At the 2022 Paris Motor Show, Alpine revealed its Alpenglow concept; a bold representation of the brand’s upcoming design and eco-friendly advancements. This revolutionary model is considered the ultimate inspiration for all upcoming Alpines, showcasing the brand’s continuous exploration of hydrogen-powered engines for athletic vehicles. This cutting-edge creation has the potential to deliver exceptional performance on both the streets and racetrack, aligning with Alpine’s aggressive decarbonisation goals. As such, Alpine is fully prepared for any potential alterations in future regulations.
The Alpine Alpenglow Hy4 has evolved from a mere concept car to a fully-functional rolling lab, equipped with a carbon monocoque and a potent turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine generating an impressive 340 bhp on the track.
Following its presentation at the circuit on 10 May, Alpine Alpenglow Hy4 will make its public debut on 11 May 2024 before the TotalEnergies 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps Endurance Race (FIA WEC) and its audience of over 70,000 spectators. This will be the perfect opportunity to showcase to motorsport enthusiasts how a hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine maintains the thrilling sounds and energy that are essential components of a racing car. The captivating design of the Alpine Alpenglow Hy4 is further enhanced in this version, intensifying the overall experience. Additionally, Alpine Alpenglow Hy4 will also conduct demonstration runs during the 92nd edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans on 14 and 15 June 2024.
The name Alpenglow truly captures the essence of this mobile laboratory, as it represents the stunning optical effect that bathes the mountains in a radiant glow just before sunrise. This serves as a fitting symbol for the emergence of a new world.
Bruno Famin serves as the Vice President of Alpine Motorsports.
“As part of our active participation in decarbonising motorsports, we see the hydrogen internal combustion engine as an extremely promising solution. We know that hydrogen will be an essential step in decarbonising the next generations of Endurance cars, and could also be for Formula 1 cars, particularly by switching to liquid storage for greater compactness and performance. The Alpenglow prototype perfectly illustrates this, a genuine technological laboratory for developing tomorrow’s hydrogen engines.”
Renault Group is truly dedicated to hydrogen, utilizing a range of complementary technologies.
Different approaches to utilizing the hydrogen solution are being explored within the Renault Group, in support of its goal to achieve carbon neutrality in Europe by 2040 and globally by 2050.
Through HYVIA, a collaboration with Plug, Renault Group provides an all-encompassing and unparalleled system consisting of light commercial vehicles powered by fuel cells, stations for hydrogen recharging, financing options for fleets, and services for maintenance.
Renault Group is also working on hydrogen-fueled engines for heavy-duty commercial applications and for enhanced sports performance.
In addition, Renault is working on a hybrid system that utilizes both an electric motor and a hydrogen range extender fueled by a fuel cell.
Alpine is a strong advocate for motorsport as a driving force in advancing future mobility technologies. The hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine shows great potential for both racing and everyday use. In addition, the release of seven new electric models by 2030, beginning with this year’s A290, reinforces Alpine’s dedication to innovation in the automotive industry. This highly-anticipated launch will kick off with the A290, a dynamic city car and the first of many electric models to join the prestigious Alpine Dream Garage.
A SYMBOLIC DESIGN
Alpine Design Director Antony Villain
“As part of our active participation in decarbonising motorsports, we see the hydrogen internal combustion engine as an extremely promising solution. We know that hydrogen will be an essential step in decarbonising the next generations of Endurance cars, and could also be for Formula 1 cars, particularly by switching to liquid storage for greater compactness and performance. The Alpenglow prototype perfectly illustrates this, a genuine technological laboratory for developing tomorrow’s hydrogen engines.”
“Ever since the creation of the Alpine Alpenglow concept car presented in Paris in 2022, we have looked forward to fulfilling the promise made with such a unique object: taking it out on the track. This is now a reality. The Alpine Alpenglow Hy4 can now demonstrate all the performance suggested visually by the original concept car: a true racing car with all the visual and acoustic expression you would expect.”
Exterior Design
The Alpine Alpenglow serves as a pioneering blueprint for the future models of the brand. Similar to the 2022 concept, the Alpine Alpenglow Hy4 rolling lab boasts even more balanced proportions with its function-driven design. Notable updates include a revamped impact energy-absorbing crash box, an expanded interior to accommodate two seats, and increased height. Despite these changes, the hydrogen tanks are still located in their original positions – in the side pods and behind the cockpit. The tracks have also been widened to 2.10 m, resulting in a total width of 2.15 m, while maintaining an ideal length of 5.20 m and height of 1.10 m. This harmonious balance has created a visual connection with the Alpine A424, which competes in the prestigious Hypercar category of the World Endurance Championship.
The design of the hydrogen-powered Alpine Alpenglow’s front end aims to capture the feeling of a comet descending from beyond our planet. This is portrayed through the use of ‘cosmic dust’ light particles in the four front lights and a magenta-coloured dorsal contour, suggesting its rapid speed and atmospheric penetration. Moving towards the rear of the prototype, the dorsal contour turns into a blue hue, accompanied by vertical titanium exhaust pipes that signify the emission of hydrogen and water vapour during combustion.
The aerodynamic elements of this prototype play a crucial role in its design and have been an ongoing topic of discussion between Design and Engineering. In a subtle balance between speed and downforce, the front splitter has been altered to create a large, low air intake that flows over the cockpit and narrows at the back like a droplet of water, allowing air to flow under the rear deck. The addition of new NACA air intakes serves the oil and water radiators, while the snorkel now resembles that of a racing car. The extended rear end is reminiscent of the Alpine A220 racing car from the late 1960s. For its hydrogen-powered version, the Alpine Alpenglow Hy4 features a sleek, transparent spoiler similar to that seen on the concept car. The rear diffuser has also been revamped to improve overall aerodynamics.
