Oof: new Alpine A290 Rallye breaks cover

There’s plenty of untapped potential in the Alpine A290. That much was clear on the international test drive: the chassis could be pointier, the performance amped up, the overall attitude exaggerated. It was very good, though clearly with more to come. And already we have some idea of what that might look like, with the debut of this Alpine A290 Rallye. 

It’s a dedicated competition car for now, though with fairly limited modifications compared to the road model, so it’s hard not to think about a stripped-out Alpine – maybe with the bucket seats and a cage – for the showroom. This Rallye doesn’t qualify for a set rally car class, for example, in a way that the new Opel Mokka GSE does; instead, it’s being pitched as something to race in one-make Alpine events and ‘local competitions’. There will be an Alpine rally for the Rallye in 2025, with ‘high-level technical and sporting support’ on offer along with charging. Exact detail on that will follow. 

As for the car itself, the Rallye uses the same 220hp/221lb setup as the GTS, though now with a ZF limited-slip diff for the front axle. Alpine suggests that the ‘gearbox and the electronic management system have been updated’ to take account of the new hardware. There’s also all the good stuff you’d want from something motorsporty, with springs and dampers from ALP Suspension, six-piston monoblock calipers on 350mm front discs and the Evo Corse wheels that should be on every tarmac rally car. A hydraulic handbrake ought to please the crowds, whether on stage or at Festival of Speed, where the Rallye makes its dynamic debut next week. Speaking of crowd-pleasing, a new sound technology will debut on this A290 to bring a bit of aural excitement to proceedings.

First outing for the Rallye will be at the Rallye Rouergue Rodez Aveyron Occitanie this weekend, where it’ll be on static display. Those at the Rallye Mont-Blac Morzine in September will also be able to see the Alpine up close. Those who want to get behind the wheel and compete will be asked for €60,000 (£52,000) plus VAT. That’s for ‘the complete, assembled, and painted car’ – hopefully they can make it look like an iconic Renault rally car of yesteryear…