Alpine hypercar connects competition and road

Taking center stage at the 2022 Paris Motor Show, Alpine unveiled the Alpenglow concept car, a true manifesto of the brand’s future directions in terms of design and sustainable innovation, “the mother of all future Alpines.” This foundational model symbolized the research the brand had already begun in the field of hydrogen thermal engines for sports cars, with the prospect of achieving high performance both on the road and in competition, compatible with ambitious carbon reduction targets. Thus, Alpine is prepared for possible changes in future regulations.

Today, the Alpine Alpenglow Hy4 is no longer just a concept car, but a real racing example, designed as a racing car with a carbon monocoque and a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine developing 340 hp.

Following its on-track unveiling on 10 May, the Alpine Alpenglow Hy4 will run its first public laps on 11 May 2024 ahead of the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, the World Endurance Championship’s signature event, in front of more than 70,000 spectators. This will be a great opportunity to demonstrate to motorsport enthusiasts how the hydrogen internal combustion engine produces the sound and vibrations that give a racing car the excitement. This feeling is enhanced by the striking design, which stands out even more in this version. The Alpine Alpenglow Hy4 will also be unveiled during the 92nd 24 Hours of Le Mans on 14 and 15 June 2024.

With this achievement, the meaning of the name Alpenglow takes on full meaning. It suggests an optical phenomenon that allows one to see a reddish light over the mountains before dawn and perfectly symbolizes the birth of a new world.

“In our approach to actively participate in the decarbonization of motorsport, we believe that the solution in the field of hydrogen internal combustion engines is very promising. We know that hydrogen will be an important step towards decarbonizing the next generation of Endurance vehicles, and can also reach Formula 1 by becoming liquid storage for compactness and performance. Alpenglow is a perfect example of this and a true technology laboratory on wheels for the development of the hydrogen engines of the future,” explained Bruno Famin, Director of Alpine Motorsports.

The front side is designed to resemble a comet arriving from space; Speed ​​and atmospheric penetration are indicated by the glowing “space dust” particles of the four front lights and the purple dorsal line. When it reaches the back of the Alpenglow, it turns blue, as do the vertical lights next to the vertical titanium exhaust ports, symbolizing the hydrogen and water vapor released when it burns.

The aerodynamic aspects of this concept car are part of its design and are the subject of constant dialogue between designers and engineers. In a subtle compromise between speed and downforce, the front splitter has been redesigned to create a large, low air intake that extends across the cabin and becomes thinner at the rear, like a drop of water, allowing air to flow through the cabin under the rear. axis. New NACA air intakes are integrated to feed the oil and water radiators, and the air intake takes on a shape closer to that of race cars. The long tail rear end is reminiscent of the Alpine A220 race car from the late ’60s. In its performance version, the Alpine Alpenglow Hy4 retains the transparent low spoiler with great visual lightness that was present on the original concept car. The rear diffuser has been redesigned for greater aerodynamic efficiency.

Every design element is thought through to the smallest detail, such as the wheels with a structure and color gradient that evoke speed even when stopped, in perfect harmony with the bespoke Michelin tires and whose graphics adapt to the rim design. . In the classic carbon body, both the fin and the upper air intake are made of forged carbon, revealing a raw material that reminds us of the mineral world of the mountains, a typical alpine element. Like the exposed elements such as the suspension visible from the outside, the lower air intake opens towards the passenger compartment, revealing a view of the cabin highlighted by an illuminated triangle, further adding to the dynamic appearance of the Alpenglow Hy4.

Opening the scissor doors is designed to free up as much space as possible and thereby facilitate access on board. The pilot and his passenger can slide along the side pontoons, angled towards the cockpit, and thus reach the molded and perfectly adjusted bucket seats.

The triangle at the front of the cabin is also one of the typical alpine symbols, reminiscent of mountains. It performs several visual functions for the pilot: it gives impulse, direction and can change color, like in a video game, to trigger, for example, real-time g-level, engine speed or give information about a change. marches.

The instrument panel is a purple tubular crossbar partially hidden by an airplane wing-shaped profile. Materials are derived from the world of sports cars, using carbon fibre, aluminum and Alcantara covers adorned with 3D printed patterns. Also notable are the purple start button, buttons from an Alpine A110, and the steering wheel from an Alpine racing car. On the sides, carbon cladding covering the side tanks accentuates its shape. Finally, special locations have been integrated to place mini action cameras to immortalize the sound and image of the Alpine Alpenglow Hy4 laps on the track.