Alpine unveils its initial electric vehicle for customer racing
**Alpine Unveils First Electric Customer Racing Model: The A290 Rallye**
Alpine, the French automobile manufacturer, has announced the launch of its first electric customer racing model, the A290 Rallye. This competition model is derived from the Renault 5-based A290 hot hatch and boasts a powerful electric motor, designed for rally racing.
The A290 Rallye retains the same powertrain as the road version, featuring a single electric motor that develops an impressive 160 kW (220 hp) and a maximum torque of 300 Nm. The car's 52 kWh battery pack is capable of delivering a range of approximately 236 miles (380 km) on a single charge.
The A290 Rallye has been equipped with a range of upgrades tailored for rally racing. It features a ZF mechanical limited-slip differential, hydraulic handbrake, and an Abarth 600e-style exterior sound generator. These features enhance the car's performance on loose surfaces, provide precise control during hairpin turns, and produce a sound that matches the car's speed and throttle position, respectively.
The car's suspension is based on the series version and has been adapted by Alpine Racing for motorsport. It utilises ALP Racing Suspension shock absorbers for enhanced handling. Additionally, the A290 Rallye is fitted with 8x18 EVO Corse rims and Michelin Pilot Sport A tires.
Alpine will provide high-level technical and sporting support, as well as special prizes for participants in the challenge. These events will showcase the potential of Alpine Racing's first electric racing car and continue the brand's long-standing motorsport commitment.
The A290 Rallye was developed by the teams at the Alpine Technical Center in Viry-Châtillon and assembled in the racing workshop of the Manufacture Alpine Dieppe Jean Rédélé. Its braking system features 6-piston calipers with 350 mm discs at the front and single-piston calipers with 280 mm discs at the rear.
Each car is assembled at Alpine's competition workshop in Dieppe, and the price for the complete, mounted, and painted A290 Rallye is approximately €59,990 to €60,000 (around £52,000 to £52,800).
The A290 Rallye will make its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on July 10-13, 2025. It will also appear in various formats such as brand cups or open competitions. A single-rally challenge will be organized in France this year, with the first delivered A290 Rallye participating. Furthermore, the A290 Rallye will also showcase its potential at the Rallye Rouergue Rodez Aveyron Occitanie, though exact dates are not specified.
Eco-friendly technologies will be used for power supply depending on the location of the events. An Alpine-style environment will be created for participants, including special charging infrastructure. Monitoring systems ensure optimal use of electric vehicle technologies in the A290 Rallye.
The A290 Rallye inherits the motorsport genes instilled in the Alpine brand by Jean Rédélé 70 years ago, according to Renault. This latest offering from Alpine Racing promises an exciting future for electric racing cars and further solidifies Alpine's commitment to the world of motorsport.
Sports enthusiasts and technology aficionados alike will be eager to witness the electric A290 Rallye in action, as it combines the thrill of rally racing with cutting-edge technology. The A290 Rallye, a product of Alpine Racing, will be showcasing its prowess in sports events, highlighting the potential of electric vehicles in the realm of motorsport.
