Alpine confirms electric hot hatch based on Renault 5

Alpine has confirmed that it will launch its own 'derivative of the R5' that will bring an electric hot hatch to the French marque's line-up.

Renault's R5 is due to be launched in 2024 as an affordable electric hatchback, but this is the first confirmation of a hot version from the brand's performance arm Alpine which might launch in 2025.

Speaking with UK publication Auto Express, the company’s executive vice-president for engineering, Gilles le Borgne, confirmed the news. “One of the dream garage will be a derivative of the R5,” le Borgne said.

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Renault 5 EV prototype shown

Going one step further, Borgne added details as to how the model will be motivated, using a version of the front-mounted electric motor in the new Renault Megane E-Tech Electric, albeit with some changes. The Megane E-tech produces 160kW and the new R5 from Alpine should achieve a sub-6.0 second 0-100km/h sprint.

“The final answer is yes," he said when asked if it will use the same motor. "Because we want to do Alpine cars. By shortening the engine [for the regular R5] it has the global installation. We’ll adjust the track because it’ll be a more sporty look on the R5 Alpine.”

Modifications are necessary due to the smaller CMF-BEV platform for the R5, but this will also give it sharp handling and lighter weight by using a 52kWh battery; perfect for a hot hatch.

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The 'dream garage' that Borgne speaks of is a teaser Alpine has given to its new electrified line-up that is due to be on roads from around 2025. There will be this version of the R5 hot hatch, but also a new sports car co-developed with Lotus, and a coupe-style performance SUV.

Borgne also gave further hints to Auto Express on its upcoming EV technology, saying that there will be all-wheel drive used in the SUV with unique torque vectoring, and thus likely a bunch more power than the circa-160kW in the R5.