An All-French Affair
The partner in this surprising venture is none other than Lacoste, the iconic French brand synonymous with its crocodile logo and preppy sportswear. This collaboration brings together two pillars of French heritage: Alpine's motorsport prowess and Lacoste's
legacy of sporting style. The project was unveiled in June 2026 in Paris and includes both a one-off concept car, officially named the 'Beware of the Crocodile - Alpine Lacoste A290 Rallye', and a complementary capsule clothing collection. The partnership aims to celebrate French ingenuity by merging the worlds of the racetrack and the tennis court, drawing on the visionary legacies of their respective founders, Jean Rédélé and René Lacoste.
Decoding the 'Shock Treatment'
So, what makes this car a 'shock'? The treatment is most dramatic on the inside. The entire cabin is drenched in a monochromatic bright red, a bold design choice meant to feel like you are stepping into the crocodile's mouth. This immersive red is inspired by the tongue of Lacoste's famous reptilian mascot. The seats and door panels are upholstered in the same 'petit piqué' fabric used for Lacoste's classic polo shirts, while the rally-style bucket seats feature lightweight 3D-printed structures. The exterior is a stark contrast, finished in a special white paint with subtle blue hints meant to evoke snowy Alpine landscapes, a nod to the car brand's origins. And in a playful touch, there are no fewer than 290 hidden crocodile logos integrated throughout the vehicle's design, from the light signatures to a resin crocodile that appears to emerge from the parcel shelf.
A Rally Car at Heart
Beneath the high-fashion veneer lies a serious performance machine. The concept is based on the A290 Rallye, a competition-focused version of Alpine's new A290 electric hot hatch. The base A290, which itself is a sportier version of the new Renault 5, is Alpine's first foray into the all-electric market. It’s a compact, five-door city car designed to blend everyday practicality with the brand's signature agility and performance. The production models offer up to 217 horsepower, capable of a 0-to-100 km/h sprint in 6.4 seconds. The Lacoste concept car builds on this with a widened track, aggressive spoilers, and exposed carbon-fibre elements, emphasizing its motorsport DNA. While this specific rally version is a one-off concept and not for sale, it serves to highlight the performance potential of the A290 platform.
More Than Just a Car
This collaboration is a strategic move for both brands. For Alpine, it’s about broadening its appeal beyond pure performance enthusiasts to a more style-conscious audience. By linking its first electric car with a globally recognised fashion powerhouse, Alpine is making a statement that its electric future is not just about speed, but also about design and lifestyle. The project was launched with a short film titled "Le Test," starring French actor Pierre Niney and BWT Alpine Formula One team driver Pierre Gasly, further cementing the connection between performance, celebrity, and style. For Lacoste, it reinforces its roots in high-performance sport while venturing into the dynamic world of automotive design. The accompanying capsule collection of polo shirts, T-shirts, and accessories allows fans to buy into the collaboration, even if the car itself remains a showpiece.
