Alpine has come up with the return of its Alpenglow supercar, now equipped with a groundbreaking hydrogen-powered “Hy6” twin-turbo V6 engine. Unveiled at the 2024 Paris Motor Show, this futuristic marvel delivers 740 horsepower and a spine-tingling roar.
First introduced as a concept in 2022, the Alpenglow was envisioned as Alpine’s blueprint for a sustainable motorsport future. Loosely inspired by the A4810 concept, the original Alpenglow featured a hydrogen engine of undisclosed specifications. However, its mystery was partially unraveled this past May, when Alpine debuted the car with a 340-horsepower hydrogen turbo-four engine at Le Mans.
While that engine marked an exciting step, Alpine promised more power, and now the Hy6 has arrived to deliver on that promise. The new twin-turbo V6 hydrogen engine more than doubles the output to 740 horsepower, transforming the Alpenglow into a legitimate supercar both in design and performance.
The Hy6 engine, unlike its predecessor, is not a modified gasoline engine but rather a hydrogen combustion engine built from scratch. It represents the first major milestone in Alpine’s hydrogen combustion development program. Built with a solid aluminum block, dry sump, and two turbochargers, the 3.5-liter V6 is designed for optimal hydrogen combustion, offering a 95-mm bore and 82.3-mm stroke for high-rev performance.
Achieving maximum torque of 568 lb-ft at 5,000 rpm and 740 bhp at 7,600 rpm, the Hy6 pushes the Alpenglow to a potential top speed north of 205 mph (330 km/h). The engine’s impressive 211 bhp/liter power density underscores its motorsport pedigree.
The hydrogen fuel for the Hy6 is stored in three composite tanks, positioned around the cockpit. These tanks are designed for safety, featuring rapid-release valves that can expel gas in case of an emergency. Before being injected into the engine, the hydrogen is regulated from 700 bars down to a safe level. Inside the combustion chamber, Alpine has optimized for turbulence, ensuring a homogeneous hydrogen-air mixture. Water injection is also used to prevent issues like knocking, resulting in a smoother, more efficient burn.
The Hy6 engine, exposed beneath a transparent cover at the show, is designed for motorsport testing, but Alpine has not ruled out a future road-going version. With an Xtrac sequential gearbox and a carbon-fiber LMP3 chassis, the Alpenglow is built for the track. Its exhaust system, crafted from Inconel, ensures the car’s high-revving hydrogen combustion creates a deep, resonant sound, hitting up to 9,000 rpm. The growling exhaust is a key feature to provide thrilling motorsport experiences in a low-carbon world.
Alpine has made several visual updates to the Alpenglow’s striking design since its last appearance. The most notable addition is a razor-sharp central fin slicing the rear engine cover, flanked by two blade-like side elements. The rear wing has also been raised, further enhancing the car’s aggressive stance, while the haunches now float independently over the wheels to reduce weight.
At the front, new nostrils have been added between the Alpenglow’s fierce headlamps, improving airflow and aerodynamics. The car retains its “Specular Blue” carbon fiber bodywork, with water vapor from the exhausts creating an even frostier look as it condenses on the transparent wing.
Alpine’s exploration of hydrogen combustion is part of parent company Renault’s broader strategy for carbon neutrality. While Alpine is focused on hydrogen technology for motorsport, Renault is exploring multiple clean energy alternatives, including battery electrics and hydrogen fuel cells. The goal is to achieve carbon neutrality across Europe by 2040 and globally by 2050.