Every aspect of the design has been meticulously considered, from the striking wheel rims that exude speed even at a standstill, to the custom-made Michelin tires that perfectly complement their design. The carbon bodywork features a unique touch with forged carbon centreboard and snorkel, showcasing the raw material in a nod to the mountainous landscape. Other technical components, such as an exposed air intake visible from the cockpit, add to the overall aesthetic and are accented by a triangle of light to further enhance the concept’s dynamic style.
Interior Design
Decorating a space can be a fun and exciting process. It allows you to transform a room into a unique and personalized expression of your style and personality. From selecting colors, furniture, and accessories to arranging everything in a visually appealing way, interior design is all about creating an inviting and functional space that reflects your personal taste.
The door opening mechanism, inspired by elytra shapes, maximizes space and allows for easy entry to the cockpit. Both the driver and passenger can effortlessly move along the sloping side pods towards their custom-fitted bucket seats.
The triangular shape found on the front of the cockpit is a common characteristic seen in Alpine designs, reminiscent of mountain peaks. This feature serves multiple visual purposes for the driver, such as conveying a sense of movement and indicating a specific direction. Similar to a video game, it also has the ability to change color, giving real-time feedback on lateral G-forces, engine speed, and traveling speeds.
The dashboard includes a magenta tubular crossbar, partially hidden behind an airplane wing-shaped section. The design elements are reminiscent of the sports car world, incorporating carbon fiber, aluminum, and 3D-printed motifs on the Alcantara trim. Other features include a magenta starter button, Alpine A110 control buttons, and a racing steering wheel sourced from Alpine’s race cars. The sides showcase the carbon skin covering and hint at the shape of the side tanks. Additionally, designated spaces have been integrated to attach mini action cameras for recording laps on the racetrack in the hydrogen-powered Alpine Alpenglow.
HYDROGEN POWER: 340 HP THAT ROARS
The hydrogen-powered rolling lab, Alpine Alpenglow, boasts a racing car design featuring an LMP3 carbon chassis. Its 2.0-litre in-line 4-cylinder turbocharged development engine is housed under a carbon bonnet, delivering an impressive 340 bhp (250 kW). This engine runs on hydrogen (or H2 dihydrogen) and has direct injection at 40 bar pressure, as well as water injection to reduce NOx emissions. It can rev up to 7,000 rpm and is paired with a sequential racing gearbox equipped with a centrifugal clutch. The performance mirrors that of its petrol counterpart, reaching a top speed of approximately 270 km/h.
The development of such an engine is a highly specific task, as hydrogen is injected in gas form. This poses a greater challenge compared to petrol, which is injected in droplet form. Hydrogen has a broader range of flammability, from 4% to 76%, with both lean and rich mixtures needing consideration. The key goal in all cases is avoiding abnormal combustion, which requires creating a well-mixed fuel mixture and controlling the temperature inside the combustion chamber. This work has enhanced the expertise of Alpine Racing engineers in adapting the Alpenglow Hy4 engine, designed specifically for hydrogen use. A second rolling version of this innovative Alpine engine will be unveiled by the end of 2024.
The three Alpenglow tanks Hy4, located in ventilated compartments and sealed off from the interior, store hydrogen gas under high pressure of 700 bars. Each tank has a capacity of 2.1 kg. Prior to direct injection into the combustion chamber, a pressure regulator reduces the pressure from 700 to 200 bars and then to 40 bars. The tanks are situated in side pods and aft of the cockpit.
Extensive precautions have been implemented to guarantee complete security. The composite cylinders, certified under “Regulation 134,” have a maximum pressure of 700 bars. In case of a fire, valves are present for swift evacuation. To maintain constant surveillance, hydrogen presence sensors are utilized. A thorough start-up process has been established with multiple inspections. Additionally, a color-coding system notifies both the driver and emergency responders about the level of urgency for any potential issues.
*Regulation 134 outlines the European standard for ensuring the safety of vehicles powered by hydrogen.
Racing and hydrogen technology show great promise and potential.
Two main options for using hydrogen for propulsion include the fuel cell, which generates electricity to power an electric motor, and the internal combustion engine that runs directly on hydrogen. Alpine has chosen the latter due to numerous benefits it offers for a race car. These advantages include a similar driving experience for the driver and a sound that perfectly aligns with Alpine’s racing philosophy. Additionally, this type of engine has high specific power, excellent efficiency when under heavy loads, and reduced cooling requirements as heat is released through the exhaust rather than radiators. From an environmental standpoint, this choice is also highly advantageous as it produces minimal CO2 emissions, leaves no soot or unburnt hydrocarbons, and can achieve lower NOx emissions than fossil fuel engines.
The current path, which is continuously being studied and improved upon for this promising engine, supports the idea of moving forward after this initial rollout. Alpine stands out as one of the top producers when it comes to liquid hydrogen storage solutions, offering a cutting-edge technology that can easily be incorporated into vehicles and refilled rapidly.
Alpine Racing is closely monitoring any updates to competition regulations, particularly the recent announcement from the ACO that hydrogen-powered cars will be permitted in the 24 Hours of Le Mans starting in 2027. In addition, there is potential for Formula 1 engines to adopt hydrogen as early as 2031.
Guillaume De Ridder, renowned engineer and accomplished race car driver in the world of Alpine Racing.
The individual steering the Alpine Alpenglow Hy4 for its inaugural track sessions at Spa-Francorchamps has an intriguing background: Belgian Guillaume De Ridder is not only a rallycross champion but also an engineer at Alpine Racing. This unconventional trajectory began with extensive involvement in various forms of motorsports, including karting, circuit racing, and rallying. Ultimately, De Ridder’s journey led to him securing the 2021 FIA RX2e rallycross championship.
