A 280-Horsepower Alfa Romeo Challenges the Alpine A290

The Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce is set to feature a 100% electric engine delivering 280 hp and aims at Alpine.

Even if enthusiasts of the old A and Quadrifoglio may shed a tear, there’s no need to get overly emotional about the 100% electric direction chosen by Alpine and Alfa Romeo. These two brands simply have no choice. And they are not alone. Porsche sells its Taycan like hotcakes packed with power, and Ferrari is preparing a 100% electric model costing over 500,000 euros, with orders filling up even without any data on the model, other than the fact it will bear the Cavalino Rampante and emerge from the Maranello factory. If these two absolute references are trading Octane for Watt, it would be blind to deny the revolution the automotive industry has embarked on.

Compared to its technical base, the 100% electric Renault 5 E-Tech, the Alpine A290 offers completely revised suspension, wider tracks by 60 mm, stiffer spring/damper units, and Brembo braking. The 19-inch wheels are standard across all trims. There are four trims available, each with distinct specifications. Two feature 180 hp (GT and GT Premium), while two others boast 220 hp (GT Performance and GTS). That’s good, but is it enough?

Is Alpine underpowered?

For Alfa Romeo, the answer is a categorical no. The Junior will transition to a 100% electric version with no less than 280 hp / 207 kW in the Veloce variant. The dynamic development was carried out by the same Italian team of engineers responsible for creating unique projects such as the 4C, 8C, Giulia & Stelvio Quadrifoglio, Giulia GTA, and the current development of the 33 Stradale. It shouldn’t be too bad, in principle.

Alpine has already announced an entry-level price close to 35,000 euros, after bonuses, for the 180 hp version of the A290. This price is equivalent to that of the Junior Electric in 156 hp version. So what about the sportier versions? While the A290 has the advantage of power in its entry-level version, the Junior significantly outperforms in its sports version. The competition promises to be magnificent, as behind these two brands are Stellantis and the Renault Group challenging each other.

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