News Roundup: Feb 23, 2026

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Alpine’s Next EV

Alpine’s reborn A110 represents the French brand’s shift into an electric performance future, following its 2017 lightweight mid‑engine coupe revival and a broader reboot as an EV‑focused brand in 2021. After canceling a planned Lotus partnership in 2023, Alpine has moved ahead independently, already launching the A290 hot hatch and A390 compact SUV, while revealing early details of a next‑generation A110 due in 2027. The new model is expected to remain close in spirit to today’s car, with only slight size growth, a 70 kWh battery mounted behind the seats on a new Alpine Performance Platform, aggressive weight and range targets, and rear‑motor drive with a possible all‑wheel‑drive option. It will also introduce a bespoke interior and eventually expand into convertible and 2+2 variants, with Europe prioritized ahead of possible expansion to Asia and the U.S.

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WHY IT MATTERS: As a premium brand within the Renault Group as part of their Renaulution strategy, Alpine is intended to generate profits with higher-margin entries off volume platforms. Unfortunately, the EV adoption slow down and tariff issues are putting Alpine’s plans at risk, which is good news for established brands like Porsche.

THE BOTTOM LINE: If Alpine can hit the mass and range targets with the next A110, that speaks well to their engineering capability and bodes well for the rest of the upcoming portfolio entries

Polestar’s New Plan

Polestar is outlining an ambitious expansion plan aimed at growing annual sales from roughly 60,000 vehicles to 100,000 by the end of the decade, supported by the launch of four models by 2028. The rollout begins with the Polestar 5 flagship sedan arriving this summer, followed by a more practical estate version of the Polestar 4 SUV coupe. A next‑generation Polestar 2 is scheduled for next year after a notably short development cycle, with improvements expected in interior color choices and physical controls. Rounding out the lineup will be the Polestar 7, a smaller SUV positioned below the Polestar 4 and likely related to Volvo’s EX60, while the previously previewed Polestar 6 roadster remains planned but delayed beyond 2028.

WHY IT MATTERS: Like Alpine, Polestar is also gunning for Porsche — and facing the same obstacles. Fortunately, as part of the larger Geely empire, they are somewhat more protective. The new initiatives appear to be smart moves designed to broaden appeal and boost volume.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Polestar is still struggling a bit to get out from underneath former parent Volvo, but new products and product derivatives should help them establish their own identity.

DS Reboots the 3

DS is preparing to reinvent its compact offering once again with the DS No3, a five‑door B‑segment hatchback expected around 2028, as the brand searches for renewed relevance within Stellantis’ crowded portfolio. Building on the legacy of the original DS3 — which transitioned from a two‑door hatch to a small crossover — the No3 is likely to use the STLA Small platform and offer both electric and hybrid powertrains. Design inspiration will come from newer DS models while introducing a fresh design language, with a clear focus on elegance rather than sportiness. Importantly, DS aims to preserve the DS3’s broad appeal across genders, positioning the No3 as a refined, stylish alternative rather than a performance‑focused one.

WHY IT MATTERS: Can DS survive as Stellantis struggles to support a sprawling portfolio of brands? As a premium brand, DS should theoretically be able to command higher margins off Stellantis’ platforms to bolster the bottom line, but things have been rough going so far.

THE BOTTOM LINE: With Audi, BMW, and Mercedes continuing to offer lower-end luxury hatchbacks, DS could offer something comparable at a lower price — if Stellantis grants them the freedom to do so.

Canada’s EV Concepts

Project Arrow is a Canadian‑led initiative showcasing domestic EV development, highlighted by two advanced concepts revealed by the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association at the Toronto auto show. The Vector concept evolves an earlier design with a more dramatic appearance, significantly higher power output, and an estimated 341‑mile range, supported by a 3D‑printed aluminum‑and‑polymer chassis and technology aimed at Level 3 autonomy. Alongside it, the Borealis MPV pushes even further, using a skeletal 3D‑printed metal structure and a reportedly 3D‑printed powertrain, while targeting Level 5 autonomy and an extremely ambitious 932‑mile range. Both vehicles were developed with Ontario Tech University and contributions from more than 80 Canadian suppliers, underscoring the project’s national industry focus.

WHY IT MATTERS: The auto industry’s retreat from globalization has hit just about everyone, and Canada’s suppliers are looking to prove their capability with potential partners.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Some intriguing ideas, but not enough substance here to really tell a story.

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