A stunning landscape of rugged stone surrounded by snow-dusted peaks captures the essence of the Alps, serving as the inspiration for Alpine’s latest show car, the A390_β. This innovative vehicle features a thoughtfully designed aesthetic that reflects the tranquility and beauty found in nature, seeking to contrast with modern life’s fast pace. The car’s sleek, aerodynamic form enhances its agility, showcasing its performance capabilities.
Alpine collaborated with two French firms to bring this futuristic concept to life, employing a design philosophy that draws from both the rigidity of rock and the softness of snow. Lavoisier Composites crafted the car’s unique floor, while Erpro Group utilized 3D printing technology for the headrests. The materials used in the A390_β, inspired by Formula 1, contribute to a driving sensation akin to that of a high-performance sports car.
The interior features a carbon shell seat and a carbon-made floor that highlight the vehicle’s speed. Lavoisier Composites has ingeniously repurposed by-products from the aerospace and photovoltaic industries for this design, resulting in a floor comprised of 360 triangular panels bonded together for a minimalist basalt texture, showcasing both carbon and silicon finishes.
Esteban Villalon, co-founder of Lavoisier Composites, noted, “For the glittering silicon, we had access to leftover photovoltaic modules, while the carbon came from the aerospace industry. We then adapted the molding process to maintain the assembly flexibility required to meet the design constraints.” The panels are primarily carbon fiber reinforced with epoxy resin, a testament to advanced material application.
The A390_β’s seats evoke a freshly fallen blanket of snow. "The bench seat is seamlessly assembled from one piece, giving passengers the feeling of leaving their first footprints in the snow," explained Marc Poulain, chief advance designer at Alpine. The headrests, designed to mimic the look of ice, were crafted using 3D printed technology with inputs from longtime partner Erpro, ensuring they were lightweight yet functional.
Erpro opted for a bio-based elastomer, Arkema’s Rebax Rnew, that includes castor oil, combining transparency with flexibility and durability. This innovative approach allowed the production of two headrests equipped with integrated speakers in just three weeks, enhancing the vehicle’s unique aesthetics and functionality.
The A390_β is a prime example of how additive manufacturing can drive innovative automotive design, ultimately improving the overall user experience while showcasing manufacturers’ capabilities. For more information on the Alpine A390_β show car, check out its details here.