Currently reading: Alpine A290 Rallye brings limited-slip diff and exterior speaker

New competition version of Renault 5-based electric hot hatch is priced from equivalent of £52k

Alpine has lifted the covers off a rally-ready version of its Renault 5-based A290 electric hot hatch.

Priced from €59,990 (£52,000 excluding VAT), the A290 Rallye has been extensively modified for competition use, with a stripped-out interior, a rollcage and bucket seats among the changes.

It also gains a limited-slip differential to better distribute its 217bhp and 221lb ft of torque between its front wheels.

This has resulted in tweaks to the A290’s reduction gearing, as well as its control software.

An exterior speaker is included to provide rally spectators with sound.

Braking has too been upgraded: the front discs now measure 350mm in diameter, rather than 320mm on the standard A290, and are fitted with six-piston calipers. The rear discs are slightly smaller than before, at 280mm.

A hydraulic handbrake is also fitted to help competition drivers navigate tight bends.

New ALP Racing Suspension dampers are included to cope with the rough-and-tumble of stage rallying and the standard wheels are replaced with 18in Evo Corse items shod with Michelin Pilot Sport A rubber.

The A290 Rallye will make its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, where it will be run up the estate’s hillclimb.

Alpine will also stage a one-make rally for the new car, backing competitors with factory support and the necessary charging infrastructure.

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Charlie Martin

Charlie Martin Autocar
Title: Staff Writer

As part of Autocar’s news desk, Charlie plays a key role in the title’s coverage of new car launches and industry events. He’s also a regular contributor to its social media channels, creating content for Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook and Twitter.

Charlie joined Autocar in July 2022 after a nine-month stint as an apprentice with sister publication What Car?, during which he acquired his gold-standard NCTJ diploma with the Press Association.

He is the proud owner of a Mk4 Mazda MX-5 but still feels pangs of guilt over selling his first car, a Fiat Panda 100HP.

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xxxx 3 July 2025

Alpine seem to have a habit of this, base car plus go faster stripes, limited edition, extra special limited edition, very very Limited edition RR.... etc.

Ohter than it's own one off one make rally it's going to have pretty limited use.

Bob Cat Brian 3 July 2025
xxxx wrote:

Alpine seem to have a habit of this, base car plus go faster stripes, limited edition, extra special limited edition, very very Limited edition RR.... etc.

Ohter than it's own one off one make rally it's going to have pretty limited use.

AKA The Porsche Model Strategy

Peter Cavellini 3 July 2025

If I was spending this amount on a car, a car I'd use for fun, I'd sooner buy something second hand that's more interesting than an EV which simulates what an ICE powered car does for that kind of money.

289 3 July 2025

I wonder if you can play Ice Crean van jingles through the exterior speaker?