Alpine A290 Rallye: Race-Ready Electric Hatchback Debuts for Aspiring Rally Drivers
French performance brand Alpine has officially revealed a motorsport-focused version of its compact electric hatchback — the Alpine A290 Rallye. Designed for entry-level rally competitions, the A290 Rallye keeps the standard car’s electric drivetrain but receives significant upgrades to meet motorsport demands. Priced at €59,990, the new variant offers a unique bridge between road-going EVs and full-blown electric rally cars.
Motorsport-Grade Engineering
While the A290 Rallye uses the same 220 hp (300 Nm) front-mounted electric motor as the road-going version, it’s been extensively re-engineered for rally use. At the heart of the transformation is a new ZF-developed limited-slip differential gearbox, tailored for improved traction and corner exit performance — a key factor in rally racing.
The suspension has been overhauled with ALP Racing dampers to better withstand the rigors of stage competition. Braking performance has also been significantly upgraded: six-piston calipers grip 350 mm discs at the front, offering stopping power well beyond what the road car provides.
Rally-Ready Exterior and Wheels
The A290 Rallye rides on lightweight 18-inch Evo Corse wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport A tires, a combination tuned for grip and durability in mixed conditions. Alpine has not drastically altered the car’s overall silhouette but has made subtle tweaks to improve function and safety. A prominent hydraulic handbrake has also been installed for rally-style cornering maneuvers.
Purpose-Built Interior
The cabin has been stripped of comfort-focused elements and outfitted for serious competition. Inside, you’ll find FIA-homologated Sabelt racing seats, a full roll cage, and minimalistic trim prioritizing weight reduction and safety.
A particularly unique feature is the external sound generator, added to comply with pedestrian safety regulations. It generates a synthetic engine note that adapts to both vehicle speed and throttle input, making the otherwise silent EV more noticeable on and off the rally course.
For Young Drivers, But With Pro-Level Hardware
According to Alpine, the A290 Rallye is aimed at young and beginner-level rally drivers looking to gain competitive experience in a fully electric format. Despite its accessibility, the car is far from a toy — with components, calibration, and tech borrowed directly from Alpine's motorsport operations.
This track-prepped EV reflects Alpine’s broader strategy of linking its electrified road car lineup with real motorsport heritage, offering customers a taste of performance and engineering from the world of rallying.
What's Next for Alpine?
The A290 Rallye is just one part of Alpine’s electrified motorsport journey. The brand is also working on a new hybrid supercar, overseen by Philippe Krief, the company’s current CEO and former Ferrari engineer involved in developing the SF90 Stradale. While details are still under wraps, this upcoming flagship model is expected to push Alpine into the high-performance hybrid territory with a mix of F1-derived tech and luxury design.
With the A290 Rallye, Alpine is redefining the entry point into electric motorsports. At €59,990, it’s an attractive offer for aspiring rally drivers, combining road-car familiarity with track-grade engineering. Whether as a training platform or a serious competition car in junior rally series, the A290 Rallye stands out as one of the first truly motorsport-ready EV hatchbacks.
