Electric hot hatch, Alpine A290 Rallye, now prepared for competition racing
The French automaker, Alpine, has announced the launch of its first electric rally car, the A290 Rallye, designed for customer motorsport competition. The car will make its dynamic debut at next week's 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed, which takes place from 10-13 July.
Powered by a single front-mounted electric motor producing 217 horsepower (217 bhp / 162 kW), the A290 Rallye boasts a torque of 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) and a 52 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The car's drivetrain consists of front-wheel drive with a ZF mechanical limited-slip differential to optimize traction on loose rally surfaces.
Accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes approximately 6.4 seconds, while the top speed is limited to approximately 170 km/h (106 mph). The powertrain includes an optimized reduction gearbox and an updated powertrain management system for better stability control during rallying.
The A290 Rallye features a multi-link rear suspension for enhanced handling and durability, reinforced subframes to cope with rough rally terrain, and rally-spec ALP Racing dampers for precise handling, high grip, and resilience. The braking system includes huge 350 mm front discs with six-piston calipers and 280 mm rear discs with a dual-circuit setup.
For safety, the A290 Rallye comes equipped with an FIA-homologated roll cage, homologated Sabelt racing seats, and full safety equipment compliant with rally regulations. An exterior sound generator simulates engine noise for driver and spectator feedback, similar to the sound system used in the Abarth 600e.
The A290 Rallye will use Michelin Pilot Sport A tires on Evo Corse wheels, suitable for competition rallying. Battery charging can reach from 15% to 80% charge in about 30 minutes, depending on charger type. Each A290 Rallye is assembled at Alpine’s competition workshop in Dieppe, France.
Pricing for the A290 Rallye starts at around €59,990 (approximately £52,000), making it relatively affordable for a fully prepared electric rally car. As part of the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed, Alpine will also celebrate its 70th anniversary with special displays of new and classic models.
A special section of the rally paddock will be made available for those taking part in dedicated Alpine events, with dedicated charging stations for the Rallye's 52kWh battery. Alpine aims to use environmentally friendly charging where possible.
The A290 Rallye is built to meet current rallying regulations and will initially be offered for use in a single-model challenge series in France. This marks a significant step in electric rallying, combining sharp handling, modern electric propulsion, and competitive rally-spec upgrades to deliver an appealing electric rally car for customer competition.
- Alpine is launching its first electric rally car, the A290 Rallye, designed for customer motorsport competition, powered by a single front-mounted electric motor.
- The A290 Rallye will make its dynamic debut at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed, featuring a torque of 300 Nm and a 52 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
- The car's drivetrain consists of front-wheel drive with a ZF mechanical limited-slip differential, optimizing traction on loose rally surfaces.
- With an FIA-homologated roll cage, homologated Sabelt racing seats, and full safety equipment, the A290 Rallye prioritizes safety while delivering a competitive edge in rallying.
- Priced at approximately €59,990 (£52,000), the A290 Rallye offers an affordable option for a fully prepared electric rally car, showcasing sharp handling, modern electric propulsion, and rally-spec upgrades.
- At the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed, Alpine will celebrate its 70th anniversary with special displays of new and classic models, including a special section for A290 Rallye owners in dedicated Alpine events with charging stations for the car's battery.
