Primarily based on an idea automotive first offered on the 2022 Paris Motor Present, the 340 bhp Alpenglow Hy4 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre in-line four-cylinder inside combustion engine fuelled by hydrogen.
That is at present saved in gasoline kind in three tanks, however Alpine plans to modify to liquid storage which it believes could be higher built-in into the automotive and enhance refuelling speeds.
Demonstration runs of the Alpenglow Hy4 may even be made on the Le Mans 24 Hours subsequent month, earlier than a second rolling model with a brand new V6 engine is unveiled previous to the top of the 12 months.
Its launch is critical as an indicator of Alpine’s curiosity sooner or later hydrogen class that’s slated for the 2027 Le Mans 24 Hours, whereas the broader Renault Group is engaged in a collection of initiatives for street use to fulfill its carbon neutrality aims.
Alpine Motorsports vice chairman Bruno Famin mentioned: “As a part of our lively participation in decarbonising motorsports, we see the hydrogen inside combustion engine as an especially promising answer.
“We all know that hydrogen shall be a necessary step in decarbonising the subsequent generations of Endurance vehicles, and is also for Components 1 vehicles, notably by switching to liquid storage for higher compactness and efficiency.
“The Alpenglow idea completely illustrates this, a real technological laboratory for creating tomorrow’s hydrogen engines.”
Alpine Alpenglow Hy4
Picture by: Alpine
The Alpenglow is constructed round an LMP3 carbon chassis provided by Ligier and a sequential racing gearbox. Alpine says its efficiency is similar to the petrol equal, able to reaching prime speeds of roughly 270 km/h.
That includes an enlarged inside than the unique idea to accommodate two seats and a redesigned crash field, styling options are intentionally aligned with the marque’s A424 LMDh that competes within the WEC’s Hypercar class.
Additional adjustments embrace revisions to the entrance splitter and rear diffuser for higher aerodynamic effectivity, whereas the automotive runs on bespoke tyres produced by Michelin.
Alpine Design Director Antony Villain mentioned: “Ever for the reason that creation of the Alpine Alpenglow idea automotive offered in Paris in 2022, now we have appeared ahead to fulfilling the promise made with such a singular object: taking it out on the observe. That is now a actuality.
“The Alpine Alpenglow Hy4 can now display all of the efficiency urged visually by the unique idea automotive: a real racing automotive with all of the visible and acoustic expression you’ll anticipate.”