For years, American driving enthusiasts have coveted the Alpine A110—a lightweight, high-performance sports car celebrated for its exceptional handling. Now, there’s growing evidence that the long-awaited US debut might finally happen.
Alpine’s CEO recently confirmed that the next-generation A110 is undergoing US crash testing, an unusual step for a vehicle not currently slated for sale in America. Automakers typically reserve these tests for models under serious consideration for the US market ; otherwise, it’s an expensive exercise in destruction.
Why This Matters: A Huge Untapped Market
The stakes are high. Despite a broader decline in sports car demand, the global market still moves around 350,000 units annually, with the United States accounting for roughly half of those sales. Skipping the US means forfeiting access to the world’s largest sports car consumer base.
Alpine initially planned an entry into the US with electric crossovers by 2028. However, with EV demand cooling and trade barriers rising, those plans have stalled. The company is now considering leading with the A110—the model enthusiasts actually want.
Next-Gen A110: Combustion Engines Still in Play
The next-generation A110, due in 2027, will be built on Alpine’s new APP platform. Originally designed exclusively for electric powertrains, the platform has been adapted to accommodate combustion engines. While not confirmed, this flexibility makes a gasoline-powered A110 highly probable. Alpine recognizes that while electric sports cars generate excitement, the real-world market remains small.
“We’re now focusing on Europe, but the growth could be in the US… I would not want to avoid that opportunity.” – Philippe Krief, Alpine CEO
The Road Ahead
Alpine faces logistical hurdles in selling and distributing cars in the US even if regulatory issues are resolved. However, the potential payoff is substantial. The A110 could fill a niche left open by the Porsche 911, offering a lightweight, pure sports car experience to American buyers. If Alpine decides to move forward, the US market could become its biggest opportunity.
The crash tests are a clear signal: Alpine is seriously evaluating the possibility of bringing its celebrated sports car to the United States, finally giving American drivers access to the forbidden fruit they’ve long desired.
