Bonus: Autocar Meets Alpine UK's Nicola Burnside
About this episode
Nicola Burnside, head of Alpine UK, shares insights on the brand's exciting evolution and its successful launch of the A290 hot hatch. With a focus on transitioning to electric vehicles while maintaining the essence of driving enjoyment, Burnside discusses the growing customer base and the brand's expanding model range. She highlights the importance of motorsport heritage in shaping Alpine's identity and future direction, as well as her personal passion for racing. The conversation reveals how Alpine is connecting with a broader audience while staying true to its performance roots.
In this week's Autocar Meets podcast, associate editor James Attwood meets the head of Alpine UK, Nicola Burnside.
Burnside discusses the rapid growth and bold future plans of Renault's performance brands, educating UK buyers about Alpine and why even petrolheads can love electric performance cars. They also discuss Burnside's passion for performance cars, and her love of historic motorsport.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dodge Ram
"... Up the Year sales event is on at Ron Tonkin Jeep Ram of Milwaukee. Ready to upgrade your drive?"
The Dodge Ram is a big truck that can carry heavy loads and is great for work or family use. It's popular because it's strong and has a nice inside, making it comfortable to drive.
The Dodge Ram, now known as the Ram Truck, is a full-size pickup truck that has gained popularity for its powerful performance, towing capacity, and comfortable interior. It is often discussed for its versatility, making it suitable for both work and everyday driving.
Jeep Cherokee
"Right now, lease the all-new 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo X for just $249 a month for 27 months with $39.95 down."
The Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo X is a version of the Grand Cherokee SUV that offers a mix of ruggedness and luxury. The 2025 model has new features that make it more comfortable and easier to drive.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo X is a trim level of the Grand Cherokee, known for its blend of off-road capability and luxury features. The 2025 model continues this tradition with modern technology and comfort enhancements.
Alpine A110
"...honest. We really appreciate the success that the A110 has had. Obviously, it's a combustion engine car."
The Alpine A110 is a small sports car that is fun to drive and looks great. It's known for being light and quick, which makes it exciting for people who enjoy driving.
The Alpine A110 is a lightweight sports car that pays homage to the original model from the 1960s. Known for its agile handling and performance, it has garnered praise for its driving dynamics and design, making it a significant player in the modern sports car market.
combustion engine
"Obviously, it's a combustion engine car. It's very light, but the A290 takes a lot of that DNA from the A110 into the new car."
A combustion engine is a type of engine that makes power by burning fuel, like gas. It's the kind of engine most cars have used for a long time before electric cars became popular.
A combustion engine is an engine that generates power by burning fuel, typically gasoline or diesel, to create internal explosions that drive the engine's pistons. This is the traditional type of engine used in most vehicles before the rise of electric vehicles.
Alpine A290
"but the A290 takes a lot of that DNA from the A110 into the new car. And that means the transition for us has been a lot easier."
The Alpine A290 is a newer car that takes inspiration from the A110. It's designed to be light and sporty, making it fun to drive, just like the A110.
The Alpine A290 is a new model that inherits design and performance characteristics from the A110, aimed at providing a similar driving experience while potentially incorporating electric technology. It is positioned as a lightweight vehicle in its class.
Brembo
"and it has elements like the Brembo brakes from the A110. So we've been able to really link the two products."
Brembo makes special brakes that help cars stop better, especially in fast or sporty cars.
Brembo is a renowned manufacturer of high-performance brake systems, commonly used in sports and luxury vehicles for improved stopping power and performance.
hot hatch
"...the Brits tend to love a hot hatch and I guess that's exactly what you've got with the A290."
A hot hatch is a small car that is designed to be fast and fun to drive. It has a hatchback design, which means the back opens up for easy access, and it's made to be sporty and exciting.
A hot hatch is a high-performance version of a hatchback, designed for sporty driving and often featuring enhanced handling, power, and styling. They are particularly popular in Europe for their practicality and fun driving dynamics.
Renault 5
"...the Renault 5 or the kind of shared DNA. Do you have to approach things differently now that that kind of link is perhaps more obvious? I think the beauty of the Renault 5 and the A290..."
The Renault 5 is a small car that was very popular in the past and has now been updated as an electric vehicle. It's known for its unique style and is considered an iconic model.
The Renault 5 is a compact car produced by Renault, known for its distinctive design and popularity in the 1970s and 1980s. It has been reimagined as an electric vehicle (EV), showcasing its versatility and enduring appeal.
Formula 1
"...ever since I was a very young girl. I was into F1. I always liked a certain car brand..."
Formula 1 is a type of car racing that features very fast cars and is held on tracks around the world. It's known for its exciting races and advanced technology.
Formula 1 is the highest class of single-seater auto racing, featuring the fastest and most technologically advanced cars in the world, competing in a series of races known as Grands Prix.
Ferrari
"...I always liked a certain car brand with a prancing horse on the front. And I always wanted to get into motorsport."
Ferrari is a famous car brand from Italy that makes fast and luxurious cars. They are well-known for their success in racing, especially in Formula 1.
Ferrari is an iconic Italian sports car manufacturer known for its high-performance vehicles and success in motorsport, particularly Formula 1.
Volkswagen Group
"...into Volkswagen Group worked for various different car brands there..."
