In a bold step towards the future of motorsport and sustainable automotive innovation, Alpine has introduced its groundbreaking Alpenglow Hy6 at the 2024 Paris Motor Show. This next-gen hydrogen-powered supercar marks the brand’s first foray into six-cylinder hydrogen internal combustion engines, pushing the boundaries of both performance and eco-friendly technology.
Originally debuted as a concept in 2022, the Alpenglow has returned, more advanced than ever, with its new twin-turbocharged V6 hydrogen engine. This evolution boosts its power output from 340 to an astonishing 740 bhp, doubling its performance compared to its predecessor. The name “Hy6” symbolizes both hydrogen and the powerful 6-cylinder engine configuration that makes this vehicle a force to be reckoned with on the track.
Showcasing this high-performance engine at the 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans, Alpine Ambassador Zinédine Zidane took the Hy6 for a spin, bringing a symbolic synergy between top-tier motorsport and cutting-edge green technology.
A Masterclass in Hydrogen Combustion and Design
Alpine’s Hy6 engine, developed specifically for hydrogen combustion, is a marvel of engineering. It leverages Alpine’s rich motorsport history while integrating environmental innovation. The V6 is not just about power—it delivers a unique acoustic experience, giving the car an evocative sound signature that enhances the driving thrill.
The Hy6 is housed in a transparent engine case, a striking design choice that showcases the innovation at its core. The car’s aerodynamic features have also been fine-tuned to handle its increased performance, resulting in a design that visually captures both speed and sustainability.
Bruno Famin, VP of Alpine Motorsports, highlighted the importance of hydrogen technology in the racing world: “The Hy6 V6 is an exciting step forward. Not only does it push the envelope in terms of performance, but it also redefines what motorsport can achieve in terms of environmental responsibility.”
Motorsport Innovation for a Greener Future
Alpine’s commitment to hydrogen research is evident, not just with the Alpenglow Hy6 but across the broader Renault Group, which aims for carbon neutrality in Europe by 2040. The Alpenglow Hy6 represents a significant step in exploring hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines for both racing and road applications.
At its core, the Hy6 V6 engine is a technological marvel, featuring a 3.5-liter V6 that utilizes hydrogen combustion for peak performance. This engine can rev up to 9,000 rpm, propelling the Alpenglow to speeds of over 330 km/h, making it not just an environmentally conscious choice but a motorsport contender as well.
Alpine’s research shows that hydrogen, with its promise of clean energy and exciting performance capabilities, could shape the future of motorsport. With regulations for hydrogen-powered cars in races like the 24 Hours of Le Mans expected by 2028, the Alpenglow Hy6 is paving the way for a new era of high-performance, sustainable racing.
An Expressive and Aerodynamic Design
Alpine’s designers and engineers have ensured that the Alpenglow Hy6 is as visually striking as it is powerful. Its sleek carbon bodywork in Specular Blue exudes speed even at a standstill. The visible V6 engine, encased in glass tinted with blue, serves as a centerpiece that radiates innovation. Every element, from the rear spoiler to the NACA air intakes, has been meticulously crafted to enhance both performance and aesthetic appeal.
The interior mirrors this futuristic vision, with bucket seats wrapped in light-reactive fabric and a cockpit designed with cutting-edge motorsport aesthetics. The vehicle’s driver-centric technology provides real-time data, while mini action cameras capture the thrill of driving this engineering masterpiece.
A New Dawn for Alpine and Motorsports
Alpenglow, named after the luminous light that graces the mountains at dawn, symbolizes a new chapter for Alpine and the future of motorsports. The Hy6 concept is more than a car—it’s a vision for the future where sustainability and performance go hand in hand, delivering adrenaline-pumping experiences without compromising the planet.
With the Alpenglow Hy6, Alpine continues to lead the charge toward a carbon-neutral motorsport landscape, where hydrogen combustion engines could soon become the standard-bearers of the racing world.
