by Two electric vehicles from different corners of the world have unexpectedly become visual twins. This is about the unique Alpine A290 Tour de Corse and the custom Firefly APW Storm Eye. Both hatchbacks combine modern electric mobility with retro racing aesthetics.
Common design features
Both models use the same visual formula: bright yellow color combined with black-and-white graphics, white alloy wheels, and LED elements in a rally style.
Firefly Storm Eye by APW
The Chinese part of this “brotherly” duo debuted at the Guangzhou Auto Show in November 2025. This is the Firefly Storm Eye, created by the tuning studio APW (Active Planet Walk). The project aimed to demonstrate the customization potential of the Firefly electric vehicle, which belongs to NIO.
In addition to the Storm Gold livery, black stripes, and white wheels, the model received a coilover suspension and a carbon fiber body kit. It includes wheel arch extensions, a front splitter, side skirts, a rear diffuser, and a massive rear wing.
Furthermore, a pair of custom roof rails makes the hatchback compatible with a Thule roof box for transporting additional equipment on rally stages. The interior combines white upholstery with yellow stitching and matching seat belts.
There is no information about performance improvements, so it can be assumed that the hatchback retained the standard electric motor with 141 hp (105 kW) and 200 Nm of torque, powered by a 42.1 kWh battery.
Alpine A290 Tour de Corse by SAMM.O
The French model is a unique work by automotive photographer and designer Oscar Molero (SAMM.O) in collaboration with Atelier Alpine Barcelona. It is called the Alpine A290 Tour de Corse tribute and is a modern interpretation of one of the brand’s most famous racing liveries.
The exterior is finished in a yellow shade similar to the Renault 5. However, in the case of the Alpine, it is combined with black-and-white stripes on the profile. Other features include a black hood with a white line along the edges, yellow accents on the lower part of the body, a Tour de Corse inscription on the charging port, and white “Snowflake” wheels with red brake calipers.
Post shared by Oscar Molero | Automotive (@samm.o)
Regarding performance, the Alpine A290 based on the R5 is equipped with a front electric motor producing up to 215 hp (160 kW) and 300 Nm of torque, combined with a 52 kWh battery.
Who did it better?
Although the Firefly technically crossed the finish line of its public debut first, the Alpine project has an advantage in historical authenticity. The livery of the French hatchback is directly inspired by the 1975 A110 Tour de Corse rally car, following the example of the limited series A110 Tour de Corse 75 from 2022.
Nevertheless, it is nice to see Chinese automakers experimenting with racing styles. We hope that more such projects will make it to series production, rather than remaining mere exhibits at auto shows.
Post shared by firefly (@firefly.car)
These two projects demonstrate how global automotive culture, despite geographical distances, can give rise to surprisingly similar ideas. The Chinese Firefly APW Storm Eye focuses on modern tuning and functionality, while the Alpine A290 Tour de Corse is deeply rooted in rally history. Both cars, although from different worlds, equally successfully convey the spirit of competition and nostalgia, proving that electric vehicles can be not only environmentally friendly but also emotional and stylish. Their appearance testifies to the growing interest in customizing electric cars and a return to the origins of motorsport in a new, electric form.
