2026 Alpine A290 Rallye Lacoste
By Lorenzo Bianchi June 30, 2026
One-off concept based on the Alpine A290 Rallye customer competition car.
Exterior and cabin feature exclusive Lacoste-inspired styling and materials.
Rally-developed chassis and electric powertrain remain at the heart of the project.
2026 Alpine A290 Rallye Lacoste Puts a Fresh Spin on Electric Rally Cars
The 2026 Alpine A290 Rallye Lacoste isn't the kind of collaboration that simply swaps badges or adds a few cosmetic touches. From the outset, Alpine and Lacoste set out to create something that reflects the identity of both brands. The result is a one-off electric rally car that mixes competition engineering with fashion-inspired design in a way that's hard to mistake for anything else. It also launches alongside a dedicated apparel collection and a short film starring Pierre Niney and Formula One driver Pierre Gasly, extending the collaboration beyond the car itself.
A rally car first, a design statement second
Rather than starting with a standard road car, Alpine chose the A290 Rallye as the foundation. That's significant because this is already the brand's most competition-focused version of the A290, developed for customer rally programs. It means the project begins with genuine motorsport credentials instead of styling alone.
Visually, the car leaves a strong impression. Widened tracks, flared wheel arches, exposed carbon fiber, a roof air intake, a dramatic rear diffuser and a sizeable rear spoiler all point to its rally roots. Alpine says the chassis has been optimized for rigidity and precision, while the suspension and aerodynamic package have been developed specifically for competition use.
Lacoste's influence goes beyond the paint
The partnership becomes even more obvious once you step inside.
Instead of following a traditional motorsport theme, the cabin is finished almost entirely in red, drawing inspiration from the inside of Lacoste's iconic crocodile logo. The seats and door panels are trimmed in the brand's signature petit piqué fabric, while embroidered details come from Potencier, the workshop responsible for producing Lacoste's famous crocodile emblems.
Lightweight thinking hasn't been forgotten either. The rally seats include 3D-printed components developed by ERPRO, helping reduce weight while maintaining comfort and structural support. Even the decorative details carry meaning, with 290 crocodiles subtly incorporated throughout the interior and exterior.
Built to perform when the road disappears
Although the design naturally attracts attention, Alpine hasn't overlooked what matters once the stage begins.
The electric powertrain features dedicated control software that delivers immediate response as soon as the driver presses the accelerator. Reinforced brakes, rally-specific suspension tuning and bespoke electronic calibration are all designed to help the car remain consistent in demanding conditions while giving the driver confidence across different surfaces.
More than a concept car
The 2026 Alpine A290 Rallye Lacoste isn't headed for dealerships, and that almost feels beside the point. It's a creative exercise built around two French brands with very different backgrounds but a shared appreciation for innovation, craftsmanship and performance. By combining Alpine's motorsport expertise with Lacoste's instantly recognizable design language, the project offers a different perspective on what an electric rally car can become when engineering and creativity are given equal importance.