Alpine and Lacoste have unveiled the A290 Rally concept, offering an early glimpse at what could become the brand’s most powerful electric hot hatch yet.
A few years ago, French automaker Peugeot regularly teamed up with Lacoste to produce special-edition models that focused more on distinctive styling than outright performance. That partnership eventually came to an end, but Lacoste has now found a new automotive collaborator—and Alpine is making a much bolder statement.
The two brands have introduced the Alpine Lacoste A290 Rally, a concept vehicle that remains far from production. Still, concept cars like this often preview the design direction and engineering ideas that later appear on future performance models.
The concept is based on the A290 Rallye, but features a unique wheel design. Aerodynamic wheel covers sit over white-painted alloy wheels, giving the hatchback a distinctive motorsport-inspired appearance.
Lacoste's influence is immediately recognizable. The familiar "X"-shaped lighting signature has been replaced by the brand's iconic crocodile emblem. More importantly, the entire car has been transformed into a far more aggressive-looking machine, strongly suggesting Alpine is preparing a higher-performance version of the A290.
The most obvious clue is the significantly wider track at both the front and rear. This is clearly a step beyond the road-going A290 GTS. Flared fenders, pronounced aerodynamic elements, and a large rear diffuser reinforce the rally-inspired look. A vertically mounted third brake light and a decorative roof air intake complete the package, although the intake serves no functional purpose since the car is fully electric.
Additional upgrades include a new spoiler mounted at the center of the hatch and another exposed carbon-fiber aerodynamic element positioned above the rear diffuser. Inside, Alpine is taking a more restrained approach, with red accents throughout the cabin that match the signature red tongue of the Lacoste crocodile logo.
Alpine has not announced when—or even if—the concept will evolve into a production model. The company has confirmed that the car features a rally-specific suspension setup and revised aerodynamics designed to improve cooling and increase downforce. Technical details on the electric powertrain remain under wraps, although Alpine says the concept benefits from unique software calibration for more consistent power delivery and a more aggressive brake setup.
The most powerful A290 currently available produces 220 horsepower, but that output no longer stands out among electric hot hatchbacks, especially with rivals like the newly launched Peugeot e-208 GTi entering the market. That makes speculation about a future version producing close to 300 horsepower seem entirely reasonable. Given Alpine's history, this concept is likely more than just a stylish collaboration—it could be the first preview of the company's next high-performance EV.