Alpine has developed a torque vectoring system for its A390 all-electric fastback that can distribute between 0 and 100% of torque across the two rear wheels.
The system, developed over five years, uses the A390’s three-motor architecture to control each rear wheel independently. One motor powers the front axle while two rear motors each drive a single wheel, enabling precise torque management that responds in milliseconds to steering angle and vehicle speed.
“Alpine Active Torque Vectoring is the step beyond conventional limited-slip differentials,” said Constance Leraud-Reyser, control systems engineer at Alpine. “This patented breakthrough can distribute anywhere between 0 and 100% of the torque between the two rear wheels, enhancing Alpine A390’s safety as well as its dynamic behavior.”
The system corrects slip differences between right and left wheels and works during acceleration, cornering and straight-line driving. According to Alpine, the technology eliminates oversteer and understeer while improving traction, such as when one rear wheel encounters ice.
The A390 GTS produces over 400hp and 800Nm of torque, accelerating from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in under four seconds. The fastback covers 1,000m (3,281ft) from a standing start in 22 seconds.
Alpine uses three systems to manage torque distribution. Alpine Torque Pre-Control handles traction, all-wheel drive distributes torque between front and rear axles, and Active Torque Vectoring manages left and right rear wheel distribution.
Drivers can select from five modes using a steering wheel button: Save, Normal, Sport, Personalised and Track. Each mode adjusts how Active Torque Vectoring distributes torque based on driving conditions and driver preference, emphasizing agility, cornering dynamics or high-speed stability.
The instrument cluster and Alpine Telemetrics Live Data screen display real-time information on the torque vectoring system’s operation.
“With Alpine Active Torque Vectoring, we have made A390 as agile and swift as A110,” said Leraud-Reyser. “It’s actually so efficient that A390 is astonishingly easy to drive when you consider its power and performance.”
The five-seat A390 is Alpine’s first model to exceed 400hp. The Dieppe, France-based company was founded in 1955 and rejoined Renault’s performance division in 2021.
