THE ALPINE HY4 HYDROGEN COMBUSTION PROTOTYPE IS DISCLOSED AT THE SPA

The World Endurance Championship race in Spa this weekend will mark the on-track debut of Alpine’s hydrogen-powered rolling prototype.

The 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder turbocharged internal combustion engine of the 340 horsepower Alpenglow Hy4 is fueled by hydrogen and is based on a concept automobile that was initially displayed at the 2022 Paris Motor Show.

Currently kept in three gas-filled tanks, Alpine intends to convert to liquid storage because it feels it will be easier to incorporate into the vehicle and accelerate refueling.

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Prior to the release of a second rolling version of the Alpenglow Hy4 with a new V6 engine before the end of the year, demonstration runs of the vehicle will also be conducted at the Le Mans 24 Hours the following month.

The announcement is noteworthy because it shows that Alpine is interested in the next hydrogen class, which is planned for the Le Mans 24 Hours in 2027. The Renault Group as a whole is also working on a number of road usage projects to help them reach their carbon neutrality goals.

“As part of our active engagement in decarbonizing motorsports, we regard the hydrogen internal combustion engine as an exceptionally promising alternative,” stated Bruno Famin, vice president of Alpine Motorsports.

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“We already know that the next generation of endurance vehicles will need hydrogen to reduce their carbon footprint, and Formula 1 cars may need it as well, especially if they decide to convert to liquid storage for increased performance and compactness.

“This is aptly demonstrated by the Alpenglow idea, a true technical lab for creating tomorrow’s hydrogen engines.”

The Alpenglow is constructed using a sequential racing gearbox and an LMP3 carbon chassis from Ligier. According to Alpine, its peak speed of around 270 km/h is close to that of the petrol counterpart.

With a revised crash box and an expanded cabin compared to the initial idea, the visual elements are purposefully in line with the marque’s A424 LMDh, which competes in the WEC’s Hypercar class.

For increased aerodynamic efficiency, the front splitter and rear diffuser have also been modified. Michelin custom tires are fitted to the vehicle.

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“Ever since the construction of the Alpine Alpenglow concept car unveiled in Paris in 2022, we have looked forward to fulfilling the promise made with such a unique object: getting it out on the track,” stated Antony Villain, director of Alpine Design. Now, this is a fact.

“Now that the Alpine Alpenglow Hy4 is a real racing vehicle with all the expected visual and sonic expression, it can exhibit all the performance implied graphically by the original concept car.”

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