Alpine presents hydrogen-powered Alpenglow Hy6

Alpine has presented the most advanced version of its Alpenglow to date at the 2024 Paris Motor Show.

Originally unveiled as a concept car in 2022 to show Alpine’s future direction and the potential of the hydrogen combustion engine amid incoming changes to emissions regulations in the future. The Alpenglow then existed as a prototype known as the Hy4, and was powered by a 340bhp, turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine. The Hy4 was due to be demonstrated at this year’s World Endurance Championship round at Spa in Belgium, however, due to an electrical fault, it failed to start.

Now, it is back as the Alpenglow Hy6 and is powered by an all-new engine offering double the output from before. Developed by Alpine solely for hydrogen combustion purposes, the 3.5-litre V6 produces 740bhp and can achieve maximum revs at 9,000 rpm. Its top speed is 210mph and the engine has been installed and showcased in a blue-tinted glass case, suggesting Alpine is pretty pleased with its work. A centrifugal clutch and Xtrac sequential gearbox assist the Hy6 engine, making it perfect for racing, although the French brand says it “could be transposed to series production.” Various other modifications and technical enhancements have also been made, along with tweaks to its styling.

Styling

To the naked eye, the styling changes aren’t as noticeable, however, as well as its transparent engine cover, the Alpenglow Hy6 now features additional intakes on the bonnet as well as a redesigned rear, featuring a larger spoiler. The entirely carbon fibre bodywork wraps around new the car and is complemented by modern lighting fittings. The shark-fin is also larger and bears the Alpine logo.

The Alpenglow measures at 5.2 metres long, 1.4 metres tall and 2.1 metres wide - much wider than the majority of road cars today.

Interior

Inside, the scissor doors have been designed to open in a way that provides as much space as possible for the driver and passenger when getting into the car. Adjustable bucket seats have been upholstered in a metallic and blue fabric that reacts to light.

The distinctive mountain-inspired Alpine triangle at the front of the cockpit remains from previous iterations and provides several visual functions for the driver. As well as possessing standard functions like giving signals and providing directions, the high level of tech involved allows it to change colour to indicate the level of lateral Gs, engine speed and other information in real time.

Carbon fibre, aluminium and Alcantara have all been used on the inside. The dashboard features a magenta tubular crossbar and magenta is used again on the starter button. Alpine’s competition heritage is honoured with a racing steering wheel. Carbon is again used to cover the side fuel tanks, while dedicated slots have been made for mounting cameras when taking it on track.

Hydrogen and how it works

Alpine has designed and developed the Alpenglow as a genuine race car based on an LMP3 carbon chassis, opting for an internal combustion engine powered by hydrogen over the alternative fuel cell electric power method. The French brand has stated that it is advantageous when building a race car and replicates the “feel of the engine for the driver and a sound that is entirely in keeping with Alpine's racing philosophy.” Two years of work has gone into the specifics of hydrogen combustion with technical partner Oreca helping with the engine’s design.

Three tanks storing hydrogen in gaseous form are located in the sidepods behind the passenger side of the cockpit in a sealed off and ventilated compartment. It is then injected directly into the cylinders along with indirect water injection. The 700-bar composite cylinders are Regulation 134 certified and valves have been incorporated for rapid fuel evacuation in the event of fire.

When it comes to storing hydrogen, Alpine claims to be one of the leading manufacturers and suggests switching to liquid hydrogen could allow quicker refuelling and easier integration into its cars.

Racing future

Alpine’s racing division says it is keeping an eye on changes in competition regulations with a view to competing in a potential hydrogen-powered classification at the 24 Hours of Le Mans from 2028. We can’t wait to see it out on track.

words: Mike Booth
pictures: Alpine