Lacoste and Alpine join forces to create a unique rally car, the “Beware of the Crocodile,” coated in a red hue mirroring a crocodile’s tongue. This collaboration merges Alpine’s dedicated performance platform, the A290 Rallye, with Lacoste’s iconic design elements, culminating in a vehicle that embodies the ethos of both brands. Alongside, a capsule clothing collection echoes this design philosophy.
The rally car begins with Alpine’s A290 Rallye platform, emphasizing performance over comfort. It’s engineered for those passionate about motorsport, linking back to Alpine’s explorations with the Renault 5 Turbo 3E electric supercar. The exterior boasts widened tracks, exposed carbon components, prominent wings, and practical features like a roof air intake and a functional diffuser, showcasing the car’s intent for high performance.
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Clad in a distinctive bluish white finish, reminiscent of Alpine landscapes, the car features a textured surface suggestive of snow and ice, sticking to a mineral aesthetic rather than a glossy facade. Its construction prioritizes competition standards: the chassis promises precision, the suspension caters to rally dynamics, and aerodynamic elements focus on downforce and cooling.
The car’s electric powertrain is fine-tuned for instant response, essential for rallying. Reinforced brakes and electronic settings ensure stable performance across diverse terrains. Inside, the interior transforms into a sea of monochrome red, simulating the interior of a crocodile’s mouth. Lacoste’s petit piqué fabric envelops the seats and doors, crafted by Potencier, the atelier famed for Lacoste’s embroidered polo crocodiles, grounding the thematic design in authentic craftsmanship.
Innovative ERPRO 3D-printed seat components and a red anodized finish on structural elements highlight the car’s commitment to minimal weight and maximum function. The joint Alpine x Lacoste logo is etched in bas-relief, complementing the interior’s detailed aesthetic.
This car intriguingly integrates 290 crocodiles into its design, creatively linked to the A290 platform, showing a playful yet purposeful design approach.
Beyond the car, Lacoste unfolds an Alpine-inspired clothing line featuring polo shirts, T-shirts, and technical accessories. These pieces reflect the collaboration’s themes of performance and precision, designed to enhance movement rather than merely symbolize motorsport.
Lacoste CEO Eric Vallat highlights the innovative legacy both brands share, emphasizing ingenuity and detail. Antony Villain, VP Design Alpine, describes the project as a showcase of movement, precision, and boldness. The rally car and its crocodile references echo how innovation thrives when legacy meets modernity, as also seen in Renault’s Renault 5 Turbo 3E.
Source: urdesignmag.com