Alpine and Lacoste have partnered to create a wild one-off A290 Rallye that pushes personalization into absurdist territory. The collaboration between the French automaker and the iconic fashion house resulted in a hot hatch covered in dozens of red crocodile mascots, referencing Lacoste's signature logo.
The A290 Rallye serves as Alpine's entry into the modern hot hatch wars. The base model packs a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 220 horsepower, putting it in direct competition with the Hyundai i30 N and Ford Fiesta ST in markets where it's sold. Alpine targets buyers who want affordable performance without bloated luxury features.
This collaboration model takes that formula and amplifies it for shock value. The hood sports swimming crocodiles in angry red paint, matching an equally striking interior. The cabin apparently delivers one of the most aggressive red color schemes ever fitted to a production-based vehicle, transforming the modest A290 into a rolling statement piece.
One-off collaborations like this serve multiple purposes in automotive marketing. They generate social media buzz, reinforce brand partnerships, and create memorable talking points at motor shows. For Alpine, still rebuilding its brand presence after decades of dormancy, any visibility matters. For Lacoste, the partnership appeals to a demographic that sees cars as fashion accessories.
The A290 Rallye itself targets enthusiasts who value handling and engagement over raw power. Its lightweight platform and sharp steering geometry deliver genuine driver involvement in everyday driving. Alpine positions the car as a modern spiritual successor to the A110, the brand's legendary lightweight roadster from the 1970s.
Whether the crocodile-covered hood translates to actual sales remains unclear. The one-off nature means this specific car won't hit the market. However,