Motorsports are shifting gears, and it’s not just about raw power anymore. Electric vehicles are now making a serious impact on the racing scene. Alpine is jumping into this new era with a bang, unveiling their A290 Rallye. This is their very first all-electric race car built specifically for customers who want to hit the rally stages. It’s a bold move, turning the page for competitive electric racing.
The A290 Rallye isn’t just another car. It’s Alpine’s special way of marking their 70th anniversary. They want this car to be a welcoming entry point into the world of electric rally. It’s about letting more people discover rally racing, bringing in new sponsors, and showing off what the A290 can really do. This car truly embodies the racing spirit that Jean Rédélé envisioned when he founded Alpine. It meets all the latest racing rules, making it ready to race right away.
This new rally car is designed to be super versatile. It can show its strengths in many different types of events. Whether it’s a series where everyone drives the same car or a wider, open competition, the A290 Rallye is set to impress.
To kick things off, Alpine is putting together a unique rally challenge in France later this year. A select group of drivers will get their hands on the first A290 Rallye cars. Alpine is throwing its full support behind this challenge. They’ll offer top-notch technical and sports help, along with special prizes. Competitors will find a dedicated Alpine-themed area at these events, complete with special charging stations. Different green energy sources will be used to power these stations, depending on the location. Beyond this main challenge, drivers can also use their A290 Rallye cars in local races on their own.
Alpine dealerships will even get their own special competition. This gives the brand’s sales network a fantastic way to connect with the A290 Rallye drivers and teams. All these events will clearly show the full potential of Alpine Racing’s first electric sportscar. It’s a powerful way to keep the brand’s passion and tradition for motorsports alive and roaring into the future.
Built for the Track
Let’s dive into what makes this electric rally machine tick. Alpine built the competition version of the A290 to meet all the strict safety needs for race teams. It features a strong, welded safety cage and Sabelt bucket seats. Both of these parts follow the newest rules set by the FIA, which is the main governing body for racing.
The electric motor sends 220 horsepower and 300 Newton-meters of torque to the front wheels. A special ZF limited-slip differential helps manage this power for excellent performance. The gearbox and the electronic control system have both been updated for racing. The A290 Rallye also has the newest electric monitoring systems. These make sure the electric technology works perfectly during a race.
Braking is crucial for rally cars. Up front, it uses large 6-piston monobloc calipers with 350mm discs. At the back, there are 1-piston calipers and 280mm discs. Alpine Racing created a special ABS system just for this race car. To round out the braking system, it includes the essential hydraulic handbrake, perfect for sharp turns.
The A290 Rallye starts with the excellent frame of the regular A290 car. Alpine Racing then adapted many components for the demanding world of competition. It has a specific suspension setup with ALP Racing Suspension dampers. Special EVO Corse 8×18-inch wheels are fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport A tires.
One cool feature: sound matters in rally, both for the fans watching and the drivers inside. The A290 Rallye has a new, clever system. It makes a sound that changes with the car’s speed and how much the driver presses the accelerator. No silent electric ghost here.
The Alpine A290 Rallye already has a busy schedule ahead. After its big reveal, it will make its first public run at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, which takes place from July 10-13. Then, it will be present at the Rallye Mont-Blanc Morzine, from September 4-6. We’re still waiting for news on the exact price for this exciting new car.