Alpine’s first fully electric competition car, the A290 Rallye, energises its motorsport legacy, promising thrilling performance and accessibility with every turn on the rally stage.
Alpine has marked a thrilling step forward into electric competition with the debut of the Alpine A290 Rallye, the brand’s first 100% electric racing car aimed at customer rallying. Rooted deeply in Alpine’s storied motorsport DNA since its founding by Jean Rédélé 70 years ago, the A290 Rallye is a vibrant manifesto of innovation, sustainability, and driving pleasure.
Axel Plasse, VP Hypertech Alpine, highlights the project’s significance: “As Renault Group’s first 100% electric vehicle designed for customer racing, the A290 Rallye embodies our desire to combine passion and innovation in a context of deep change within the sport. This marks not only a milestone in Alpine’s heritage but a commitment to affordable, high-performance electric rallying that looks boldly to the future.”
Built on the dynamic and engaging Alpine A290 road car platform—a stylish, lightweight electric hot hatch that blends modern design with the brand’s legendary agility—the Rallye version transforms everyday exhilaration into rally-ready competition.
It boasts a 217bhp front-mounted electric motor paired with a ZF limited-slip differential, ALP Racing suspension, and race-spec braking systems including six-piston Monoblock callipers up front, delivering precision and excitement on special stages.
Bruno Famin, VP Alpine Motorsport, encapsulates the spirit: “The A290 Rallye is a genuine manifesto… breaking new ground, staying true to our heritage but undeniably looking to the future. Electric power here is not a hindrance, but a source of pleasure and performance.”
This electrified Rallye broadens motorsport’s appeal by offering drivers from newcomers to seasoned competitors a compelling, sustainable entry point. Alpine ensures user-friendly operation, dedicated support, and an innovative external sound generator that modulates noise with speed and throttle, enhancing the rally atmosphere for both drivers and spectators.
Deputy Director Motorsport Alpine Racing, François Champod, stresses the collaborative effort behind the project: “Our challenge was not just to launch the A290 in competition but to create an Alpine that could be used immediately by customers, regardless of their racing experience… all to offer drivers great pleasure in terms of efficiency, quality, and ergonomics.”
The A290 Rallye is competitively priced at €59,990 (excl. VAT) and will debut dynamically this year at prestigious events, including the Rallye Mont-Blanc Morzine, with a single-make rally challenge set in France. Alpine will provide a dedicated paddock environment and charging infrastructure, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to seamless motorsport experiences and sustainability.
The car’s architecture combines Alpine’s heritage of lightness and dynamic handling with cutting-edge electric technology and racing safety, including FIA-approved roll cages and Sabelt bucket seats. This blend bridges a seven-decade legacy with a fresh future, positioning Alpine firmly at the forefront of electric rally innovation.
For enthusiasts eager to embrace electrified competition without sacrificing engagement and thrill, Alpine’s A290 Rallye is a landmark symbol of motorsport evolution, passion, and accessibility.
Alpine A290 Rallye Key Specs and Details
- The Alpine A290 Rallye is powered by a front-mounted electric motor delivering 217bhp (160kW) and 300Nm of torque, achieving 0-62mph in under 6.4 seconds with a top speed around 106mph.
- It features a 52kWh battery pack enabling rapid charging from 15% to 80% in just 30 minutes, and offers a respectable electric driving range suitable for racing environments.
- Racing specifics include a bespoke ALP Racing suspension setup, with McPherson front and multi-link rear suspension, six-piston monoblock front brake callipers, and special 18″ EVO Corse Michelin Pilot Sport tyres.
- Safety and usability are emphasised through FIA-approved roll cages, Sabelt bucket seats, and a sound generator to provide realistic engine noise that varies with speed and throttle.
- Price starts at €59,990 (around £52,000), with bespoke assembly at Alpine’s Dieppe competition workshop.
- The A290 Rallye will debut at distinguished racing events, including the Goodwood Festival of Speed and Rallye Mont-Blanc Morzine, alongside a dedicated single-make Alpine A290 Rallye Trophy series set for launch next year.
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