Alpine, a storied name in the world of motorsport, is making waves once again with the thrilling introduction of the A290 Rallye. This celebration of racing pedigree commemorates its illustrious heritage, having clinched the very first World Rally Championship title back in 1973. The A290 Rallye isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s a bold step into the future of electric racing, building on the excitement generated by the A110 Rally, which burst onto the scene in 2019.
Designed to adhere to the latest rally regulations, this all-electric marvel is touted as a “gateway to electric competition,” promising an exhilarating ride for both enthusiasts and competitors alike. Crafted in the cutting-edge engineering hub of Viry-Châtillon, France, Alpine is gearing up to unleash the A290 Rallye in a thrilling “single-rally challenge” later this year, and the motorsport community can hardly contain their excitement. The A290 Rallye stands out not just for its electric capabilities but also for the significant enhancements over its base model, the Renault 5. With intense rallying in mind, this version comes packed with advanced motorsport upgrades that elevate its performance to new heights.
From the moment you glimpse the A290 Rallye, you can immediately see that it’s built for competition. With a fully integrated roll cage ensuring safety and rigidity, combined with Sabelt bucket seats to hold drivers securely in place, every aspect speaks to the attention to detail and commitment to rally excellence. The design includes a quick-release bonnet and a roof-mounted air intake, elements that scream “racer.” The Rallye retains the same 52 kWh battery found in its road-going sibling, but the heart of the beast is its formidable 217 hp (brake horsepower) electric motor, delivering a hefty 300 Nm of torque through the front wheels. With an interior stripped down to its essence for weight savings, this rally rocket is likely to outshine the road car’s already impressive 0-100 km/h time of 6.4 seconds. Staying true to its sporty roots, the A290 Rallye maintains the bespoke ZF limited-slip differential that defines the A290 range.
However, Alpine has refined the single-speed gearbox and tweaked the electronic management system to optimize performance specifically for rally stages. Add to this a sophisticated suspension setup featuring ALP Racing shocks paired with a custom subframe and multi-link rear suspension, and you have a vehicle that’s ready to conquer challenges on various terrains. The Rallye is equipped with six-piston brake calipers at the front, clamping massive 350 mm discs to ensure uncompromised braking performance, complemented by 18-inch rally wheels wrapped in sticky Michelin Pilot Sport tyres for ultimate grip. When it comes to pricing, there is a clear divergence between the A290 GTS, which starts at approximately 44,000 Euros, and the exhilarating Alpine A290 Rallye, which begins at around 59,990 Euros (excluding VAT).
While the Rallye is positioned firmly as a one-make rally vehicle, one can’t help but imagine the thrilling rivalries it could ignite, like a face-off against the Vauxhall Corsa Electric Rally. For those who believe in finding their perfect Alpine A290, there's a fantastic opportunity to configure a model through personalized services that cater to your specific desires. Alternatively, for individuals on the hunt for value, the market offers exceptional deals on new Alpine A290 models straight from stock, as well as competitive prices on pre-owned vehicles. With the excitement surrounding the A290 Rallye, the future of electric rally racing looks brighter than ever, and fans can’t wait to see what’s next in store from Alpine!
