Latest news with #AlpineA290
Car and Driver
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
Alpine A290 Rallye Is an Electric Hot Hatch You Can Take Racing
The Alpine A290 Rallye is an electric hot hatch that's built to go racing straight from the factory. Along with 215 hp, the front-wheel-drive EV features better brakes, an FIA-certified roll cage, and a revised suspension. The factory-prepped A290 Rallye also has a hydraulic handbrake for executing tight turns; too bad it's not sold in the United States. Alpine's roots in rally racing can be traced all the way back to 1955 when the French automaker was founded by Jean Rédélé. The Alpine A106 helped put the brand on the motorsports map, and the subsequent A110 cemented its legacy in the 1960s and '70s. Now, Alpine is catering to the next generation of home-grown racers with the A290 Rallye, a factory-prepped electric race car that customers can buy. Based on the Alpine A290 hatchback, the recently revealed Rallye version shares the same platform and powertrain. The latter includes a front-mounted electric motor that makes 215 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque; a ZF-sourced limited-slip differential transmits that power to the front axle. White-painted 18-inch EVO Corse wheels are bolted to each corner, and they're wrapped with Michelin Pilot Sport A tires that are only road-legal in Europe. Alpine Alpina The Alpine A290 Rallye also wears a shade of the brand's hallmark blue paint, and it features a distinctive livery that's predominantly white, albeit with red and black accents. Along with glossy black fender flares, the hatchback's hood is matte black and matches the roof, which features a cute little air scoop. The regular A290—itself based on the Renault 5—has handsome proportions, with its muscular boxed fenders and front lights that incorporate X-shaped elements. That all carries over to the race car, which also benefits from upgrades that make it more than just an appearance package. Working with its Viry-Châtillon teams, Alpine and Co. transformed the EV hatch into an FIA-compliant racer. That means it has a welded roll cage and Sabelt racing seats, not to mention a hydraulic handbrake to help the driver quickly navigate hairpin turns. The Rallye's roster of upgrades also includes a reworked suspension with ALP Racing dampers as well as better brakes, specifically a pair of six-piston monoblock front calipers that clamp 13.8-inch rotors. Alpine says the cars have a race-specific ABS calibration too. Despite missing an internal-combustion engine, the electric A290 racer makes fake sounds that are associated with its accelerator position and speed. Alpine If you haven't noticed, Alpine doesn't currently sell new cars in North America, and the A290 Rallye is no different. Our friends across the pond can expect to pay the equivalent of about $70K for the factory-built race car. Alpine said it's planning to organize a single rally event somewhere in France before the end of the year for a limited number of customers to participate. Of course, the A290 racer will be able to independently compete in spec races and open competitions. Eric Stafford Managing Editor, News Eric Stafford's automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a journalism degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual '97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a '90 Honda CRX Si. Read full bio
Geeky Gadgets
07-07-2025
- Automotive
- Geeky Gadgets
Carbon-Neutral Thrills: Alpine A290 Rallye Joins Customer Racing
The Alpine A290 Rallye is setting a new standard in the world of motorsport as the first-ever electric rally car from the renowned French manufacturer, Alpine. This groundbreaking vehicle, designed specifically for customer racing, seamlessly combines innovative electric vehicle (EV) technology with Alpine's rich motorsport heritage. Boasting a powerful 220 hp engine, an advanced suspension system, and FIA-compliant safety features, the A290 Rallye is poised to transform rally racing for a new generation of drivers. 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.
Top Gear
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- Top Gear
The new Alpine A290 Rallye is a £62k customer competition car
First Look No extra power to report, but there's upgraded running gear, racier suspension and a tweaked sound generator Skip 3 photos in the image carousel and continue reading Say hello to the Alpine A290 'Rallye'. It's the brand's first all-electric customer competition car, intended for both one-make events and open races, and will debut later this year. Though the running gear has been adapted for motorsport, the front-driven e-motor remains unchanged, maintaining a punchy 215bhp and 221lb ft of torque. Alpine has instead fettled with the ECU and revamped the monitoring systems, allowing the 52kWh battery to work more efficiently. Advertisement - Page continues below What's more, the Rallye will get a different sort of sound generator to the standard car, which tunes in with the driver's throttle inputs to make… noise. Precisely what sort of noise, we'll have to wait and see. Looks the part too, no? The body gets a roof scoop and a black bonnet with pins, finished up with a funky blue and white livery. Can't forget those 18in Evo Corse alloys either, painted in the customary shade of white and wrapped around a set of Michelin rubber. You might like Tucked behind those will be 350mm brake discs at the front and 280mm ones at the rear, hooked up to a race-bred ABS control unit. Elsewhere, the modified suspension is bolstered by ALP Racing shocks, while a ZF self-locking limited-slip diff is there to help around the twisty bits. Inside, the Rallye will get an FIA-grade welded roll cage and Sabelt bucket seats. Most important of all is the inclusion of a hydraulic handbrake - imperative for maximum slip and slide around a tight loose gravel stage. Advertisement - Page continues below Customers will have their first chance to compete at a single-race event later this year in France, where Alpine will provide technical support where needed. At certain fixtures, the manufacturer will even have its own paddock and dedicated charging infrastructure in place. Talk about getting your money's worth, eh? Money that sits in the region of €59,990 pre-VAT - or circa £62k on this side of the Chunnel. Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox.
Business Mayor
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- Business Mayor
Peugeot to revive GTi badge with 208 hot hatch on 13 April
Peugeot will reveal a hot GTi variant of the electric e-208 supermini on the eve of the Le Mans 24 Hour race next month. The brand has confirmed that its long-mooted Alpine A290 rival, officially confirmed by Peugeot boss Alain Favey earlier this year, will be unwrapped on 13 June. It has given no details, but says it will be 'fun to drive, agile, powerful – built to deliver an unforgettable driving experience'. It will be the first GTi model since the previous-generation Peugeot 308 went off sale in 2021 and Peugeot's first sporty pure-electric car. Speaking to media recently, Favey said: 'I'm in a position to confirm that we will reintroduce the GTi on the e-208 as soon as possible. We've made the decision that Peugeot GTi will be reintroduced.' He added that it is a 'signal' about 'what it means to reconnect to our past, our history' and that it would link the French brand's road cars to its involvement in motorsport – particularly the World Endurance Championship, in which it fields the 9X8 hypercar. 'We want to continue to nurture the reputation of the brand for driving sensations and the fact that our cars produce particular driving sensations, either as a driver or as someone that is being driven in the car,' Favey said. As for a broader GTi line-up or a sporting model with a combustion engine, Favey suggested it will depend on customer feedback. He said: 'We will start with the 208 and [are] definitely listening to your inputs, or what our customers will say as well. 'We don't exclude that there might be other executions of the 208 GTi under the GTi badge, but for today there's absolutely nothing planned in that sense.' Confirmation of the GTi badge's return comes after Favey said that he would consider it as one of his first jobs since taking over as Peugeot CEO in February.
