At the global media launch of the new Alpine A390 GTS in Italy, our motoring journalist Tim Barnes-Clay sat down with Bruno Hohmann, Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Customer Experience for Alpine, to discuss the French marque's heritage, its electric future, and why the A390 GTS could redefine what a family performance car should be.
Tim Barnes-Clay: Bruno, for those who perhaps aren't deeply into cars, explain Alpine to us. What is the brand all about?
Bruno Hohmann: The story began in 1955, so Alpine has now existed for more than 70 years. Jean Rédélé, the founder, was originally a Renault dealer. He loved motorsport and competition, and he started modifying Renault models to make them lighter, more agile, and more efficient.
He achieved significant success in events like the Monte Carlo Rally, and eventually realised he could build an entire business around this philosophy. Rather than simply modifying existing cars, he wanted to create his own.
What's interesting is that he didn't name the company after himself, as many founders did at the time. Instead, he chose "Alpine" because he said the cars were made for the Alps - for handling mountain roads, enjoying the drive, and feeling connected to the car. His philosophy was always about lightness. He famously said he would rather have one kilo less than one horsepower more.
Tim Barnes-Clay: It's a fascinating brand because it feels premium and luxurious - but perhaps in a different way to some rivals?
Bruno Hohmann: Exactly. The world of performance and sports cars has often moved towards luxury and sometimes excess. Alpine approaches premium differently. It's not about being flashy or ostentatious.
It's about purity. Today, many enthusiasts want a car that makes them feel at one with the machine. Handling, balance, agility and driving pleasure matter more than simply showing off. That's the Alpine interpretation of premium motoring.
Tim Barnes-Clay: I drove the A390 GT at a previous event in Spain. So what's the fundamental difference between the GT and the GTS?
Bruno Hohmann: With the GTS, we pushed performance even further. We added around 70 horsepower more than the GT - roughly a 17% increase. Torque is also significantly higher.
That allows the A390 GTS to accelerate from 0-62mph in just 3.9 seconds - almost a second faster than the GT.
We also worked extensively with Michelin on tyre development specifically for the GTS, ensuring the handling and grip matched the increased performance. The three-motor setup and Alpine's torque vectoring technology really elevate the driving experience.
Tim Barnes-Clay: It's a stunning-looking car. Alpine describes it as "a racing car in a suit", which sounds ideal for someone like me with a family. You don't have to settle for a boring SUV anymore, do you?
Bruno Hohmann: That was exactly the idea. We wanted to keep Alpine's DNA - lightness, fluidity and emotion - while creating something practical enough for everyday life.
You can carry passengers, luggage, and family while still enjoying genuine sports-car handling and performance. In a world where many EVs can feel generic, we wanted the A390 to feel truly unique and unmistakably Alpine.
Tim Barnes-Clay: Even the details - from the logo design to the accessories - all feel incredibly stylish. What does owning an Alpine A390 GTS say about someone?
Bruno Hohmann: I think it says you understand cars. You appreciate driving purity and engineering rather than simply chasing status.
The A390 GTS isn't about ostentation. It's about enjoying the drive, whether on a daily commute or on a mountain road at the weekend. It delivers performance, but also control and confidence.
Tim Barnes-Clay: We're sitting at a racetrack surrounded by electric cars - no engine noise, no drama in the traditional sense - and yet the excitement is still very real.
Bruno Hohmann: Absolutely. For anyone who still thinks EVs aren't emotional or exciting, I would simply say: try one. Drive the car and experience it for yourself.
The looks matter, but the driving experience matters even more.
Tim Barnes-Clay: If someone reading this wants an A390 GTS, when will it arrive in the UK?
Bruno Hohmann: The GT version has already launched in the British market with 400 horsepower. Order books for the GTS open now - in June, with customer deliveries expected towards late summer.
Tim Barnes-Clay: And what does the future hold for Alpine?
Bruno Hohmann: The next major step is renewing our icon - the A110.
Maturity really came with the A110 in the 1960s and 1970s, and we brought it back with the current generation in 2017. Now it’s time to work on the new era, which is moving the A110 to EV.
It will sit on our dedicated APP performance platform. Importantly, we've maintained a very low driving position and focused heavily on weight distribution and driving dynamics.
Every measure of performance - on road and on track - will deliver more than the current A110, which is already regarded as a benchmark sports car. We remain committed to controlling weight and maximising driving pleasure.
Tim Barnes-Clay: Final question. If I forced you to choose between the A390 GT and the GTS, which one would you go for?
Bruno Hohmann: The GTS. No hesitation.
Tim Barnes-Clay: Why?
Bruno Hohmann: Because I’m a car guy from the start, and it’s true that if I’m on a weekend, and most likely not with my wife by my side, and I have a beautiful country road, I'll try to take advantage of it and enjoy the drive. I think the GTS will deliver more pleasure and more fun to drive, bringing out the Alpine spirit.