History is repeating itself across the pond. Alpine released a sportier version of the Renault 5 in 2024, just like it did in 1976, and it’s now taking the hot hatch racing, just like it did in the late 1970s. Developed for privateers, the Alpine A290 Rallye is an electric, competition-only model eligible for a long list of races.
Visually, the A290 Rallye stands out from the A290 found in showrooms with a black hood secured by pins, an air scoop integrated into the roof panel, and 18-inch EVO Corse wheels wrapped by Michelin Pilot Sport A tires. Alpine hasn’t revealed the interior yet, but it points out that the cabin is equipped with a welded roll cage and a pair of Sabelt sport seats for the pilot and co-pilot. We’re guessing that at least some of the interior (including the rear seats) has been sent back to the parts bin to keep weight in check.
Like the street-legal A290, the A290 Rallye is powered by a front-mounted electric motor that delivers 220 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. The motor zaps the front wheels into motion via a limited-slip differential provided by ZF, and Alpine tells us that it modified the direct-drive unit and the electronics for racing. The street-legal A290 hits 62 mph from a stop in 6.4 seconds and offers up to 236 miles of range.
Six-piston front calipers complement the drivetrain’s regenerative braking system, and Alpine replaced the electric parking brake with a hydraulic one. The ABS system is Rallye-specific as well. While the chassis is pulled straight from the A290 production line, the Rallye gets ALP Racing Suspension-sourced shocks.
Big brakes and a firm suspension are difficult to argue against when we’re talking about a rally car. Here’s the part that’s going to split opinions like the windshield on an early Volkswagen Bus: The A290 Rallye will make an artificial sound that varies depending on the speed and the accelerator pedal’s position. Alpine explains that sound is a big part of the rallying experience for the spectators and, crucially, for the drivers.
Not Just a Marketing Stunt
Alpine stresses that it designed the A290 Rallye to make rallying as accessible as possible, and the car is eligible to compete in numerous events throughout Europe. The brand will show the hot hatch’s potential by organizing an A290 Rallye-only race in France before the end of 2025. On paper, the event sounds a lot like a shorter version of the Coupe de France Renault that was held annually between 1966 and 2000 (and that the 5 Alpine raced in from 1977 to 1984). Alpine will provide technical support and, crucially, a charging infrastructure that promises to run on “green” energy. More details will be announced shortly.
Whether this one-time race will ultimately turn into a full-blown championship, like the Coupe de France Renault, remains to be seen. If it’s a one-time event, it will probably enter the history book as a novelty. If it catches on, it could help make the idea of electric rallying more palatable for thousands of enthusiasts.
In the meantime, Alpine notes that A290 Rallye owners will be able to race in many of the thousands of local events, including hill climbs, held across Europe each year. The category it will compete in depends on each sanctioning body’s regulations. This is uncharted territory for Alpine, and for many future A290 owners, so the company will open a direct line of communication between racers and its dealerships.
Pricing for the Alpine A290 Rallye starts at €59,990 excluding taxes, which represents about $70,500 at the current conversion rate. As of writing, it doesn’t sound like Alpine will sell the rally-ready hot hatch in our market. It’s tentatively planning to plant its stake on the American market in the near future (the date isn’t yet set), but the cars it plans to sell here haven’t been revealed yet. Rumors suggest its range will include an electric SUV and a sports car.