
Carbon-Neutral Thrills: Alpine A290 Rallye Joins Customer Racing
The introduction of electric rally cars like the A290 Rallye is not solely about promoting sustainability; these vehicles also deliver exceptional performance, reduced environmental impact, and an exhilarating driving experience. By fully embracing EV technology, Alpine is paving the way for a carbon-neutral future in motorsport while maintaining the heart-pounding excitement that rally enthusiasts have come to love. This shift towards electric power represents a significant milestone in the evolution of rally racing, as it demonstrates that high-performance competition and environmental responsibility can coexist harmoniously. Pricing and Availability
The Alpine A290 Rallye is competitively priced at €59,990 (excluding VAT) for a fully assembled and painted car, making it an attractive option for both experienced rally drivers and newcomers eager to enter the world of electric motorsport. The A290 Rallye will be available to a select group of competitors, with its inaugural single-rally challenge scheduled to take place in France before the end of 2025. Furthermore, the car is set to make its dynamic debut at the prestigious Goodwood Festival of Speed and will also participate in the challenging Rallye Mont-Blanc Morzine later in the year, showcasing its capabilities on both the track and in real-world rally conditions.
Technical Excellence Meets Racing Heritage
The A290 Rallye is built upon the solid foundation of the standard A290's chassis, which has been carefully adapted to meet the demands of competitive rally racing. The car features a welded roll cage for enhanced structural integrity, Sabelt bucket seats for optimal driver support and safety, and a ZF limited-slip differential for improved traction and handling. The braking system is equally impressive, with 6-piston monoblock callipers and 350mm discs at the front, complemented by single-piston callipers and 280mm discs at the rear. This advanced braking setup ensures precise control and exceptional stopping power, even during the most intense high-speed maneuvers.
Innovative Features for a Unique Experience
One of the most striking features of the A290 Rallye is its innovative sound system, which emits a distinctive sound that correlates with the vehicle's speed and throttle position. This unique auditory experience not only enhances the driving experience for the pilot but also adds an extra layer of excitement for spectators, creating a more immersive and engaging atmosphere at rally events. The car is also equipped with state-of-the-art ALP Racing Suspension shock absorbers, which provide exceptional handling and stability on a variety of surfaces, and Michelin Pilot Sport A tyres, which offer superior grip and durability in demanding rally conditions.
Specifications Engine: 220 hp, 300 Nm torque
220 hp, 300 Nm torque Transmission: Front-wheel drive with ZF limited-slip differential
Front-wheel drive with ZF limited-slip differential Braking System: Front: 6-piston monoblock callipers, 350mm discs Rear: Single-piston callipers, 280mm discs Race-type ABS control and hydraulic handbrake
Suspension: ALP Racing Suspension shock absorbers
ALP Racing Suspension shock absorbers Wheels: 8′ x 18′ EVO Corse wheels
8′ x 18′ EVO Corse wheels Tyres: Michelin Pilot Sport A
Michelin Pilot Sport A Safety Features: Welded roll cage, Sabelt bucket seats (FIA-compliant)
Welded roll cage, Sabelt bucket seats (FIA-compliant) Sound System: Speed and throttle-correlated sound emission
Speed and throttle-correlated sound emission Price: €59,990 (excluding VAT) Explore More in the World of Electric Motorsport
For motorsport enthusiasts intrigued by the Alpine A290 Rallye, there is a wealth of exciting developments to explore in the rapidly evolving world of electric motorsport. From the high-profile Formula E championship to the emerging field of electric off-road racing, the shift towards sustainable competition is gaining significant momentum. As technology continues to advance and more manufacturers invest in electric racing platforms, fans can expect to see even more thrilling competitions that push the boundaries of performance while prioritizing environmental responsibility. Whether one's passion lies in the high-speed circuits of traditional motorsport or the challenging terrain of rally stages, the future of electric racing promises to deliver an unparalleled combination of excitement, innovation, and sustainability.
