Alpine Unveils All-New Electric Rally Car for 2025 Season
Alpine has officially revealed an all-new electric rally car that is expected to make its competitive debut before the end of the 2025 season. This new model, called the A290 Rallye, is a rally version of the A290 road car, which itself is a performance-oriented derivative of the new Renault 5 electric vehicle. The A290 Rallye is designed to comply with the FIA’s eRally5 regulations, introduced in 2022 for cars based on two-wheel-drive production models with stock components such as the motor, inverter, and battery.
Alpine has a long-standing legacy in rally racing, most notably with the A110, which won the inaugural World Rally Championship manufacturers’ title in 1973. The A290 Rallye marks a significant milestone for the brand as it celebrates its 70th anniversary.
The A290 Rallye is positioned as a “gateway to electric competition,” with plans for a one-make single rally challenge in France this year. Following this, the car is expected to participate in open competitions, expanding its presence in the electric rally scene.
Key Specifications and Features
The A290 Rallye is powered by a 220 horsepower electric motor that delivers power to the front axle via a ZF limited-slip differential. The car also features a specialized suspension system equipped with ALP Racing Suspension shock absorbers, enhancing its performance on challenging rally tracks.
One of the most innovative aspects of the A290 Rallye is its sound-emitting system. This technology allows the car to produce sounds that correlate with its speed and throttle position, addressing concerns about the lack of traditional engine noise in electric vehicles.
The A290 Rallye will make its public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed from July 10 to 13, followed by its appearance at the Rallye Mont-Blanc Morzine from September 4 to 6. The car is priced at €59,990, excluding VAT, for a complete assembled and painted unit.
A New Era for Electric Rally Racing
This announcement comes just weeks after Opel unveiled its own FIA eRally5 prototype, the Mokka GSE Rally car. Both developments highlight the growing interest in electric rally racing and the commitment of automotive manufacturers to explore new technologies in motorsport.
The introduction of the A290 Rallye also aligns with broader trends in the industry, including the WRC 2027 regulations, which are attracting attention from tuners and manufacturers alike. These regulations aim to create a more sustainable and technologically advanced platform for rally racing, further emphasizing the shift toward electrification.
As Alpine prepares to take the A290 Rallye onto the global stage, the car represents not only a tribute to the brand’s heritage but also a forward-looking vision for the future of rally racing. With its blend of performance, innovation, and sustainability, the A290 Rallye is poised to become a key player in the evolving world of electric motorsport.
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