Alpine A290 Rallye bows in France

Alpine has updated its A290 lineup with a new version called Rallye. The five-door electric hot hatch is being positioned as a ride of choice for the racing enthusiasts who are just starting out. It costs €59,990 and has no major powertrain differences from the stock A290.

The biggest changes took place in the chassis and suspension department. ALP Racing shocks were installed all around, the brakes at the front were upgraded to 350mm (13.67”) discs with six-piston calipers, and 18-inch Evo Corse wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport A tires were slotted into the arches. The anti-brake lock system was recalibrated, and a track-friendly hydraulic handbrake was added.

Inside, homologated bucket seats from Sabelt and a roll cage sum up the main changes. Since the car runs silently on electric power, it comes equipped with an externally mounted sound generator for warning pedestrians. The soundtrack changes dynamically based on the current acceleration and pedal use.

Like the normal A290, the Rallye spec makes use of a single rear-mounted e-motor rated at 220 PS (217 hp / 162 kW) and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) of torque. There is  just one notable addition here: a reduction gear with a limited-slip differential developed by ZF.