Alpine A290 Rally Explained – How Electric Power Meets Rally Passion

The Alpine A290 Rally is proof that electric performance cars can still stir emotion. This compact hatchback, reimagined for rally stages, brings back the spirit of Alpine’s racing heritage with a bold modern twist. It is small, lightweight, and purpose-built for competition, yet manages to deliver a true driving experience that feels alive.

Under the hood—or rather, beneath the sleek bodywork—sits a 100 percent electric motor producing around 220 horsepower and 300 Newton-meters of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels through a ZF limited-slip differential that gives it remarkable traction in corners. The A290 Rally is tuned specifically for gravel and tarmac rally stages, with adjustable ALP Racing suspension, high-performance brakes, and a fully FIA-approved safety cage inside.

The car’s braking system is particularly impressive. Up front, it features 350-millimeter discs with six-piston monoblock calipers, while the rear gets 280-millimeter discs with a single-piston setup and a hydraulic handbrake—an essential tool for rally-style cornering. It rolls on 18-inch EVO Corse wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport A tires, built to handle aggressive driving conditions.

Its design stays close to the road-going A290 but incorporates new aerodynamic elements, rally lighting, and a stripped-out interior with racing seats and harnesses. It measures roughly 3,997 millimeters long, 2,020 millimeters wide, and has a wheelbase of 2,534 millimeters. The total weight is kept low thanks to careful engineering and lightweight materials.

One of the most interesting aspects of the Alpine A290 Rally is its sound. While it is electric and nearly silent by nature, Alpine developed a system that produces synthetic rally-style audio that changes with throttle input and speed. It is not just for theatrics—it provides the driver with real-time feedback and helps spectators experience the excitement of traditional rally racing. The sound is responsive and aggressive, resembling a turbine whine mixed with mechanical tones, giving the car a distinctive identity.

Although official performance figures have not been confirmed, it is expected to accelerate from zero to sixty miles per hour in roughly 6.4 seconds, with a top speed near 106 miles per hour. The battery is rated at 52 kilowatt-hours and supports 400-volt fast charging, allowing for quick energy recovery between runs.

For around €59,990, this rally-ready electric car offers a blend of power, precision, and sustainability that few others can match. Alpine’s goal is clear: to prove that performance and emotion can exist even without an internal combustion engine.