Source Alpine Filed Under: Auto News
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Reuters
41 minutes ago
- Reuters
King Charles hosts Macron in first European state visit since Brexit
LONDON, July 8 (Reuters) - Britain's King Charles will welcome French President Emmanuel Macron to Windsor Castle on Tuesday for the first state visit by a European leader since Brexit in a trip aimed at celebrating the return of closer political ties between the countries. The grand ceremonial event will be the first for Macron, who enjoys a good personal relationship with the king. The last state visit to Britain by a French president was in 2008, when Nicolas Sarkozy was a guest of the late Queen Elizabeth. Britain has been trying to reset ties with European allies since Prime Minister Keir Starmer was elected last year. The talks this week will focus on a range of issues, including how to stop people-smuggling and improving economic and defence ties at a time when the United States is retrenching from its traditional role as a defender of European security. Although there have been tensions over the shape of post-Brexit ties and how to stop asylum seekers from crossing the Channel in small boats, Britain and France have been working closely together to create a planned military force to support Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire with Russia. Sebastien Maillard, an associate fellow at London's Chatham House think tank, said the two sides were seeking to repair some of the damage done by the Brexit negotiations in the run up to Britain leaving the EU in 2020, "when France was more or less playing the bad cop". While Macron's three-day visit is filled with meetings about economic issues and foreign affairs, the first day of the visit is largely focused on pageantry, and heavy in symbolism. Prince William and his wife Kate will greet Macron and his wife Brigitte at a military airport in London and will accompany them to Windsor where they will be officially welcomed by the king and Queen Camilla, and gun salutes. They will then travel in a carriage procession through Windsor's streets, attend a military parade and then have lunch with the royal family at the castle. On Tuesday afternoon, Macron will travel back to London to speak to lawmakers in the parliament. The day will end with a state dinner at Windsor Castle, including speeches by the king and Macron in front of about 150 guests. The following day Starmer will host Macron at Downing Street where they will discuss how to stop the flow of tens of thousands of asylum seekers across the Channel. British officials are hoping that Macron will agree to a pilot of an asylum seekers' returns deal. This would involve Britain deporting one asylum seeker to France in exchange for another with a legitimate case to be in Britain, thereby disrupting the business model of people-smuggling gangs. A record number of asylum seekers have arrived in Britain on small boats from France in the first six months of this year. Starmer, trailing behind Nigel Farage's insurgent, right-wing Reform UK party in the polls, is under pressure to come up with a solution. France has previously refused to sign up to such an agreement, saying Britain should negotiate an arrangement with all the EU countries. On Thursday, Starmer and Macron will host a UK-France summit to discuss other bilateral issues and how to support Ukraine. The two could also announce further cooperation on nuclear investment, such as at Sizewell C. Macron's visit is a sign of a new era in relations. Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in his memoirs published last year that Macron wanted to punish Britain after it voted to leave the EU in 2016. Britain and France in recent years have publicly clashed over fishing rights and a submarine alliance that united Britain, Australia and the United States, but left France on the sidelines.


