What happens when a French sports car brand and a legendary fashion brand join forces? The result is a rather wild one-off: "Beware of the Crocodile – Alpine Lacoste A290 Rallye".
The concept car combines classic automotive genes with the unmistakable design of the Lacoste brand. The design teams used a very special detail as a visual spark: the bright red color of the crocodile tongue.
The electric A290 is already clear at first glance that it was designed for the racetrack – albeit in a very minimalist and modern design. The track is wider, the fenders are flared, and at the rear there is a powerful diffuser with an imposing spoiler. It also has an air intake on the roof and a lot of visible carbon. The body design of the concept vehicle draws inspiration from the classic styling features of historic rally cars, but expresses them in a graphically simplified design language.
Significant exterior changes include a wider track, specially shaped wheels and wider fenders. To meet aerodynamic and thermal requirements, the model is equipped with a large rear diffuser, a prominent roof air intake and a prominent rear spoiler. Visible carbon fiber is also used in various parts of the body.
The exterior paintwork is a bluish white shade, the surface structure of which has a mineral texture due to the embedded particles. The design of the light signature on the front has been adapted to resemble the shape of crocodile eyes. Numerous graphic applications, created in collaboration between the two design teams, are also distributed throughout the body. In total, exactly 290 stylized crocodile logos were incorporated into the overall design of the vehicle.
Inside the Alpine, however, things get really extreme: a monochromatic, all-red color scheme dominates. It almost feels like you're sitting directly in the jaws of a crocodile. The seats and door panels are upholstered in the classic "Petit Piqué" fabric, known from the famous Lacoste polo shirts – with matching embroidery by the traditional Potencier workshop.
The interior is also distinguished by a functional contrast between technical surfaces and soft materials. The various load-bearing structural elements in the cockpit are anodized in red. The rally seat shells contain components manufactured by ERPRO using a 3D printing process.
This additive manufacturing method made it possible to produce mesh structures that, in line with lightweight construction principles, reduce the weight of the seat components without compromising structural integrity or seating comfort. Weight reduction was a key design consideration, as mass directly affects the dynamic behavior of a vehicle while driving.
Behind the designer façade of this unique vehicle lies solid technology. The chassis has been completely reworked for greater rigidity and precision, and the wheel suspension has been specially developed for the demanding use of rallying. The aerodynamic elements are not just for decoration, but also provide real underpressure and cooling of the mechanical components at high speeds.
Improvements have also been made to the drivetrain: a tailored steering system provides exceptionally direct response, while special electronic settings ensure that power is not reduced even in extreme conditions. In line with the car, a joint fashion collection is also available, with polo shirts, windbreakers and accessories, designed to ensure the perfect transition between the tennis court and the racetrack. The latter is represented by Pierre Gasly, F1 driver for the Alpine team.
