Revamped Alpine A290 GTS Evaluation: Invigorating the Tradition of High-Performance Hatchbacks
In the world of high-performance vehicles, Alpine has always been a brand synonymous with lightweight, agile performance machines. Founded by Jean Rédele in 1955, this French automobile manufacturer has carved a niche for itself, especially in the realm of motorsport.
One of Alpine's most famous rally-bred machines is the A110, a car model that brought the brand to international prominence. The A110, reimagined as a modern lightweight sports car, made a triumphant return in recent years. Another vehicle associated with Alpine is the Puma Gen-E.
Now, Alpine is making waves in the electric era. The A290 GTS, an electric vehicle, is a bold step forward, positioning itself as a more focused sibling to the Renault 5. Powered by a front-wheel-drive electric motor, the A290 GTS delivers 220 horsepower and 300 Nm of torque, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 170 km/h (approximately 106 mph).
Key technical and design details of the A290 GTS include compact dimensions, less than 4 meters long, 1.82 meters wide, and 1.52 meters high, with a muscular yet compact body. Its wider track and stiffer suspension contribute to enhanced cornering ability, making it particularly fun to drive on twisty roads.
The A290 GTS also boasts a blend of hydraulic and regenerative braking, a tight turning circle of just 10.2 meters, and an "Overtake" button that activates launch control and delivers instantaneous full-throttle boosts for brief periods. Additionally, it comes equipped with a 52 kWh usable battery allowing AC charging up to 11 kW and DC fast charging up to 100 kW, facilitating efficient recharging.
To enhance the driving experience, the A290 GTS introduces acoustic feedback to simulate engine and mechanical sounds, aiming to improve the driving sensation despite its electric powertrain.
Alongside the standard A290 GTS, Alpine offers the A290 Rallye variant, designed explicitly for competition use. It shares the same powertrain but adds a mechanical limited-slip differential and other performance tweaks, with a price starting around €59,990 (approximately £52,000).
In summary, the Alpine A290 GTS represents Alpine's first full-scale electric vehicle test, balancing sporty performance, modern electric technology, and playful handling suitable for real-world driving scenarios. As Alpine continues to specialize in performance vehicles, now including electric models, it remains a brand to watch in the ever-evolving automotive landscape.
- Alpine, a French automobile manufacturer known for its lightweight, agile performance machines, has ventured into the electric era with the A290 GTS, an electric vehicle that offers sporty performance and modern electric technology.
- The A290 GTS, a compact electric vehicle by Alpine, delivers a powerful 220 horsepower and 300 Nm of torque, ensuring swift acceleration and a top speed of approximately 106 mph.
- In addition to its impressive performance, the A290 GTS boasts a blend of hydraulic and regenerative braking, a tight turning circle, and an "Overtake" button for instant full-throttle boosts.
- Alpine has also introduced the A290 Rallye variant, designed for competition use, which shares the same powertrain as the A290 GTS but includes additional performance features, making it a formidable contender in the world of electric-vehicles and motorsport.
