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Now this is the sort of surprise that puts a smile on our faces! Alpine is using the Paris Motor Show to unveil the Alpine A310 VISION, a strikingly radical concept car that brings a long-overlooked icon out of the A110’s shadow. We were lucky enough to get an early look at it back in September, alongside the sculpture previewing the next-generation Berlinette. And it certainly left its mark on us.
About time, too! For years, the Alpine A310 has barely featured in the brand’s narrative, with Alpine understandably preferring to build on the legendary status of the A110. Yet this other sports car from Dieppe has a character entirely of its own, and seeing it back in the spotlight is genuinely refreshing.
The timing could hardly be better. In 2026, the original four-cylinder A310 celebrates its 55th anniversary, while the V6 version turns 50. Introduced in 1976, the latter took the French grand tourer to another level with its 2.7-litre PRV V6 producing 150 bhp. But it was arguably the styling, sharper and more assertive than that of the Berlinette, that made the strongest impression.
Half a century later, Alpine is revisiting that spirit of rebellion. And it certainly isn’t holding back.
Alpine A310 Vision: radical styling with an almost cyberpunk edge
When we were given an exclusive preview in September 2026, alongside the sculpture teasing the next Alpine A110, the A310 VISION absolutely blew us away. It’s hard to imagine two more contrasting design statements.
Where the Alpine A110 favours soft, flowing, almost sensual curves, the A310 VISION takes a far more uncompromising approach. Razor-sharp lines, taut surfaces, angular bodywork and an almost cyberpunk presence. Certain details even echo the world of the Alpine Alpenglow.
The result is spectacular, perhaps even a little extreme. But that’s exactly why we like it. Alpine is stepping well outside its comfort zone rather than simply recycling the Berlinette’s familiar design cues. Think of it as an Alpine A310 V6 on steroids: thoroughly reimagined, yet instantly recognisable.
The proportions only add to the drama. At 4.55 metres long, just 1.18 metres tall and up to 2.03 metres wide at the rear, the A310 VISION looks as though it’s been pressed right down onto the tarmac.
There’s plenty to admire in the details, too. The front headlights feature a pop-down arrangement reminiscent of the A610, with a nod to the GTA USA, revealing themselves when the car starts up. The bonnet incorporates an aerodynamic S-duct, while a central blade dubbed “Y Zero” visually runs through the bodywork. At the rear, blade-shaped lights also contribute to aerodynamic downforce.
The contrast between the aluminium-coloured bodywork, the black lower sections inspired by Formula 1 and the semi-transparent cockpit canopy only heightens its futuristic appearance.
It’s bold, occasionally challenging, but above all wonderfully refreshing. And seeing it in the metal? What a thrill…
A concept designed to test the waters?
Alpine has been quite clear about the nature of this project. The A310 VISION is first and foremost a design study, created to explore the brand’s heritage without constraints. For now, it should certainly not be taken as confirmation of a future production car.
Still, we suspect Alpine will be watching the public’s reaction rather closely. And we sincerely hope the response is enthusiastic enough to give the team in Dieppe a few ideas.
One detail makes this concept particularly intriguing: it explores the possibilities offered by the new APP architecture, the Alpine Performance Platform. Developed for the brand’s future electric sports cars, this modular platform opens up fresh opportunities in terms of proportions, packaging and design freedom.
Of course, that doesn’t suddenly make this concept a production-ready prototype. But the fact that its design is rooted in a genuine technical architecture gives the whole exercise rather more substance.
The deliberately suggestive cabin offers a glimpse of two organically shaped seats, splashes of bold colour and physical controls inspired by high-end hi-fi equipment. Alpine’s attention has primarily been focused on the exterior, leaving plenty to the imagination when it comes to how such a design might eventually translate into something more tangible.
We’re keeping everything crossed that at least some of this concept eventually makes it onto the road. Even though the future A310 already outlined in Alpine’s product strategy is intended to accommodate four occupants, we’d love to see it retain something of this silhouette, this daring approach and this unmistakable character.
For now, Alpine isn’t giving anything more away. We’ll have to wait and see.
Electric cars can stir the soul, too
Making its public appearance at the Paris Motor Show, from 12 to 18 October 2026, the A310 VISION arrives at a pivotal moment for Alpine.
The brand is preparing for an electric future and now faces the challenge of proving that the passion for sports cars can survive the disappearance of the combustion engine. And that challenge certainly won’t be met through impressive power figures or headline-grabbing acceleration times alone.
These cars will also have to make people want them. They need to spark emotion, have a personality of their own and turn heads before anyone has even climbed behind the wheel.
On that front, the A310 VISION is already off to a promising start.
And beyond the concept itself, we’re genuinely delighted to see Alpine finally embracing this part of its history again. The A310 deserves far more than a passing mention in the remarkable story of Dieppe.
Even as a pure design study, its return feels thoroughly deserved. A breath of fresh air at a time when electric sports cars still sometimes struggle to capture the imagination.
The Alpine A310 VISION proves one thing, at least: going electric doesn’t have to mean giving up daring design or genuine passion. Now it’s up to Alpine to light the fire!
Source: Alpine Cars
