France, too, seems to be roaring past the hydrogen agenda in favor of an alternate machine option that is set to shock the automotive industry completely. France is yet again turning its focus to electric vehicles and is making headlines while doing so. Considering aesthetics, France has surely revealed a powertrain that perhaps we all have been waiting for. Wrapped in blue with horsepower that is noteworthy, we are looking at the future and not just an incredible sports car.
Why is France roaring past hydrogen (the fuel of the future)?
While it may seem rather uncanny that France, too, is taking a detour and rerouting away from the fuel of the future, the move is rather strategic. While the government focused on investing heavily in hydrogen, which was hailed as the fuel gaining global interest, the high costs, limited infrastructure, and efficiency challenges with regard to hydrogen have led to France turning its back on hydrogen as well.
In reconsidering hydrogen’s role, many companies, including Toyota, are tapping into the possibility of electrification, which offers a more immediate, practical, and efficient focus. One particular French automaker is pushing forward the electrification agenda, and there is no stopping this automaker in terms of what is possible.
Designing a new era of vehicles that are elegant and aggressive
One such French automaker has taken design inspiration from much celebrated sports cars to ensure that a more muscular yet sleekly designed vehicle is brought to the fore. This muscular motor is meant to perform spectacularly but not at the cost of sacrificing any aesthetic element. The very presence of this vehicle on the roads will be quite a shock to those who catch the vehicle passing by.
In terms of design, a sculpted body, slim LED DRLs in the rear, a sloped roof, and flush door handles speak of not only performance but of sheer elegance. The vehicle is 181,7 inches long and 74,2 inches wide, making this vehicle a car that tells a story of its own.
Design is grand, but specs are even better
The bold and purposeful exterior of the vehicle is one thing to rave about, but the performance of the vehicle will surely turn heads. This vehicle under the Renault brand is capable of 470 horsepower and a staggering 596 lb-ft, reaching 0–60 mph in just 3,9 seconds. The top speed on offer is 137 mph.
An added cool feature of this vehicle is the steering wheel-mounted “overtake” function that enables power surges of 10 seconds. Possessing an 89 kWh battery and delivering up to 345 miles (WLTP), this vehicle is excellent when undertaking longer journeys.
While we have been given a sneak peek into the cockpit area, we are promised that the cabin will feature Nappa leather, Sabelt bucket seats, and a sound system that is loud and proud when enjoying those lengthy drives. Renault may have retired from Formula 1, but their knowledge of sports cars and sportier cars remains top-notch.
The big reveal of the blue machine shocks all
On May 27, 2025, the Alpine 390 GTS was unveiled at a live showcase that was led by the CEO of Renault, Luca de Meo, as well as the CEO of Alpine, Philippe Krief. This electric car revealed is a sports car that has driven away entirely from the hydrogen motive towards the electrification era.
Motor styling is embedded in France’s legacy, but the Alpine 390 GTS has somewhat redefined and recaptured what a sustainable mobility future could look like. France is making its escape from the ongoing discussion and the criticism regarding hydrogen. With French flair, future-forward thinking, and a fast pace, the Alpine is set to ride in its own lane. Perhaps this French masterpiece can compete with the likes of the Porsche Macan Electric. France is giving us more than we expected, and it is not at all powered by hydrogen. This debut revealed a classic from 1963 without a drop of fuel, and ensured that France offered vehicle enthusiasts a future filled with possibilities.
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