Telegraph
44 minutes ago
- Telegraph
There's opportunity where markets aren't interested – but you'll have to be brave
Questor is The Telegraph's stock-picking column, helping you decode the markets and offering insights on where to invest. Those investors who run strict environmental, social and governance (ESG) screens can look away now, but oil and gas major Shell continues to do a job for portfolio builders and income seekers. The company's move to quash rumours of a bid for BP is helpful and the apparent disinterest of markets could yet prove to be an opportunity for patient contrarians. Oil prices gained a little when tensions between Israel and Iran flared in late June before quickly shedding those gains upon the announcement of the ceasefire. In this respect, investors were right in their view that a wider conflict would not develop and that crude prices would not spike as a result. As a result, oil companies' shares remain in the doldrums and near-term sentiment toward oil and gas prices remains broadly negative for three reasons. First, the International Energy Agency (IEA) continues to assert that demand growth remains anaemic. It argues demand will increase by barely 720,000 barrels per day this year, a marked slowdown from the two-million-plus pace seen post-pandemic in 2022 and 2023. The IEA's latest forecast also assumes demand growth of just 740,000 barrels a day in 2026, thanks to a weak economic growth outlook (where tariffs and trade remain sources of uncertainty) and the increased adoption of renewable energy technologies. Second, the IEA also argues that supply is plentiful, even with tensions in the Middle East. Global inventories are building at a rate of one million barrels a day, to stand at 7.7 billion barrels at the last count. OPEC+ continues to restrain capacity, too, so there is scope for increased supply here, especially in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Meanwhile, American output continues to surge and stands near record highs of 13.4 million barrels a day, according to the US Energy Information Administration. This is largely thanks to shale, and it means that OPEC+ is not the only game in town. Finally, Israel and the US left Iran's oil facilities untouched. If Iran were to suffer the loss of its production and refining capabilities, then it would have less to lose by trying to close the Strait of Hormuz, a shipping lane that carries up to a fifth of global oil shipments. If Iran has the capacity to still export two million barrels a day of crude, then cutting off its prime shipping lane would be an act of economic self-harm, and one that seems unlikely when the theocratic regime already has more than enough problems to deal with. Investors are clearly taking all of this on board, resulting in oil and gas stocks continuing to drift sideways at best. They are little or no higher now than they were in 2022, even if headline equity indices continue to progress beyond past peaks. This torpid performance means that oil and gas stocks continue to lose importance within the broader headline indices. Oil and gas producers represent just 8.8pc of the total stock market value of the FTSE All-Share index here in the UK, compared to a post-1995 average of 12.4pc and 2009's peak of 22.3pc. The low was 6.1pc in autumn 2020, after oil's Covid-inspired collapse. Investors therefore seem more concerned that oil and gas fields will become stranded assets than they do about the risk of a conflict restricting or cutting off supply. Yet the lowly valuations attributed to oil and gas producers may catch the attention of brave, patient contrarians. Demand continues to grow and the globe continues to rely heavily on hydrocarbons, whether we like it or not. In addition, the best cure for low prices is usually low prices, because they fuel demand and discourage supply. Drilling remains subdued worldwide, according to the Baker Hughes rig count. Meanwhile, America's Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) still stands way below its 714-million-barrel capacity, and total inventory State-side is at its lowest level since late 1986, according to the US Energy Information Administration. It might therefore be incredibly unlikely for oil and gas prices to surprise us with a spike, if even a quickfire war in the Middle East fails to move them. After all, the combined stock market valuation of Aramco, BP, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, ENI, ExxonMobil, Shell and TotalEnergies is $2.9 trillion, a fraction less than Apple's $3 trillion price tag – even though the forecast aggregate after-tax profit for these producers this year is expected at around $197bn, almost double that of the Californian technology company.

Finextra
3 hours ago
- Finextra
Mastercard and Pay4You form spend management partnership
Mastercard has joined forces with self-service payment portal Pay4You to pitch a tail spend management offering to firms in Europe. 0 The partners are focusing on the 20% portion of a company's expenditures that are not actively managed by procurement. They claim that by integrating Pay4You's platform with Mastercard's virtual card technology, corporations can reduce costs, increase process efficiencies, and ensure compliance while offering employees a better user experience. The collaboration will also help issuers capture new flows on cards that are traditionally account-to-account payments. 'We are proud to partner with Mastercard to offer companies a smarter way to handle small, high-volume supplier payments, combining working capital optimization with seamless transaction flows. Corporate credit cards have long been underused in this area. That is about to change,' says Lourens Stamhuis, CEO, Pay4You. Johanna Waara, SVP, head, corporate solutions, Europe, Mastercard, adds: "By leveraging our virtual card technology within the Pay4You platform, we are enabling corporations to better manage their expenditures and drive greater financial efficiency."