Alpine Hydrogen Race Car, Alpine Alpenglow Hy4

Alpine Hydrogen Race Car is based on hydrogen internal combustion engine (HICE) technology, from the Alpine (Renault Group company).

Not an ordinary Hydrogen Race Car, Alpenglow Hy4, a groundbreaking hydrogen-powered racing prototype, has captured the attention of motorsport enthusiasts worldwide. Let’s delve into an analysis of this remarkable vehicle, exploring its technology, fabulous design, and significance.

1. Overview:

• The Alpine Alpenglow Hy4 is not merely a concept car; it’s a genuine rolling lab designed for the racetrack.
• The Alpine Alpenglow Hy4 prototype showcases a further refined design, hinting at a future Hypercar. It seamlessly bridges the gap between the thrill of racing and the potential for a hydrogen-powered road car.
• Alpenglow takes its name from a beautiful natural phenomenon
• Following the Alpine Alpenglow concept car presented at the 2022 Paris Motor Show, the Hy4 proves that performance and sustainable development can coexist.
• Its name combines “Hy” for hydrogen and “four” to represent its 4-cylinder configuration.
• The Alpenglow Hy4 aims to reconcile environmental innovation with performance, emphasizing the emotional aspects of an internal combustion engine
• Alpine’s “rolling lab,” the Alpenglow Hy4, serves a dual purpose: advancing their hydrogen expertise and assessing the economic viability of hydrogen-powered racing.

2. Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine Technology:

• Alpine pioneers hydrogen internal combustion engine (HICE) technology, aiming to decarbonize motor racing and explore avenues for sports cars.
• The current Alpenglow Hy4 features a turbo charged 4-cylinder development engine, but Alpine plans to unveil an all-new V6 engine specifically designed for hydrogen power later this year.
• Burning gaseous hydrogen mixture instead of gasoline vapor is challenging, but Alpine’s engineers have achieved impressive results.
• Hydrogen as a compressed gas (GH2) in (700-bar) two hydrogen storage tanks.
• Alpine is planning to use liquid hydrogen in future engines
• The engine boasts a 7,000-rpm redline and is bolted to a sequential transmission with a centrifugal clutch.
• Sending 340 hp to the rear wheels via a 7-speed transmission.
• Alpine claims that its performance is on par with a gasoline-powered 2.0-liter four, with a top speed of 167 mph or top speeds of approximately 270 km/h.
• Unlike the Alpenglow Hy4’s current four-cylinder engine sourced from motorsport specialists Oreca, the upcoming V6 hydrogen engine will be an entirely in-house project, showcasing Alpine’s engineering prowess.

3. Alpine Hydrogen Race Car – Design and Features:

• From front to rear, its carbon bodywork is built around an LMP3 carbon chassis supplied by Ligier and a sequential racing gearbox. Carbon bodywork is carved for the racetrack.
• Aligned with the hyper car Alpine A424 LMDh
• Aerodynamic new alloy wheels and magenta accents mark out Alpine’s ‘feel at one’ cockpit
• Its bodywork contours around pressurised storage for over 6 kilos of hydrogen.
• The Hy4 is capable of driving around 62 miles at race pace between fill-ups.
• The Alpenglow Hy4’s design bridges the gap between racing aesthetics and road-worthy features
• It now features a two-seater cockpit, a proper racing steering wheel, and new wheel rims that evoke speed.
• The enlarged interior accommodates two seats, and the hydrogen tanks remain in the side pods and behind the cockpit.
• The design hints at a future Hypercar, revealing Alpine’s stylistic evolution.
• The car has covered 700km in testing
• Weight: Approximately between 1000-1200kg

4. Events:

• The World Endurance Championship round at Spa-Francorchamps (May 2024, Belgium) was set to witness the Alpenglow Hy4’s first public showcase on May 11, 2024. However, an electrical issue grounded the car before it could take the track.
• Additionally, the Hy4 was also planned demonstration runs at the 92nd edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 14 and 15, 2024.

With a dedicated hydrogen class planned for the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2027, with a typical range of 10-20 laps on an 8.5-mile circuit before a refuel, Hy4, the rolling lab, might just be the forerunner of Alpine’s WEC contenders.

This Alpine Hydrogen Race Car, Alpenglow Hy4 pioneers a sustainable future, showcasing the potential of clean-emission technology for both racing and road vehicles.

Summary: Alpine Hydrogen Race Car

Thus Alpine Alpenglow Hy4 represents a significant step toward sustainable motorsport, combining cutting-edge technology with the thrill of racing. As the automotive industry continues to explore alternative fuels, the Hy4 serves as a powerful testament to Alpine’s commitment to sustainable innovation. And the Renault Group contributing to its carbon neutrality objectives in Europe by 2040 and worldwide by 2050.

Source: https://media.alpinecars.com/

This article is Copyright protected