ALPINE IS PIONEERING HYDROGEN POWER IN MOTORSPORT WITH THE ALPENGLOW HY4

The Alpine Alpenglow Hy4 is a hydrogen-powered prototype racing car that proves high-performance motorsport and zero-carbon ambition can share the same garage. A direct descendant of the Alpenglow concept first shown at the 2022 Paris Motor Show, the Hy4 runs a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder hydrogen combustion engine that emits only water vapour. It made its dynamic track debut in May 2024 at the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, signalling Alpine's bid to bring hydrogen to top-level racing.

What is the Alpine Alpenglow Hy4?

The Alpenglow Hy4 stands as a testament to fusing high-performance motorsport technology with groundbreaking environmental innovation. It has evolved from a pure styling prototype into a tangible, running machine, and Alpine describes it as a rolling lab built as a racing car. The supercar made its dynamic track debut on 11 May 2024 at the TotalEnergies 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps Endurance Race, in front of more than 70,000 spectators. Designed around a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder hydrogen-powered engine, the Hy4 emits only water vapour, dramatically cutting carbon emissions without sacrificing the visceral thrill that motorsport fans crave. According to Motorsport.com, the engine burns hydrogen rather than running a fuel cell, keeping the sound and feel of a combustion race car.

How powerful is the Alpenglow Hy4?

Alpine's work does not stop at clean propulsion: it extends into aggressive design and performance. The Hy4 adopts a carbon monocoque structure, a state-of-the-art racing steering wheel, and distinctive wheel rims that telegraph a sense of speed. These choices underscore Alpine's aim to blend track capability with street potential, marking the car as a precursor to future hypercars. As Motor1 reports, the hydrogen combustion engine produces around 340 horsepower and pushes the prototype to roughly 270 km/h, performance comparable to its petrol equivalent. The car is scheduled to appear at prestigious venues such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

What is next for Alpine hydrogen power?

Behind the scenes, Alpine's dedication shows in its holistic approach to innovation within the Renault Group. The brand has teased an all-new V6 engine tailored for hydrogen fuelling, promising a further leap for its hydrogen technology. This dovetails with Alpine's broader strategy to pave the way for hydrogen in both motorsport and potent consumer sports cars, pointing to a future where high performance and sustainability coexist. As Alpine races forward with the Alpenglow Hy4, it lights a beacon for environmental stewardship without compromising performance, setting a precedent for the wider automotive sector.

Photo: ALPINECARS

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The Alpenglow Hy4 hints at the next generation of clean-yet-thrilling performance cars. If forward-looking machines excite you, browse the full TheArsenale cars collection. Highlights include the Renault Group's own Renault AIR4 concept art car, the F1-inspired Delage D12 hypercar, and the electric Apex AP-1 sports car.

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