Alpine's bet on hydrogen

In its quest for clean energy for its future models, the Dieppo-based brand decided to take a big leap forward. Expected at the 2022 Paris Motor Show to unveil its electric future, Alpine surprised by presenting a futuristic, fully functional concept car powered by hydrogen. The Alpenglow has an internal combustion engine running on hydrogen, thus producing no grams of CO2 while maintaining the driving sensations of a combustion engine! Obviously, the Alpenglow being a concept car, its design is then likely to evolve.

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Presented as a hypercar, the Alpenglow has a very streamlined silhouette with a central driving position. The cabin, shaped like a drop of water, blends harmoniously into a stretched body, inspired by wingsuit suits. The entire design is based on a clear desire: to express lightness, in a way the signature of Alpine. Note the presence of a red guideline crossing from end to end of the body, directly linked to the name of this concept. Indeed, the name Alpenglow represents “a luminous phenomenon that lets a horizontal stream of light tinged with red shine through the mountains, before and after sunset”. A poetic reference to nature, reflecting Alpine's desire to coexist better with its environment.

More recently, the Alpenglow has begun its transformation to be adapted to road use. The HY4 particle was added to the name, and the single-seat cabin was abandoned in favor of a two-seat configuration. The prototype is being implemented day by day and the engine is finally unveiled. It is therefore a 340 horsepower 4-cylinder internal combustion engine, coupled to a 7-speed gearbox. The engine is powered by pressurized tanks that can contain more than six kilos of hydrogen. The data on autonomy is not yet revealed at the moment, and will play an important role in its future marketing. In terms of performance, nothing has yet been communicated, but the carbon body and the complex aerodynamic study will undoubtedly allow the 4-cylinder engine to express itself fully.

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While waiting for the revelation of all its technical specifications, the Alpenglow HY4 is enjoying its first crowd at the World Endurance Championship round at Spa-Francorchamps. Unfortunately, an electrical problem prevented his first outing on the track. However, Alpine did not give up and presented its concept again at the opening of the 92nd edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Chosen by the organization to launch the race, Zinédine Zidane — Alpine ambassador recently — has the honor of completing a parade lap behind the wheel of the prototype. The 1998 world champion thus gave the Alpenglow HY4 its very first laps in public in Sarthe, while waiting for the scheduled arrival of the hydrogen-powered prototype category in WEC and Le Mans as early as 2028.