French brands Lacoste and Alpine have joined forces to create an eye-catching electric rally car dubbed 'Beware of the Crocodile,' blending high performance with signature style in a one-off special edition.
- Electric rally car with 220 hp and 236-mile range
- Unique Lacoste-inspired design with croc patterns inside and out
- Collaboration highlights French heritage in fashion and motorsport
What happened
Lacoste, the iconic French clothing brand, has partnered with Alpine, a renowned French automaker, to present a special edition of the A290 Rallye electric car called 'Beware of the Crocodile.' This collaboration showcases a one-off vehicle featuring Lacoste’s signature crocodile motif applied extensively on the car’s body and interior. Beyond its striking aesthetics, the car maintains its mechanical integrity, powered by a 220 horsepower electric motor and equipped with a 52-kWh battery providing a range of approximately 236 miles. Suspension and braking components are upgraded to suit rally driving, emphasizing performance alongside style.
The vehicle is more than a showpiece; it remains fully drivable and race-ready with advanced features like ALP Racing shocks, Michelin Pilot Sport tires, and powerful brakes. The car’s design blends racing elements—such as a diffuser, roof air intake, and wide arches—with a fashionable red and white livery inspired by Parisian style. Inside the cabin, Lacoste’s influence is prevalent, with the croc emblem featured on door panels, dashboard, steering wheel, seatbelts, and seats, creating the impression of being surrounded by the brand’s iconic motif.
Why it feels good
This collaboration feels authentic because both Lacoste and Alpine share French heritage and a reputation for performance, albeit in different fields—fashion and motorsport. Instead of feeling like a mere branding exercise, the project reflects a genuine culture of innovation and attention to detail. The car's confident embrace of its electric powertrain further signals a maturing electric motorsport scene where electric cars can be practical yet fun and stylish.
The special edition highlights how style and performance can coexist without compromise. It challenges outdated notions that electric race cars must choose between functionality and personality. The Lacoste treatment amplifies the car’s presence, turning it into a moving piece of wearable art on wheels. The project also sparks imagination about the future where fashion and automotive industries creatively intersect.
What to enjoy or watch next
While the Lacoste x Alpine A290 Rallye is a unique, one-off creation unlikely to enter mass production, it opens doors to more experimentation between lifestyle brands and electric vehicle designers. Fans of electric motorsport can appreciate how this vehicle demonstrates that EVs can maintain competitive performance while also exploring new aesthetic possibilities inspired by fashion.
Keep an eye on future collaborations and limited editions combining style and green technology, as this partnership points toward an exciting trend. Whether on the racetrack or at events like Paris Fashion Week, the blending of performance and design will continue fascinating enthusiasts who appreciate both speed and sartorial flair.