Lacoste and Alpine have teamed up to create a unique rally car that combines sporty elegance, mechanical performance, and cultural storytelling in a smart and sustainable approach.
A Shared Language of Movement
Unveiled on June 29, 2026, the collaboration between Lacoste and Alpine is based on a clear guiding principle: to create a dialogue between sporty elegance and high mechanical performance. This unique project centers on an exclusive model named “Beware of the Crocodile – Alpine Lacoste A290 Rallye” and is accompanied by a one-of-a-kind capsule clothing collection. The collection is showcased in the short film “The Test,” produced by Ninety Films, which features a subtle face-off between actor Pierre Niney and race car driver Pierre Gasly. (media.alpinecars.com)
Heritage as a Creative Driving Force
Far from being a mere logo collaboration, this partnership draws its legitimacy from the roots of each brand. Alpine emphasizes that its sports division is the direct heir to the historic expertise of Dieppe, shaped by a culture of competition. For its part, Lacoste draws on its tennis DNA, from the creation of the legendary polo shirt in 1933 to the imagery of its famous crocodile. For both brands, sports go beyond mere decoration to become a true creative force. (media.alpinecars.com)
This partnership therefore seeks not only to design a vehicle’s exterior but also to convey a shared culture: one of precision and minimalist design. (media.alpinecars.com)
The A290 Rallye Through the Lens of Style
The cornerstone of the project, the Alpine A290 Rallye embodies the brand’s most radical vision, designed for customer racing. As the first 100% electric model dedicated to this program, it prioritizes compactness, agility, and responsiveness. Through the lens of this collaboration, its bodywork is transformed into a canvas for the Lacoste design studio. Touches of red—direct references to the brand’s iconic “crocodile”—coexist with a series of graphic motifs skillfully integrated into the vehicle’s lines. (media.alpinecars.com)
Despite this foray into the world of fashion, the engineering remains uncompromising. Wider track, prominent fenders, a racing spoiler, a diffuser, and roof air intakes: all these elements are built on a reinforced chassis, a specialized suspension, and a braking system tailored for racing. (media.alpinecars.com)
Attention to detail as a hallmark
Aesthetically, the design moves beyond a mere nod to the past to emphasize refinement. The white paint scheme, accented with shades of blue, draws inspiration from Alpine landscapes, playing on the reflections of snow and ice. The redesign of the headlight clusters reimagines the A290’s look, giving it an appearance reminiscent of a crocodile’s feline-like eyes. Inside the cabin, subtle crimson accents and bold textures structure the space with precision. (media.alpinecars.com)
The result is an elegant simplicity that brilliantly avoids the decorative excess so common in co-branding efforts within the luxury industry. (media.alpinecars.com)
The Screen and the Track: A Masterful Narrative
This dialogue between two worlds comes to life through the imagery and goes beyond a simple automotive showcase. The film “The Test” orchestrates a playful, humor-laced duel between Pierre Niney and Pierre Gasly. The casting choice demonstrates perfect coherence: the former has been an ambassador for the crocodile brand since 2024, while the latter races for the Alpine Formula 1 team while also representing the Lacoste collection. (corporate.lacoste.com)
This cross-brand storytelling confirms the transformation of these two French icons. Alpine is accelerating its transition to electric vehicles while strengthening its sporting roots, while Lacoste is asserting its status as a global cultural brand. But the true strength of this partnership lies in its longevity. Where many give in to the pressure to outdo one another, Alpine and Lacoste have created a work of precision and restraint. In a world saturated with logos, this quest for the right symbol is a quality that has become rare. media.alpinecars.com