The Alpine Lacoste A290 Rallye Took a Bite Out of Chantilly
- Published on 19/09/2026 15:32
- Modified on 19/09/2026 15:39
With its 290 hidden crocodiles and its gala outfit tailored for competition, the Alpine Lacoste A290 Rallye secured second place among the concept cars at Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille.
On the lawns of the Château de Chantilly, the crocodiles were obviously welcome. However, there was no question of allowing the reptiles to nibble on the guests’ shoes: they had taken up residence on a reworked Alpine A290 Rallye by Lacoste. A unique model named “Beware of the Crocodile,” which has shown enough teeth to walk away with second place in the Concept Car category of the elegance contest.
To transition from the special stage to the parade, the small competition electric car has acquired more than just a clean polo. A custom body kit, exposed carbon bumpers, and work on colors and materials make up this wardrobe. The chromatic inspiration even comes from the red tongue of the famous crocodile. It had to be sought out!
A Very Playful Alpine
Nevertheless, the most amusing part remains the treasure hunt imagined by the designers. In total, 290 references to the reptile are hidden inside and outside: seats, door panels, trunk… Enough to keep passengers occupied during a recharge, provided they are allowed to get on board.
“This unique model is the meeting of two French icons – the competitive spirit of Alpine and the sporty elegance of Lacoste – brought together not just as a simple exercise in style, but as a creation shaped together, point by point, crocodile after crocodile. Every hidden detail in this car proves that performance and personality can share the same skin.” Antony Villain, Vice President of Design at Alpine Cars.
On the hood, three crocodiles face off in a stylized small basin, each representing one of the three designers of the project. The headlights take on a reptilian gaze, while scales replace the usual shark antenna. Even the automotive fauna must know when to make way.
Under this fantasy lies a true electric race car base, with a cabin where some surfaces are simply painted to limit weight. Lacoste dresses, Alpine watches the balance.
This unique piece mainly reminds us that an elegance contest can also smile. In Chantilly, the crocodile did not devour everything: it left the first place.
ALSO READ: Pierre Niney and Pierre Gasly unveil a unique Alpine Lacoste!
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This page is translated from the original post "L’Alpine Lacoste A290 Rallye a croqué Chantilly" in French.
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