Introduced in 2012, the collaborative venture between Alpine and Michelin took its initial strides with the inception of the groundbreaking Alpine A110. The partnership, which originated in Dieppe, continues to flourish as Alpine aligns itself once again with the tire industry leader. The forthcoming A290, an upcoming compact electric sports car, is set to leverage innovative solutions aimed at delivering the trademark agility and driving pleasure associated with Alpine across diverse conditions. Whether navigating spirited drives or daily commutes, the A290 seamlessly blends precision and traction with user-friendly convenience and comfort.
Philippe Krief, the CEO of Alpine, emphasizes the meticulous attention paid to the tire’s rolling resistance. This emphasis, however, doesn’t compromise on grip and driving experience. The goal is to endow the inaugural electric Alpine with an optimal range while preserving the brand’s distinctive dynamic characteristics.
Alpine A290: Unveiling a Trio of Tailored 19-Inch Tires Equipped with 19-inch wheels, the A290 will showcase a trio of specially designated tires:
- MICHELIN Pilot Sport EV: A spirited summer tire engineered for enhanced energy efficiency, this tire seamlessly blends grip, longevity, and autonomy.
- MICHELIN Pilot Sport S5: Positioned as the sportiest summer tire, the Pilot Sport S5 is designed to unlock the full potential of the A290 across wet and dry surfaces alike.
- MICHELIN Pilot Alpin 5: Tailored for winter conditions, this tire promises a superior grip in cold, inclement weather, as well as on wet or snow-covered surfaces.
Striking the Perfect Balance and Meeting Electric Vehicle Demands: A290’s Challenge Developing each tire proves to be a genuine challenge, especially for an electric vehicle. The tire must ensure optimal autonomy while accommodating a new weight distribution coupled with high and instantaneous torque. Measuring at 3.99 meters in length, the Alpine A290 integrates features that push its boundaries. The short wheelbase enhances agility, while a wider track boosts stability, especially during braking. The broader tracks also enable a more than 15% increase in tread cross-section to 225 mm wide, thereby enhancing ground contact.
The Michelin tires, developed collaboratively for the A290, meticulously consider these new parameters to maximize the car’s performance. A comprehensive two-year development journey was undertaken to formulate the perfect tire formula.
Exclusive Marking for Alpine Tires The A290’s distinctive tires offer a diverse range of performances to cater to varied needs. Easily recognizable through exclusive markings, this unique identifier ensures that the original performance is maintained with each tire replacement throughout the vehicle’s lifespan. This exclusive marking will be a consistent feature across all tires equipping Alpine’s forthcoming Dream Garage electric range.