Volkswagen Group is a large car company from Germany that makes many different brands of cars, like Volkswagen and Audi.
Volkswagen Group is a major automotive manufacturer based in Germany, known for producing a wide range of vehicles under various brands including Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, and more.
Mercedes-Benz
"...Went to make Mercedes-Benz and then was approached by Alpine..."
Mercedes-Benz is a well-known luxury car brand that makes fancy cars like sedans and SUVs.
Mercedes-Benz is a luxury automotive brand known for its high-quality vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and sports cars, and is part of the Daimler AG group.
Formula One
"...when it comes to Formula One? Of course, of course."
Formula One is a type of car racing that features very fast cars and takes place on special tracks. It's one of the most popular and prestigious racing competitions in the world.
Formula One is the highest class of single-seater auto racing sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), featuring a series of races known as Grands Prix.
motorsport
"...but we are in motorsport. We have a lot of passion behind the brand..."
Motorsport is a term for sports that involve racing cars or other vehicles. It's about competing to see who can go the fastest.
Motorsport refers to competitive events involving motorized vehicles, including car racing, rallying, and other forms of racing that showcase speed and skill.
F1
"...any motorsport events, F1..."
F1 stands for Formula 1, which is a type of car racing that features very fast cars and is held in many countries around the world.
F1, or Formula 1, is the highest class of single-seater auto racing, known for its fast cars, advanced technology, and prestigious races held worldwide.
Goodwood Festival of Speed
"...the hydrogen combustion prototype Alpine glow which we had at Goodwood Festival of Speed this year and even Damon Hill stopped me at the top of the hill..."
The Goodwood Festival of Speed is a big car event in England where people can see and hear many different types of cars racing up a hill. It's a fun place for car fans to gather and enjoy the excitement.
The Goodwood Festival of Speed is an annual hillclimb event held in West Sussex, England, showcasing a wide range of vehicles from classic cars to modern supercars. It features a timed run up a hill and attracts automotive enthusiasts and manufacturers alike.
Alpine
"...the hydrogen combustion prototype Alpine glow which we had at Goodwood Festival of Speed this year..."
Alpine is a brand that makes sporty cars. They are working on new technology, like a car that runs on hydrogen instead of gasoline, which is better for the environment.
Alpine is a French manufacturer known for producing sports cars and racing vehicles. The mention of a hydrogen combustion prototype indicates their exploration of alternative fuel technologies.
racing
"...you've done a bit of racing. Quite a serious level. I think you've raced around Goodwood Turkey..."
Racing is when cars compete against each other to see who can go the fastest. There are different types of racing, like driving on tracks or up hills.
Racing refers to competitive events where vehicles are driven at high speeds, often on tracks or closed roads. It can include various formats such as circuit racing, rallying, and hillclimbs.
Goodwood Revival
"I loved Goodwood. Goodwood Revival is such a mega event and it's so special to be able to race around that iconic track."
Goodwood Revival is a famous car racing event where vintage cars race on a historic track. It's a fun celebration of classic cars and motorsport history.
Goodwood Revival is a celebrated historic motorsport event held annually at the Goodwood Circuit in the UK. It features classic cars and motorcycles racing in a nostalgic atmosphere, attracting enthusiasts and participants from around the world.
MG Midget
"I have to say my little MG Midget, which is a pre-66 car with an Ashley kit on, is the most hilarious fun to drive."
The MG Midget is a small sports car that people love to drive because it's light and fun. It was made a long time ago, and many people enjoy racing them.
The MG Midget is a small two-seater sports car produced by MG from the 1960s. It's known for its lightweight design and fun driving experience, making it popular among classic car enthusiasts.
power-to-weight ratio
"It has the power to weight ratio of an A110R. So it weighs 500 kilograms."
Power-to-weight ratio tells you how much power a car has compared to how heavy it is. If a car is light and has a lot of power, it usually goes faster and is more fun to drive.
Power-to-weight ratio is a measure of performance that compares the power of a vehicle's engine to its weight. A higher ratio typically indicates better acceleration and handling.
Alpine A110R
"It has the power to weight ratio of an A110R. So it weighs 500 kilograms."
The Alpine A110R is a sporty car that's really light and fast. It's made for people who love to drive and want a fun experience on the road.
The Alpine A110R is a lightweight sports car known for its agility and performance. It features a powerful engine and is designed for driving enthusiasts who appreciate a dynamic driving experience.
rallying
"and with the re-emergence of rallying, we've been participating in the FIA Eco rally now and very successfully. So you never know, maybe I'll add rallying as a string to my bow."
Rallying is a type of car racing that takes place on different types of roads, including dirt and gravel. Drivers race against the clock and must be skilled at navigating the course.
Rallying is a form of motorsport where drivers navigate through a series of stages on public or private roads, often in varying weather conditions. It emphasizes both speed and skill, as drivers must handle different terrains and obstacles while adhering to a set course.
Alpine A390
"...The A390 is bigger, but it has the performance of the A110..."
The Alpine A390 is a bigger version of the A110, which means it has more room inside but still aims to be fast and fun to drive.
The Alpine A390 is a larger model compared to the A110, designed to offer more space while still delivering impressive performance. It aims to attract a broader audience by providing practicality without sacrificing driving enjoyment.
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
Help improve this episode
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.