Motorsport enthusiasts were treated to a groundbreaking spectacle as the Alpine Alpenglow Hy4, a revolutionary prototype powered by a hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engine, took center stage.
Its inaugural appearance at the Spa-Francorchamps Circuit on May 10, 2024, marked a pivotal moment in automotive history, followed by its thrilling debut on the track during the sold-out TotalEnergies 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps endurance race on May 11.
Derived from the visionary Alpine Alpenglow concept showcased at the 2022 Paris Motor Show, the Hy4 prototype embodies a harmonious fusion of performance and sustainability, underscored by the evocative symphony of an internal combustion engine. Aptly named ‘Hy4,’ it symbolizes the union of hydrogen (‘Hy’) propulsion and a formidable four-cylinder powerplant.
Alpine’s relentless pursuit of environmental innovation and performance reaches new heights with its hydrogen combustion engine technology, paving the way for a paradigm shift in decarbonizing motor racing and fostering a new era for sports cars.
Currently equipped with a 4-cylinder development engine, the Hy4 prototype serves as a vital precursor to the imminent reveal of an innovative V6 powerplant exclusively engineered for hydrogen propulsion, a testament to Alpine’s unwavering commitment to pioneering advancements in automotive engineering.
Beyond its groundbreaking propulsion system, the Alpine Alpenglow Hy4 exemplifies a seamless blend of futuristic design cues and aerodynamic prowess reminiscent of a hypercar. Evolving from concept to reality, it now boasts a sleek two-seater cockpit adorned with performance-oriented features, including a racing steering wheel and dynamic wheel rims, offering a tantalizing peek into the brand’s future design language.
The significance of the name ‘Alpenglow’ is magnified as the rolling laboratory illuminates the motorsport arena with its transformative potential, akin to the radiant glow that bathes the mountains before sunrise, a metaphorical dawn of a new era in automotive innovation.
Alpine’s commitment to hydrogen extends beyond the domain of motorsport, with the Renault Group spearheading comprehensive hydrogen initiatives aimed at achieving carbon neutrality by 2040 in Europe and globally by 2050.
From fuel cell-powered commercial vehicles under the HYVIA joint venture to hydrogen combustion engines and hybrid technologies, Renault Group is at the forefront of driving sustainable mobility solutions.
Embracing motorsport as a catalyst for technological innovation, Alpine propels towards an electrifying future with the imminent launch of seven electric models by 2030, commencing with the A290, a dynamic city car that embodies the essence of the Alpine Dream Garage, heralding a new era of electrifying performance.
