A Crocodile Collaboration
This is no ordinary special edition. Dubbed 'Beware of the Crocodile', the car is a collaboration with fellow French brand Lacoste, known for its iconic crocodile logo. This partnership has produced a truly unique vehicle, designed as a showpiece to celebrate
the launch of the A290 and a new clothing collection from the two brands. The one-off concept takes the A290 Rallye variant, aimed at customers interested in electric motorsport, and pushes its design to playful, eye-catching extremes. While you won't be able to buy this exact car, it serves as a powerful statement about Alpine's creative direction and its desire to blend performance with high fashion and design.
The Retro-Futuristic Wheels
The most immediately striking feature is the set of clean, white aerodisc wheels. These are more than just fancy hubcaps; aerodiscs are a deliberate nod to motorsport history, particularly the rally and endurance racing cars of the 1980s. Functionally, these discs are designed to smooth the airflow around the wheels, reducing aerodynamic drag which can improve efficiency and stability at speed. In the context of a modern electric vehicle like the A290, using this retro-tech is a brilliant stylistic choice. It visually connects Alpine's rally heritage with its electric future, creating a look that is both nostalgic and forward-thinking. The solid white finish makes them impossible to ignore, anchoring the car's bespoke design.
More Than Just Wheels
Beyond the wheels, the 'Beware of the Crocodile' concept is full of custom details. The car is finished in a matte bluish-white paint, with redesigned bumpers in forged carbon fiber. The front headlights have been replaced with body-colored panels featuring a single red LED slash, and the square rally lights display both the Alpine and Lacoste logos. The theme continues with some truly wild touches, including a graphic on the hood depicting crocodiles swimming in a red pool, and a large, translucent croc head integrated into the rear spoiler. The interior is even more dramatic, finished almost entirely in red fabric to create the feeling of being inside the crocodile's mouth. In a nod to the collaboration, 290 crocodile logos are hidden throughout the vehicle.
The Foundation: The Alpine A290
Underneath the wild exterior is the Alpine A290, the brand's first all-electric model and a critical part of its future. Based on the acclaimed Renault 5, the A290 is a sporty electric city car, or 'hot hatch'. It aims to prove that EVs can be fun, agile, and full of character. It comes in several trims, with power outputs up to 220 horsepower, allowing for a 0-62 mph time of 6.4 seconds. The chassis has been specifically tuned by Alpine for sharp handling, and all versions come with 19-inch wheels and an F1-inspired steering wheel to enhance the sporty feel. With a range of up to 236 miles and fast-charging capability, it's designed to be a practical daily driver with a performance edge.
A Statement of Brand Identity
Creating a one-off concept like this is a savvy business move for Alpine. It generates immense buzz and clearly communicates the brand's values: a deep connection to its French roots and motorsport history, a focus on design and personality, and a commitment to making its electric future exciting. The collaboration with a globally recognized fashion brand like Lacoste elevates Alpine's visibility beyond the typical automotive audience. This project isn't just about a car with cool wheels; it's about building a narrative for the A290, positioning it not just as a machine, but as a piece of desirable, high-performance culture. It's a signal that even as cars go electric, the passion for driving and expressive design will remain at the core of the Alpine identity.
