Watch how the Rezvani Beast Alpha's sidewinder doors open

The Rezvani Beast Alpha boasts impressive performance with its turbocharged version of Honda's K24 2.4-liter four-cylinder making 500 horsepower (373 kilowatts), which is plenty for motivating the 1,950-pound (885-kilogram) roadster. However, boutique brands like the Southern-California-based Rezvani need to offer more than just speed to grab a buyer's attention away from more famous names. The Beast Alpha's special trick is its Sidewinder doors, and this video shows them off in action.

The operation reminds us of a combination of the sliding side doors on vans and the '50s Kaiser Darrin roadster where they glided forward into the body. It's quite an attractive effect, the show would probably grab a lot of attention at a cars and coffee event.

Rezvani boasts that the Sidewinder doors make entering and exiting the Beast Alpha easier because of the huge opening that the design creates. This solution doesn't take up as much room as a conventional door that swings outward either, so its easier to use in crowded places.

The Beast Alpha is Rezvani's less ferocious model. Where the standard Beast offers no top and few amenities, the latest product has a removable roof panel and features like an airbag, power windows, air conditioning, and connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Beast Alpha isn't too tame, though. It can get to 60 miles per hour (97 kilometers per hour) in 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 175 mph (282 kph) with the optional sequential automatic gearbox. For keeping weight down, the body is carbon fiber, and there's a Lotus-derived aluminum monocoque underneath.

Rezvani is now taking orders for the $200,000 Beast Alpha. The firm works with each buyer and can choose options for adjustable power settings, improved handling, and traction control.