PARIS: Alpine presented its Alpenglow concept at the 2022 Paris Motor Show, showcasing the brand's future direction in design and sustainability. The "mother of all future Alpines" explored hydrogen-powered combustion engines for sports cars.
Today, that concept has evolved into the Alpine Alpenglow Hy4, a rolling lab built as a racing car with a carbon monocoque and a turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine delivering 340 bhp.
After a private unveiling on May 10, the Alpenglow Hy4 will make its public debut today, at the TotalEnergies 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps Endurance Race (FIA WEC).
The Alpenglow Hy4 will also be showcased at the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 14-15. This debut aims to demonstrate the emotional aspects of a hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine through its distinctive sound and design.
Alpenglow Hy4 has a carbon chassis and features a turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine, delivering 340 bhp (250 kW). Fuelled by hydrogen with direct injection at 40 bar pressure and water injection to reduce NOx emissions, the engine reaches 7,000 rpm and is paired with a sequential racing gearbox. It achieves a top speed of around 270kph.
The Alpenglow Hy4 stores hydrogen in three high-pressure tanks (2.1 kg each), located in the side pods and behind the cockpit, at 700 bars. A pressure regulator reduces the pressure for direct injection into the engine.
The vehicle incorporates numerous safety measures, including composite cylinders, rapid evacuation valves, hydrogen sensors, and a rigorous startup procedure.
The design is evocative of a comet with "cosmic dust" light particles in the front lights and magenta-coloured dorsal contours. The aerodynamic features include a redesigned front splitter, NACA air intakes, a transparent rear spoiler, and a long-tail rear end.
The 2.15 m wide and 5.20 m long car features forged carbon elements, bespoke Michelin tyres, and a cockpit with bucket seats and aircraft-inspired controls.
The Alpenglow Hy4's hydrogen engine offers performance comparable to a petrol equivalent while emitting negligible CO2 and reduced NOx. Alpine Racing is exploring the switch to liquid hydrogen for improved efficiency and refuelling speed.
The Alpenglow Hy4 reflects Alpine's commitment to hydrogen-powered racing and aligns with the ACO's plan to authorise hydrogen cars for the 24 Hours of Le Mans from 2027. Formula 1 engines could also adopt hydrogen by 2031.
Belgian engineer and rallycross champion Guillaume De Ridder drove the Alpenglow Hy4 at Spa-Francorchamps.
