THE MODERN INTERPRETATION OF THE ICONIC RENAULT 5, THE ALPINE A290, DEBUTS AT FOS.
In a symphony of heritage and innovation, Alpine is rolling into the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2024, and it's bringing a brilliant and interesting lineup that spans the golden days of motorsport to the cutting-edge future of electric performance. First on the docket is the UK dynamic debut of the Alpine A290 – the brand’s first foray into the electric sports car arena. This isn’t just another EV; it’s a 220 bhp marvel that promises to uphold Alpine’s legacy of speed and agility. Fresh off its world premiere at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the A290 is set to strut its stuff on Goodwood’s famed 1.16-mile hill, giving us a tantalizing glimpse of Alpine’s electrified future. So far the feedback we’ve seen online about this car makes us think it could be one of those models that will catapult the brand into an even more mainstream market. It has the dimensions and setup of the original hot hatches from back when these things started up in the late 70s. That's just the tip of the iceberg though, Alpine’s presence at Goodwood will be nothing short of monumental. We’re talking about a fleet that includes the stylish but quite brutal A110 Pikes Peak challenger, the futuristic Alpenglow concept, and the BWT Alpine F1 Team showcar. And that’s just scratching the surface. The Legends of Alpine will see Alpine’s storied past well-represented, too. The 1975 A110 Group 4 Tour de Corse rally car, the RS10 F1 car, and the mighty A442 endurance racer are all part of the display. These aren’t just relics; they’re legends that have left indelible marks on motorsport history. The RS10, with its twin-turbocharged V6, was a game-changer in F1, and the A442B’s radical design helped it conquer the endurance racing world. The A110 Pikes Peak car, with its aero-optimized 500bhp setup, will be there to remind us that Alpine’s focus on lightweight, high-performance engineering is as sharp as ever. And then there’s the Alpenglow concept – a vision of high-performance motoring powered by hydrogen. It’s a glimpse into a future where sustainability and speed aren’t mutually exclusive.
Alpine isn’t just about looking back with nostalgia; it’s about forging ahead with innovation. The BWT Alpine F1 Team showcar will be piloted by Alpine’s Academy drivers – Jack Doohan, Kush Maini, and Sophia Floersch – showcasing the talent that’s steering the future of Alpine in motorsport. Another showstopper in the ‘First Glance’ feature is the A110 R Le Mans, limited to just 100 examples. This exclusive model will parade alongside the rest of the A110 range, including the A110 S, A110 GT, A110 R, and A110 Enstone. Each of these models embodies Alpine’s commitment to blending elegance with exhilarating performance. Alpine is also set to unveil the A110 Atelier personalization program. This initiative takes customization to new heights, offering 26 brand-new body colours inspired by Alpine’s rich history. Combine these with a selection of exclusive alloy wheels and brake calipers, and you’ve got a recipe for bespoke automotive art. Visitors can also get hands-on with the Alpine experience. Test your skills on the Alpine simulator, and the fastest driver will win an Alpine experience at Thruxton. Plus, Alpine merchandise will be available for those who want to take a piece of this legendary brand home. Nic Burnside, MD of Alpine Cars UK, couldn’t have put it better: “Alpine always brings excitement to Goodwood, but this year will be particularly memorable. Together with truly astounding competition cars, Alpine will dynamically showcase how the brand is set to be more accessible and versatile than ever. The pure electric Alpine A290 appealing to a much-enlarged audience and demonstrating an exhilarating new direction for Alpine production models.” Alpine is not just showcasing cars; it’s putting on a masterclass in how to honour a rich heritage while blazing a trail into the future. From legendary rally cars to futuristic hydrogen concepts and groundbreaking electric sports cars, Alpine at Goodwood 2024 promises to be a spectacular celebration of speed, innovation, and timeless design. We love this modern Renault 5, here’s hoping it becomes a success.
Take a look at the YouTube video from when a pre-production version of this awesome new little A290 from Alpine Cars did the rounds with various media outlets and journos. We have to admit, this is an EV we quite like: New Renault 5 GT Turbo returns for 2024 // Alpine A290 First Look Review | The Late Brake Shot
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