Electric vehicles (EVs) have come a long way, but there’s one segment they haven’t quite conquered: the hot hatch. Enter the Alpine A290, a bold and exciting new contender that injects a jolt of performance into the world of electric city cars.

This isn’t your average EV; the Alpine A290 boasts a pedigree steeped in motorsport. Alpine, a French automaker with a rich racing heritage, has channeled its passion for driving dynamics into this feisty electric hatchback.

Let’s delve into what makes the A290 a game-changer for the electric hot hatch segment.

A Hot Hatch Heart with an Electric Soul

The A290 comes in two electric motor flavors: a punchy 180 horsepower (hp) version and a blistering 220 hp option. Both configurations send power to the front wheels, delivering a zippy and engaging driving experience. The 0-60 mph times are equally impressive, with the 180 hp model reaching it in a respectable 7.4 seconds, while the 220 hp variant rockets there in a mere 6.4 seconds. These figures put the A290 in the same league as established hot hatches like the Hyundai i20 N and the Volkswagen Polo GTI.

But the A290 isn’t just about straight-line speed. Alpine engineers have prioritized handling, ensuring the car feels sharp and responsive. The chassis is specifically tuned for a sporty driving experience, promising to carve corners with enthusiasm.

Adding to the thrill factor is the A290’s “overtake button.” This ingenious feature provides a temporary power boost, giving you that extra zip when you need to maneuver past slower traffic. It’s a motorsport-inspired touch that injects a dose of excitement into everyday driving.

Taking Inspiration from Renault, Refining it for Performance

The A290 isn’t built from scratch. It shares its platform with the Renault 5 E-Tech electric hatchback. However, Alpine has extensively reworked the platform to create a more performance-oriented vehicle. The suspension is stiffer, the steering is more direct, and the overall driving experience is noticeably sharper.

This approach allows Alpine to leverage the benefits of an existing platform while tailoring it to their specific performance goals. It’s a smart strategy that keeps development costs in check while delivering a truly distinctive driving experience.

Stepping Inside the A290: A Driver-Focused Haven

The A290’s interior prioritizes the driver. The sporty seats provide excellent support during spirited driving, while the steering wheel, with its Formula 1-inspired design, feels chunky and reassuring in your hands. The digital instrument cluster and central infotainment screen keep information readily available, minimizing distractions.

Despite the focus on performance, the A290 doesn’t neglect comfort. The cabin is well-appointed with high-quality materials and offers enough space for four adults. Additionally, Alpine has incorporated physical climate controls, a welcome respite from the touch-only interfaces prevalent in many modern cars.

A Bold Design that Turns Heads

The A290’s design language is a modern interpretation of Alpine’s classic sports car heritage. The sleek and aggressive lines hint at the car’s performance potential, while the signature Alpine swoosh adds a touch of brand recognition. The quad headlights at the front and the black diffuser at the back further enhance the car’s sporty character.

Overall, the A290’s design successfully blends sophistication and aggression. It’s a car that looks at home navigating city streets but also commands attention on the open road.

A Range Fit for Urban Adventures

While official range figures haven’t been released yet, experts estimate the A290 to offer a driving range of around 250 miles (402 km) on a single charge. This is more than enough for most daily commutes and weekend errands, making the A290 a practical and versatile choice for urban dwellers.

Furthermore, the A290 is likely to support fast charging, allowing you to quickly top up the battery during long journeys. This combination of decent range and fast charging capabilities makes the A290 a well-rounded EV that caters to the needs of modern drivers.

A Competitive Price for an Electric Hot Hatch Pioneer

The A290 is expected to start at a competitive price of around $36,000 (USD). This positions it favorably against other hot hatches, both electric and gasoline-powered. Considering the car’s performance pedigree, design, and practicality, the A290 offers exceptional value for money. It’s a compelling proposition for driving enthusiasts who are looking to make the switch to electric vehicles without sacrificing performance.

With its peppy acceleration, sharp handling, driver-focused interior, and head-turning design, the Alpine A290 is poised to be a game-changer in the electric hot hatch segment. It’s a car that injects excitement back into the electric vehicle world, proving that performance and eco-consciousness can go hand in hand.

Volkswagen is charging into the electric vehicle (EV) market with a vengeance. The ID.3 GTX is their latest, sporty hot hatch, combining thrilling performance with zero emissions. This powerful and stylish EV is set to shake up the market, offering drivers an exhilarating experience without gas guilt.

Electrifying Performance

The ID.3 GTX comes in two flavors: standard and Performance. Both versions boast a rear-mounted electric motor that delivers impressive power. The standard model produces a healthy 210 kW (282 horsepower) and 545 Nm (402 lb-ft) of torque, propelling the car from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in a brisk 6.0 seconds.

