote:

Win on Sunday, sell on Monday! Trouble is Alpine isn't doing much winning these days and don't look like doing so any time soon. I get the impression that Alpine, along with Lotus, Aston Martin and even perhaps McLaren are struggling at the moment. Supercars are not as aspirational as they once were , heavyweight electric versions don't really suit the format and, well, who actually needs one?

Actually needs one?, well, it's not bought for the Tesco weekly shop, so practical? eh no, their bought for the grin it puts on your face,the adrenaline rush every time you floor the accelerator, or just to show off to your mates.

Peter Cavellini 30 September 2024

I thought EV Supercars/ hypercars weren't selling at the moment?