SpeedSUVs.com – The intersection of automotive design and fashion has long yielded fascinating results, but the latest collaboration between French performance-car manufacturer Alpine and iconic fashion brand Lacoste takes things to a completely new level. Known as the Alpine Lacoste A290 Rallye, this unique creation is a wild, playful, and incredibly detailed reimagining of Alpine’s electric hot hatch. Dubbed the ‘Beware of the Crocodile’ edition, this vehicle leans heavily into the signature branding of both French companies, resulting in one of the most eye-catching design studies seen in recent years.
The Trend of Automaker and Fashion Collaborations
Automotive partnerships with prominent clothing and lifestyle brands have become highly popular in the modern car industry. Manufacturers frequently look to fashion labels to bring fresh perspectives, unique materials, and cultural relevance to their vehicle lineups. For instance, Ford is preparing to launch the rugged Bronco Filson Edition, while Mini previously collaborated with Deus Ex Machina to produce a pair of highly sporty concepts. Even luxury segments have embraced this trend, as seen when BMW teamed up with streetwear label Kith to create a highly exclusive version of the high-performance XM SUV. The partnership between Alpine and Lacoste fits perfectly into this tradition, though it pushes the boundaries of playful, thematic design much further than typical collaborations.
A Highly Customized Exterior Design
At first glance, the ‘Beware of the Crocodile’ A290 Rallye sets itself apart from the standard production A290 with a striking and clean color palette. The hatchback features a matte bluish-white exterior paint job that is paired with clean, minimalist white aerodisc wheels. However, the changes go far deeper than a simple paint job, as both the front and rear of the vehicle have undergone complete redesigns to integrate high-end materials and custom branding.
The front bumper now incorporates a distinctive white panel featuring debossed Lacoste branding. This panel is housed within a prominent rectangle of forged carbon fiber, which also integrates functional vents designed to cool the electric powertrain. At the rear, the vehicle features a massive white diffuser set inside its own matching forged carbon fiber housing, giving the hatchback an aggressive, track-ready stance. A large, prominent rear spoiler further enhances the vehicle’s aerodynamic profile.
The lighting elements have also been thoroughly modified to match the custom theme. The standard headlights have been replaced with body-colored panels that feature a single, sharp red LED slash. Meanwhile, the square rally lights, which normally feature an X-shaped design on the standard production car, have been customized to showcase the Alpine logo on one side and the Lacoste logo on the other. This body-colored styling extends to the taillights, which present a clean look with thin, vertical red lighting elements.
An Abundance of Crocodiles
The most defining characteristic of this collaboration is the sheer number of crocodiles integrated into the design—totaling 290 crocodiles across the vehicle. The hood, which typically features a standard rectangular trim piece with an Alpine badge under a clear cover, has been transformed. It now showcases a vibrant red pool containing three angry-looking crocodiles swimming across the surface.
Moving toward the rear, the traditional rear window has been entirely removed. In its place, a large, translucent red crocodile head pokes out, stretching onto the rear spoiler with a snarling, menacing expression. Adding to this aquatic reptile theme, a small white fin has been placed on the roof of the car, specifically designed to mimic the look of a crocodile’s scaly back cutting through the surface of the water.
Step Inside the Crocodile’s Mouth
The interior of the Alpine Lacoste A290 Rallye is just as radical as the exterior. Alpine describes the cabin’s design concept as being crafted ‘as if the driver were literally stepping into the crocodile’s mouth.’ To achieve this effect, the entire interior is finished in a bold, monochromatic red theme.
The custom racing bucket seats are a highlight of the cabin, featuring an intricate 3-D-printed latticework structure. For the seat pads and door panels, the designers utilized a specific fabric that Lacoste normally reserves for its premium clothing line. This same material is wrapped around the steering wheel, which also features a contrasting green stripe at the 12 o’clock position to help the driver maintain orientation. To complete the thematic takeover, the dashboard is plastered with dozens of classic Lacoste crocodile patches in a wide variety of sizes, while a special Alpine x Lacoste logo adorns the inner door panels.
Pros and Cons of the Alpine Lacoste A290 Rallye
Pros
- Highly Unique Aesthetic: The vehicle stands out as an incredibly creative and playful design showcase that successfully merges the worlds of sport fashion and automotive design.
- Premium Material Choices: The extensive use of forged carbon fiber, 3-D-printed seat structures, and authentic Lacoste clothing fabrics elevates the tactile and visual quality of the car.
- Exceptional Attention to Detail: From the custom LED rally lights to the 290 individual crocodile motifs, every inch of the car has been carefully considered.
Cons
- Polarizing Styling: The extreme crocodile theme and bright red interior may be considered overkill or too eccentric for mainstream automotive enthusiasts.
- Reduced Practicality: The complete removal of the rear window to accommodate the translucent red crocodile head severely limits rearward visibility, making it less practical for real-world driving.
Conclusion
The Alpine Lacoste A290 Rallye ‘Beware of the Crocodile’ is a bold, uncompromising demonstration of what happens when two distinct French brands unleash their creative freedom. While its polarizing aesthetic and reduced rear visibility make it less practical than a standard electric hatchback, it succeeds wildly as a unique collector’s statement and a masterclass in thematic design. For those who appreciate high-fashion collaborations that push boundaries, this wild hot hatch is a spectacular piece of automotive art.
