Alpine A290: the new electric hot hatch runs for the first time at the arctic circle

ALPINE - "Our A290, the future compact B-segment electric sports car is currently being tested in the extreme and demanding conditions of Sweden's Lapland. The target of this important stage is to confirm the direction we have taken with handling and agility, which is part of our DNA on low grip conditions. To fine-tune its development so that it can be effective in all circumstances and all-weather conditions, the winter development stage of the A290 is crucial as it is a completely new car. Our engineering team has scrutinised all the criteria, and the results bode extremely well for its launch in the coming months," Philippe Krief, Alpine CEO.

The A290 has been fine-tuning its low grip characteristics since the start of the year, in the most extreme weather conditions with temperatures that can drop below -30°C. Alpine's technical teams test the prototypes on tracks and open roads in these conditions to ensure excellence across the board.

All the technical parameters are subject to full-scale tests to guarantee the required performance levels are achieved.

As with every Alpine, particular attention is given to dynamic performance on the A290. Engine responsiveness, brio, driving precision and agility are all given the utmost attention to deliver a driving experience that extends to extreme conditions.

A wide range of equipment is also being tested, including heating, the quality of defogging and defrosting, and ESC (Electronic Stability Control) on snow. None of these points can be reproduced in a technical centre and can only be validated in extremely cold conditions.

For its first official outing, the A290 sported Alpine's original camouflage, the 'A-Arrow' logo on the roof and the Alpine Blue colour scheme. The prototype was presented for the first time with its definitive bodywork and validated dimensions: length 3,990 mm, width 1,820 mm, height 1,520 mm, wheelbase 2,530 mm.

The A290 also unveiled an exclusive Alpine sport steering wheel in Nappa leather, with a flattened surface and a centre point, reminiscent of motorsport that is so much a part of the brand's DNA. It includes three essential functions borrowed from Alpine's Formula 1 steering wheels: OV (Overtake), RCH (Recharge) and Drive modes with one-touch access.

The exclusive "A29" marking developed by Michelin for the Alpine A290

For these tests, the A290 is shod with high-performance MICHELIN Pilot Alpin 5 tyres to measure and control the level of braking and driving precision in severe winter conditions.

Since the dawn of their collaboration in 2012 with the A110, Alpine and Michelin have strengthened their partnership for tyre development for the all-electric Alpine range, starting with the A290. After two years of work, the A290 will be fitted with specific 19-inch tyres:

• A MICHELIN Pilot Alpin 5 winter tyre
• Two sport summer tyres: MICHELIN Pilot Sport EV for optimised energy efficiency and MICHELIN Pilot Sport S5, the highest performance level.

These three tyres have been developed to enhance and harness the performance of the A290 in all driving conditions, whether dry, wet or snow-covered.

Each tyre will feature an exclusive marking based on the coding system for each Alpine model. For the A290, this will be "A29". This will ensure customers get the exact same performance when they replace their tyres: a perfect balance between safety, range, handling, durability, comfort and acoustics.

These extreme cold tests in Sweden are a further step in the A290's development, which will be unveiled in June 2024. 

Unique Polestar 2 ‘Arctic Circle’ exhibits Swedish EV engineering expertise

POLESTAR CANADA - Polestar cars engineers its vehicles in extreme conditions in various places around the world – from the searing heat of Arizona to the bitter cold of northern Sweden. As a Swedish premium EV manufacturer, it is this especially cold environment where Polestar’s engineering expertise comes to the forefront and sets the brand apart.

 

Utilizing this expertise, Polestar chief chassis engineer – and trophy winning rally driver – Joakim Rydholm created the unique Polestar 2 ‘Arctic Circle’ as a one-off special version of the performance-oriented electric fastback, bringing winter rally inspiration to a Polestar for the first time. Rydholm has led the dynamic development of Polestar vehicles for over a decade and advocates tuning in this extreme winter environment.

 

“Tuning a chassis on snow and ice allows us to develop our cars in what feels like slow motion and with better accuracy,” says Rydholm. “With such low levels of grip, we can feel and analyze the dynamics at a much slower pace than on tarmac, which means we can really fine-tune the way our cars behave, down to the smallest details. These are my absolute favorite conditions to develop cars in.”

 

To make the Polestar 2 Artic Circle, a Polestar 2 Long range Dual motor with Performance Pack received several specific tweaks in order to be agile on snow and ice. Changes include: a raised ride height (+1.18 in / +30 mm), increased power and torque output (469 hp / 350 kW and 502 lb-ft / 680 Nm) and custom-made 19-inch studded winter tires (245/35 R19), each featuring 0.16 in / 4 mm metal studs (490 per tire).

 

The three-way performance Öhlins dampers were specially designed and tuned for this car together with Öhlins, including springs 30% softer than those found in a road-going Polestar 2. They are set to nine clicks front and rear – slightly softer than the standard Polestar 2 with Performance Pack setting – and the dampers feature auxiliary adjustment chambers. Front and rear strut braces have been fitted to increase torsional rigidity and steering responsiveness. The 4-piston Brembo front brakes from the Performance Pack are unchanged from the production vehicle. A prototype launch control system has also been integrated via steering wheel-mounted paddles. A carbon fiber snow shovel and a recovery strap are mounted in the rear of the car – winter accessories that are equally as stylish and functional.

 

Visually, rally inspiration includes the fitment of 19-inch OZ Racing wheels, four Stedi Quad Pro LED front lights and a unique exterior livery in matte grey and white. Inside, custom-upholstered Recaro front bucket seats in charcoal are accented by Ohlin’s “Swedish gold” branding. The front bumper features a carbon fiber skid plate for additional underbody protection.

 

“I wanted to have more fun than usual with this car – really being able to push it in terms of performance and handling in a winter environment like a frozen lake. The balance and predictability we have achieved with the raised ride height and specialized tires are particularly noticeable when you enter a bend completely sideways, with a bigger-than-usual smile on your face, and in total control,” said Rydholm.

 

Executed within the Arctic Circle at a latitude of over 66-degrees north, Polestar’s intense winter testing program runs annually for 15 weeks from December to March and sees teams of engineers pushing prototypes – and themselves – to the limit.

 

The Polestar 2 Arctic Circle is a unique showpiece and will not be put into customer production.