Alpine has revealed the A290 Rallye, its first all-electric rally car designed for customer racing, as part of its 70th-anniversary celebrations. The new model is set to debut at the Rallye Rouergue Rodez Aveyron Occitanie and represents the French brand’s latest step toward carbon-neutral motorsport.
Built on the chassis of the recently launched A290 road car, the rally-spec variant was developed by Alpine’s Viry-Châtillon technical teams and assembled at the brand’s competition facility in Dieppe. Upgrades for rally use include specific suspension tuning, ALP Racing Suspension shock absorbers, and 8 x 18-inch EVO Corse wheels fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport A tyres.
The A290 Rallye is powered by a front-mounted 160 kW electric motor producing 300 Nm of torque, paired with a ZF limited-slip differential for improved traction. Energy is stored in a 52 kWh battery (400 V DC), while the braking system comprises six-piston front calipers with 350 mm discs and rear single-piston calipers with 280 mm discs. Additional features include a hydraulic handbrake and Alpine Racing’s proprietary rally ABS.
“The A290 is now in the starting blocks,” Alpine said in a statement. “It is a genuine gateway to electric competition, supported by our technical expertise, tailored infrastructure and a new customer challenge to begin in France before the end of 2025.”
The car complies with FIA safety standards and includes a welded roll cage, Sabelt bucket seats, and a dedicated electronic management system optimised for EV competition. A unique acoustic system has also been developed to enhance driver feedback and spectator experience by modulating sound based on vehicle speed and throttle input.
Priced at €59,990 excluding VAT, the A290 Rallye offers a significantly more accessible entry point to electric rallying than the recently revealed Renault 5 Turbo E3, which starts at €155,000. Following its competitive debut in July, the A290 Rallye will next appear at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and the Rallye Mont-Blanc Morzine in September, ahead of a customer racing challenge set to launch later this year.