However, the ID.3 GTX Performance is the answer if you crave even more excitement. With 240 kW (322 horsepower) and 545 Nm (402 lb-ft) of torque on tap, it rockets from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in a mere 5.6 seconds. This is quicker than traditional gasoline-powered hot hatches, proving electric vehicles can be genuinely thrilling.

Impressive Range

Despite its sporty nature, the ID.3 GTX doesn’t compromise on range. Both variants come equipped with a generous 84 kWh (gross) battery pack, delivering an estimated WLTP range of approximately 600 kilometers (373 miles). This means you can enjoy an exhilarating performance without worrying about constant recharging.

Fast Charging Capability

The ID.3 GTX supports DC fast charging up to 175 kW, allowing you to replenish the battery quickly. Ideally, a 10-80% charge can be achieved in as little as 26 minutes. This makes long journeys convenient, eliminating the need for extended charging breaks.

Head-Turning Design

The ID.3 GTX isn’t just about power and range; it also boasts a head-turning design that sets it apart from the crowd. The sporty exterior features unique bodywork, including a redesigned front bumper with a larger air intake and distinctive boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lights. Gloss black accents throughout the car, from the mirror caps and side skirts to the rear diffuser, add a touch of menace. Standard 20-inch alloy wheels complete the aggressive stance.

Sporty Interior

The ID.3 GTX’s interior is designed for comfort and driver engagement. The electrically adjustable sport seats with integrated headrests provide excellent support during spirited driving. Red accents throughout the cabin create a sporty ambiance, while the high-quality materials ensure a premium feel.

Tech-Savvy Features

The ID.3 GTX comes loaded with technology to enhance your driving experience. A new 12.9-inch infotainment system takes center stage, offering intuitive control over navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings. A separate driving mode selector lever on the steering column lets you quickly switch between driving modes, customizing the car’s performance to your preferences.

A Hot Hatch for the Future

The Volkswagen ID.3 GTX is a compelling proposition for drivers seeking an electric vehicle with thrilling performance and everyday practicality. With its impressive power, extended range, fast charging capability, and stylish design, the ID.3 GTX is a hot hatch for the future.

Limited Availability

While the ID.3 GTX is generating excitement worldwide, it’s important to note that its availability is currently limited. As of now, Volkswagen has only confirmed its launch in Australia. However, with the growing demand for electric vehicles, it’s possible that the ID.3 GTX or a similar model could eventually make its way to other markets, including the United States.

In Conclusion

The Volkswagen ID.3 GTX is a significant step forward for electric vehicles. It proves EVs can be as exciting and engaging to drive as their gasoline-powered counterparts. With its impressive performance, extended range, stylish design, and tech-laden interior, the ID.3 GTX is a hot hatch that will turn heads and redefine the electric driving experience.

Ford has unveiled its latest electric performance demonstrator, the F-150 Lightning Switchgear, at an event in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Switchgear is a collaboration between Ford Performance and RTR Vehicles, founded by professional drifter Vaughn Gittin Jr. The Switchgear is based on the F-150 Lightning with the extended-range battery, but it has been modified to offer more off-road capability and track performance.

What is the F-150 Lightning Switchgear?

The Ford F-150 Lightning Switchgear concept vehicle showcases Ford’s vision for electric all-terrain performance. It is not available for purchase, but the public will see it for the first time at the grueling King of the Hammers off-road racing event starting Jan. 25 in Johnson Valley, California.

The Switchgear has a dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain that produces 580 horsepower and 775 pound-feet of torque from its 131.0-kWh battery pack. The battery pack also provides an estimated range of 320 miles in normal driving conditions. The Switchgear can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about four seconds and reach a top speed of over 130 mph.

The Switchgear features custom carbon bodywork with a Ford Performance livery and is underpinned with off-road upgrades to take the Ford F-150 Lightning where it’s never been before. It has an increased track width of 80 inches at both ends, compared to about 68 inches on the stock Lightning. This improves stability and approach and departure angles when tackling rough terrain.

The suspension on the Switchgear has also been enhanced with FOX three-inch diameter internal bypass shock absorbers, front and rear bumpers, custom independent double-wishbone suspension at the front, multilink independent suspension at the rear with coil-over shocks, stabilizer bar, and custom control arms. The truck also has carbon composite front fenders, bed sides and rear bumper cover. Steel-fabricated rock rails and a front skid plate are added to protect the vehicle from damage.

The tires on the Switchgear are NITTO Ridge Grappler 37×12.5R18s, which are designed for extreme off-road conditions. They have a rugged tread pattern that allows traction on mud, sand, rocks, and snow. The truck also features a unique chase rack with two spare wheels/tires in case of punctures or flats.

