Future Alpine SUV could rival Jaguar F-Pace

Company boss says more models are 'inevitable'; an SUV would likely make use of hybrid power

Alpine is strongly tipped to launch an SUV as its second model, with a rival to the Jaguar F-Pace and Porsche Macan thought to be most likely.

Alpine boss Michael van der Sande described it as “inevitable” that Alpine would launch models beyond its core sports car range. “To build a brand, you need a product line-up that maintains demand,” he said. “Alpine was always about launching a brand, not just a sports car.”

As well as admitting that he had “six or seven” different proposals for new models to mull over, van der Sande added: “The sports car is our core, and when that is established it opens up possibilities to do anything. The only prerequisite is that any car we launch will always have the target of being the most agile and fun to drive in its class. We want great handling, light weight and agility. If we can achieve that, then any class of car can be an Alpine.”

Rumour has previously linked the Alpine SUV’s creation to that of alliance partner Nissan’s plans to remodel its Z line as a sports crossover. Like the Nissan, the Alpine is also expected to harness modern powertrain technology and offer four-wheel drive via a hybrid powertrain.

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