Alpine's Hydrogen Race Car Dream Comes True

Alpine’s Alpenglow Hy4 Prototype: A Revolution in Hydrogen-Powered Sports Cars

In the heart of Alpine’s innovative garage, the Alpenglow Hy4 prototype represents a bold leap into the future of sports cars. This sleek, hydrogen-powered marvel embodies the brand’s commitment to sustainability without sacrificing performance.

After years of meticulous development, the Alpenglow Hy4 is set to make its grand debut at some of the most prestigious racing events. This prototype not only signals Alpine’s return but also challenges the automotive world to rethink what is possible with clean energy, offering a thrilling glimpse into the next era of motorsport.

Alpine’s Alpenglow Hy4 Debuts at Six Hours of Spa

This weekend marks a significant milestone in Alpine’s journey to redefine zero-emissions driving. The Alpenglow Hy4, a hydrogen-powered prototype, will take its first real-world laps at the prestigious Six Hours of Spa endurance race in Belgium.

Fans will witness firsthand the potential of a zero-pollution future for performance cars, as Alpine showcases the exciting possibilities of clean, high-performance racing.

Alpenglow Hy4 Heads to Le Mans After Spa Debut

After its debut at the famous Spa circuit, the sleek Alpenglow Hy4 prototype will move on to an even more iconic stage—the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans in June.

There, this cutting-edge vehicle will continue to showcase its revolutionary hydrogen combustion engine technology with demonstration runs at the pinnacle of motorsport.

Alpenglow Hy4: A Sleek Sports Car with Revolutionary Hydrogen Power

At first glance, the Alpenglow Hy4 might seem like any other low, sleek sports car, boasting sculpted carbon fiber body panels and a striking rear wing. However, beneath its elegant exterior lies a groundbreaking innovation—a compact yet powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, specifically designed to run solely on hydrogen fuel.

Unlike conventional engines adapted for hydrogen, Alpine’s engineers dedicated years to developing this system from scratch, ensuring it delivers maximum power while emitting only water vapor. The Alpenglow Hy4 is not just a car; it’s a glimpse into the future of zero-emission performance vehicles.

How the Alpenglow Hy4’s Hydrogen Propulsion System Works

The Hy4 stores hydrogen at 700 bar of pressure in three carbon tanks integrated into the chassis. When the driver hits the accelerator, the hydrogen fuel is injected directly into the engine’s cylinders at 40 bar, enabling the engine to deliver powerful, zero-emission performance.

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Advanced Emission Reduction in the Alpenglow Hy4

To further cut emissions, a fine mist of water is sprayed into the combustion chambers, effectively minimizing harmful nitrogen oxides. This innovative approach allows the turbocharged four-cylinder engine to reach a roaring 7,000 rpm redline while delivering an impressive 335 horsepower. The result is a powerful yet environmentally friendly performance, showcasing Alpine’s commitment to sustainable engineering.

Alpenglow Hy4: Delivering Thrills with Hydrogen Power and Bold Future Plans

Despite its revolutionary hydrogen fueling, the Alpenglow Hy4 promises to deliver the visceral, pulse-pounding driving thrills typically associated with gasoline-powered machines. Its muscular thrust is channeled through a lightning-fast sequential transmission, enabling blistering acceleration and a top speed of 168 mph.

But this compact turbocharged four-cylinder engine is only the beginning of Alpine’s hydrogen ambitions. By the end of the year, Alpine plans to unveil an even more extreme evolution of the Alpenglow, powered by a larger, purpose-built hydrogen V6 engine, pushing the boundaries of performance and sustainability even further.

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“We see the hydrogen combustion engine as hugely promising for the future,”

Explains Bruno Famin, Vice President of Alpine Motorsport. “Hydrogen will prove essential for eliminating carbon emissions from the next generations of endurance racers and high-performance touring cars – and it could even pave the way for emissions-free Formula 1 down the road by transitioning to liquid hydrogen tanks for better packaging.”

Alpine Sets Sights on 24 Hours of Le Mans Hydrogen Class

Alpine is not only focused on future road cars but also aims to conquer the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. With organizers planning an all-new hydrogen class starting in 2027, Alpine’s groundbreaking technology will have the chance to compete against the world’s best in the pinnacle of endurance racing.

The Future of Hydrogen Power: Overcoming Challenges for Zero-Emission Performance

Unlocking hydrogen’s true zero-emission potential relies on one crucial factor: the widespread availability of renewably-produced “green” hydrogen. Currently, most industrial hydrogen is derived from natural gas through polluting processes, undermining its environmental benefits.

Alpine envisions a future where green hydrogen, produced affordably from renewable sources like solar, wind, and nuclear energy, becomes prevalent. With such advancements, Alpine’s innovative hydrogen combustion systems could offer the crisp response, visceral sensations, and evocative sounds of gasoline power without the environmental impact, fulfilling the promise of clean, high-performance driving.

It’s an ambitious solution sidestepping the drawbacks of heavy battery packs while still giving driving enthusiasts that raw, tactile connection they crave. And it’s one the resurgent Alpine brand is boldly pioneering to make a reality, driven by an relentless hunger for emissions-free exhilaration on both road and track in the years ahead.

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