Alpine has unveiled a competition-spec evolution of its upcoming A290 electric hot hatch — the A290 Rallye — purpose-built to take on the rigors of stage rallying and set to debut at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Based on the retro-inspired Renault 5 platform, the A290 Rallye takes the standard EV’s playful urban spirit and transforms it into a hardcore rally contender. Priced from €59,990 (around £52,000 excluding VAT), this motorsport-ready machine is more than just a visual makeover — it’s a comprehensive performance overhaul.
Gone is the everyday usability of the road-going model. In its place: a stripped-out cabin, bucket seats, a full roll cage, and essential rally controls. This weight-saving approach is paired with a host of mechanical upgrades aimed at turning the front-wheel-drive A290 into a serious rally weapon.
Under the skin, the A290 Rallye retains its 217 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, but power delivery has been refined with a limited-slip differential, new reduction gearing, and updated control software for optimal traction across loose surfaces.
To heighten the sensory spectacle for fans lining the stages, Alpine has also fitted an external speaker — a novel solution for the otherwise near-silent electric drivetrain. The result: instant torque meets audible drama.
Braking performance has received special attention, with the front discs increased to 350mm (up from 320mm) and paired with six-piston calipers. Interestingly, the rear discs are slightly smaller than the standard model’s, now measuring 280mm, further fine-tuning the car’s braking balance for stage driving. A hydraulic handbrake has been added as well — a must-have for tight hairpins and aggressive cornering.
The A290 Rallye rides on rugged ALP Racing Suspension dampers, tailored to absorb the punishment of gravel and tarmac alike. Completing the setup are 18-inch Evo Corse wheels shod in Michelin Pilot Sport A tires, ensuring maximum grip and durability.
Alpine’s ambitions for the A290 Rallye go beyond a one-off showpiece. The brand plans to launch a one-make rally series, offering factory support and charging infrastructure to participating teams — a bold move that signals Alpine’s commitment to carving out a future for electric motorsport.
As the A290 Rallye prepares to tackle the famous Goodwood hillclimb, it does so as a symbol of Alpine’s electric reinvention — combining heritage, innovation, and raw rally DNA in one fiercely compact package.
Source: Alpine