Alpine’s electric hot hatch concept is called the A290_β

Late last year we learned that Alpine will be launching a performance version of the upcoming electric Renault 5 (plus some SUVs), and next month it will reveal a concept version that previews said hot hatch. Tres bien!

Except the French manufacturer isn’t calling it a concept. No, this is a show car, and it’s been given the name Alpine A290_β. Beta because, y’know, it’s a test version before the real thing, and A290 because it follows Alpine's established (take a bow, A110) naming structure.

The ‘2’ refers to the car’s size, apparently, while ‘90’ is being given to the company’s multi-purpose ‘lifestyle’ vehicles. Which kinda suggests those SUVs will be called A390, A490 or similar.

Anyway, the big reveal will be streamed live from the car manufacturing epicentre that is, um, Bristol from 9.30pm UK time on 9 May, and this weekend Alpine fans can win the chance to be there in person by being eagle-eyed and fast-fingered.

You see, Alpine’s cars at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps will be carrying a special QR code: scan that, and you’ll be able to enter a prize draw to be among the first to see the A290_β in person.

Expect more juicy details (and some actual pictures) in the near future…