Alpine has taken another leap forward in hydrogen car technology with the debut of the Alpenglow Hy6 in Paris.
This evolved hypercar concept builds on its predecessor, the Hy4, by introducing a more powerful hydrogen-fuelled V6 engine and a series of design refinements, potentially setting the stage for both endurance racing and future production models.
One of the most notable developments with the Alpenglow Hy6 is the inclusion of a hydrogen-fueled 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine, a notable upgrade over the Hy4's 250kW, 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo.
This new powertrain produces a respectable 544kW/770Nm. The engine itself utilises four chain-driven overhead camshafts, with four valves per cylinder, designed to operate exclusively on hydrogen fuel.
Fuel storage is managed through three high-pressure hydrogen tanks, each holding 2.1kg of gaseous hydrogen.
With this cutting-edge engine and a six-speed sequential Xtrac gearbox driving the rear wheels, Alpine has significantly upped its hydrogen game, doubling the power output compared to the earlier four-cylinder Hy4 prototype.
Alpine's Alpenglow Hy6 also sports an updated exterior.
The hypercar retains its futuristic design language but introduces subtle changes that enhance its aerodynamic profile.
New intakes on the bonnet improve airflow, while a reworked rear deck - complete with a transparent engine cover - gives the car a more streamlined appearance. The rear wing has also been redesigned, contributing to both performance and aesthetics.
Measuring 5.20m in length, the hypercar's body is crafted entirely from carbon fibre, maintaining its lightweight yet exotic proportions.
The vehicle retains the signature wraparound greenhouse, sleek lighting, and transparent blades that are hallmarks of the Alpenglow design, further reinforcing its motorsport DNA.
Alpine’s ambitions extend far beyond design and engineering showcases. The French automaker is lobbying for hydrogen-powered cars to compete in endurance racing, particularly at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans by 2028.
The Alpenglow Hy6 is envisioned as a "rolling laboratory" designed for this purpose, testing hydrogen technology under extreme racing conditions.
However, there's more to Alpine's vision than racing alone.
Though the finer technical details remain undisclosed, Alpine has suggested the Alpenglow Hy6 sits on an updated version of the Ligier LMP3 chassis used in the Hy4 prototype. That's a significant step forward, as the original Alpenglow concept showcased in 2022 was purely for show, unlike this operational Hy6 model.
This could mean that the Alpenglow Hy6 could see series production. Alpine’s chief designer revealed that from the start, the vehicle was conceptualised with a potential production version in mind. This aligns with Alpine’s broader goals of translating motorsport innovations into roadgoing cars. We'll have to wait and see how it all plays out for Alpine.