What are some of the features of the F-150 Lightning Switchgear?

The F-150 Lightning Switchgear has several features distinguishing it from other electric vehicles. Some of them are:

• Switchable Drivetrain Modes: The truck can switch between three different drive modes: Normal Mode for everyday driving; Off-Road Mode for tackling challenging terrain; and Track Mode for maximizing performance on paved roads.
• Active Terrain Management System: The truck can automatically adjust its traction control system according to the road conditions. It can send more power to either wheel or reduce engine braking when needed.
• Terrain Response System: Drivers can also customize the truck to suit their preferences on different terrains. It can choose from four preset modes: Normal; Mud & Sand; Rock Crawl; Snow.
• Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist Technologies: The truck has several advanced driver-assist technologies that enhance safety and convenience. Some of them are Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keeping System, Blind Spot Information System, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Centering Assist, Auto High Beams, and Wireless Charging Pad.

Why did Ford create the F-150 Lightning Switchgear?

Ford created the F-150 Lightning Switchgear as part of its Ford Performance Demonstrator program, which showcases new technologies and concepts that could be used in future electric vehicles. The program aims to push the boundaries of what electric vehicles can do on both road and track.

Ford’s CEO Jim Farley said that he wants Ford to be “the dominant brand in off-road racing” and “the dominant brand in road racing,” as Porsche does. He said electric vehicles have many advantages over gas-powered sports cars, such as instant torque delivery, lower emissions, higher efficiency, and lower maintenance costs.

Travel in Style and Comfort with the New Citroën ë-SpaceTourer

Do you love to travel with your family, friends, or colleagues? Do you want to enjoy the benefits of a spacious, versatile, and eco-friendly vehicle? Do you want to experience the smooth and quiet driving of an electric car? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you need to check out the new Citroën ë-SpaceTourer, the 9-seater MPV that combines comfort, connectivity, and style in a fully electric rolling lounge.

What is the Citroën ë-SpaceTourer?

The Citroën ë-SpaceTourer is the latest addition to the Citroën SpaceTourer range, which offers a variety of models for different needs and preferences. The ë-SpaceTourer is the 100% electric version, which means it has zero CO₂ emissions at tailpipe and a low environmental impact. It also has a range of up to 217 miles on the WLTP city cycle, which is enough for most daily journeys. And it can be charged up to 80% in 30 minutes using a 100kW rapid charging station, so you don’t have to worry about running out of power.

What are the benefits of the Citroën ë-SpaceTourer Electric?

The Citroën ë-SpaceTourer offers many benefits for travelers who value comfort, convenience, and style. Here are some of the main advantages of this electric MPV:

• Comfort: The Citroën ë-SpaceTourer has a spacious and modular interior that can accommodate up to 9 passengers. You can choose from two lengths: M (4.95m) and XL (5.30m), and adjust the seats and the boot volume according to your needs. The seats are also designed to provide high comfort and support, with reclining and sliding functions on some versions. The Citroën ë-SpaceTourer also has a smooth and quiet drive, thanks to the electric motor that delivers instant torque and power. And it has an ev suspension system that adapts to the road conditions and the load, ensuring a stable and comfortable ride.
• Connectivity: The Citroën ë-SpaceTourer has a state-of-the-art infotainment system that keeps you connected and entertained on the road. It has a large 10-inch HD central display that shows essential information such as speed, range, and charging status. It also has a wireless smartphone charger and a wireless smartphone mirroring function that lets you access your favorite apps and features via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. And it has a natural voice recognition system that lets you control the navigation, phone, media, and settings with simple voice commands.
• Style: The Citroën ë-SpaceTourer has a modern and elegant design that reflects its character and personality. The redesigned front end features the brand’s new logo and a distinctive grille. It also has LED daytime running lights and 17-inch alloy wheels that add to its dynamic and refined look. The Citroën ë-SpaceTourer is available in eight colors, including the exclusive Soft Sand, and has a range of customization options to suit your taste and style.

How can you get the Citroën ë-SpaceTourer Electric?

The Citroën ë-SpaceTourer is expected with prices starting from $49,500. You can choose from three trim levels: Business Edition, Feel, and Flair, each offering different features and equipment. You can also configure and order your new Citroën ë-SpaceTourer online, with a safe and secure transaction and a 14-day money-back guarantee.

If you are interested in the Citroën ë-SpaceTourer, you can sign up to receive the latest news and updates from Citroën. You can also book a test drive or make an inquiry with your nearest Citroën dealer.

Don’t miss this opportunity to travel in style and comfort with the new Citroën ë-SpaceTourer, the 9-seater MPV that combines comfort, connectivity, and style in a fully electric rolling lounge.