Alpine Alpenglow Hy6

Power increased to a maximum output of 750PS

In October 2022, Alpine unveiled the “Alpenglow” design concept, which hints at the future direction of Alpine, featuring a design reminiscent of a futuristic prototype racing car and a sustainable powertrain. As a carbon-free sports car, it is equipped with a hydrogen engine based on an inline-four engine.

Alpenglow means “the beautiful glow seen on mountaintops just before sunrise or just after sunset.” Its bold shape expresses innovative technology and design, evoking the image of a new “dawn” that will usher in the future of Alpine.

The road-going prototype, equipped with a 2.0-liter inline-four hydrogen turbo engine that produces a maximum output of 344 PS, will make a demonstration run at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2024, with Alpine ambassador Zinedine Zidane on board. The newly announced “Alpenglow Hy6” incorporates Alpine’s proprietary 3.5-liter V6 hydrogen twin-turbo engine, which produces more than twice the power of the previous model, achieving a maximum output of 750 PS, more than double the previous model.

Currently, the Renault Group, including Alpine, is actively conducting research and development into hydrogen-fueled powertrains, and is working to expand the number of light commercial vehicles equipped with fuel cells and hydrogen stations. Bruno Famin, Vice President of Alpine Motorsport at Alpine, commented on the significantly evolved Alpenglow Hy6 as follows:

“The newly developed V6-based hydrogen engine, the Hy6, demonstrates Alpine’s steady progress in hydrogen engine research and development. This technology is likely to find application in motorsports in the near future. The highly advanced V6 hydrogen engine will achieve a maximum rotation speed of 9,000 rpm and produce a sound that will captivate drivers and spectators alike.”

“This is a solution that will help us continue to nurture the passion for motor racing. The Alpenglow Hy6 is a perfect example of how motorsport can achieve the important goal of reducing carbon emissions.”

Highly refined aerodynamics

Since the first version was released two years ago, Alpenglow has been working closely with designers and engineers to refine the aerodynamics and design of the car, and now, to coincide with the introduction of the new V6 hydrogen engine, the full carbon fiber bodywork, finished in Specular Blue, has been given an edgier exterior.

The hydrogen powertrain is housed in a custom transparent enclosure, with the 3.5-liter V6 hydrogen twin-turbo engine protected by blue-tinted clear glass, and the engine bay has been meticulously designed down to the smallest detail. The rear window shape, reminiscent of the A110, incorporates two NACA air intakes that feed fresh air into the gearbox oil cooler.

The air intake manifold, engraved with the “Hy6” logo, is inspired by the cylinder head covers of classic racing cars. The newly shaped air intake features three louvers to ensure cooling for the engine, which has an increased displacement.

Lightweight, high-rigidity carbon fiber has been actively used for each component, and the clear rear wing has been redesigned to have an aggressive racing style with an emphasis on aerodynamics, with new side blades also incorporated. By eliminating the bridge that connected the rear wing, in addition to reducing weight, a visual effect has been created that highlights the presence of the engine.

The shark fin is enlarged and features the Alpine logo, the hydrogen chemical formula, and a gradient from magenta to blue, evoking the quality of combustion.The Inconel exhaust system integrated into the taillights generates water vapor when the car is in motion, creating a beautiful frost effect around the transparent spoiler.

Dihedral doors ensure good access to the interior

The dihedral doors, which flip up diagonally, provide a wide opening for smooth driver changes. Driver and passenger slide easily onto the side pods that slope toward the cockpit and into the bucket seats, which are covered in a newly developed fabric that changes color from metallic to blue in response to light.

The triangular display in the cockpit, inspired by the Alpine mountains where Alpine originated, provides the driver with a variety of information and functions while driving. It changes color like a video game, showing real-time information such as lateral G-forces, engine revs, and pit-passing speed.

The dashboard, shaped like an aircraft wing, reveals a section of the magenta-painted tubular roll cage, while the seats are made of a combination of carbon fiber, aluminum and Alcantara, and the steering wheel is inspired by Alpine racing cars.

Two hydrogen tanks, known as “pontoons,” are located on either side of the seat, and a dedicated slot is provided in the cockpit for a mini action camera to record video and sound while driving on the circuit.

It is also suggested that the car will be used in the 2028 Le Mans 24 Hours.

The Alpenglow Hy6 was developed as a full-scale racing car based on an LMP3 carbon chassis. From the early stages of development, it was designed to be compatible with not only the original 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine, but also the newly developed 3.5-liter V6 “Hy6” hydrogen engine.

The Hy6 hydrogen engine was developed by Alpine Racing from scratch specifically for hydrogen. It took two years of development. Many technical challenges remain regarding hydrogen combustion, and the development of the Hy6 has provided valuable knowledge to the Renault Group, including Alpine. Oreca, the racing development division, provided technical support for the engine development.

The 100° 3.5-liter V6 hydrogen engine is supercharged by two turbochargers. The cylinder head is made of cast aluminum with an optimized cooling circuit, and produces a maximum output of 750 PS and an astonishing output per liter of 213 PS. The top speed is over 330 km/h, and the gearbox is combined with an X-Track sequential.

Alpine Racing is keeping an eye on changes to the World Endurance Championship (WEC) regulations. The FIA ​​and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), which oversees the 24 Hours of Le Mans, are moving forward with plans to allow hydrogen-fueled vehicles to compete in the 2028 Le Mans 24 Hours. The Hy6 hydrogen engine, developed for motorsports, could also be adapted for mass-production models in the future.

Check out the Alpine Alpenglow Hy6 in the video!

Related reading

“All in all?” Alpine’s frightening long-term vision after being defeated at the 24 Hours of Le Mans

This year’s Le Mans 24 Hours was another fierce and exciting race. With as many as nine cars on the same lap at the finish line, it was the most heated race ever. But one team that was quickly retired was Alpine, a team the locals had high hopes for. A journalist closely followed the race, sharing both its joys and sorrows, and the team’s outlook, which isn’t focused on short-term results, in this report.