Porsche’s Prime Cayman Rival Just Beat It to a Critical First Test of Faith

Between Porsche’s ongoing 718 EV development delays and some rocky VW finances, the future of the Boxster and Cayman is decidedly unclear at the moment.

Remember, for a time, the electric powertrains were even rumored to be canceled altogether. However, the automaker has since confirmed the once EV-only sports cars will be joined by new gas-powered variants (hopefully).

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In any event, the ongoing uncertainty of the Boxster/Cayman situation is made only more apparent when you consider the state of things over at Alpine. While Porsche has been preoccupied deciding its way forward, the French outfit just beat it to taking the first leap of faith.

Alpine

A show of EV intent

That’s because Alpine not only recently displayed its all-electric A110 Future development mule at the Goodwood Festival of Speed but also ran the hill climb throughout the three-day event. Meanwhile, Porsche’s 718 EV has only been spotted in camo guise, and pretty sparingly at that. 

Mind you, as it’s set to be the third generation of the iconic French sports car, a battery-powered A110 has some big shoes to fill. Both the OG and the modern revival are lightweight enthusiast vehicles known for their dynamics and driver connection.

All the same, Alpine’s presence at this year’s FOS demonstrates confidence in what’s coming down the pipeline, and that’s on account of its all-new Alpine Performance Platform (APP). Unlike the current A110, the forthcoming version will be based on a modular aluminum architecture that can be built to a range of configurations and powertrains. 

As applied to the two-seater Future coupé, Alpine says this has allowed it to match both the overall height and the low driving position of the current gas car. In practice, it’s running a dual battery pack split front-to-back, driving the wheels with a pair of motors at the rear.

Alpine

Moreover, to ensure the electric A110 remains agile and responsive, Alpine is working on a new Active Torque Vectoring 2.0 system and Wheel Slip Torque Control. Together, they’re supposed to help reduce understeer from corner entry to apex. 

Alpine’s APP optimism

Beyond its significance with respect to Porsche’s own efforts, the appearance of Alpine’s Future mule bodes well for the brand’s lineup as a whole.

After all, the flexibility of the APP means that Alpine can pursue development of its all-electric sports car without compromising the viability of a future gas-powered variant for a multi-energy portfolio. According to a recent interview with evo, however, it’s not meant to be a de-risking strategy like Porsche’s 718 pivot.

Alpine

That’s because Alpine frontman Philippe Krief isn’t worried about the possibility of the EV failing. Instead, he views the all-electric A110 as a car that can be “at least as good” if not “even better” than its predecessor.

Towards that end, the modularity of the platform also means that Alpine will spawn further sports car variants down the road. There’s already talk of a three-motor 911-sized electric model in the pipeline, so the brand clearly believes in the potential performance applications of its new APP.

In light of Porsche’s recent pledges to keep the 911 gas-powered, it makes for a markedly different outlook. Regardless of what happens with the 718, it seems Alpine is willing to go to lengths Zuffenhausen would never dare.

Alpine

More to come

According to industry timelines, Alpine’s updated A110 is expected next year. What powertrains it’ll offer from the jump only time will tell. However, it’s certain to make the sports car fight interesting. 

Alpine

Alpine A110 Future

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