Nowadays, many automotive manufacturers are actively pursuing sustainability in motorsports. At the forefront of this charge is Automobiles Alpine, a prominent French company that aims to challenge traditional racing norms while tackling important environmental issues. They are doing so in the form of a striking supercar that features a hydrogen-powered engine, one that delivers high performance while reducing carbon emissions.
Alpine’s path to eco-friendly racing began in 2022: A direct threat to EVs
Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 2022, the Alpine Alpenglow racing prototype caught the attention of the motor world due to its futuristic silhouette and ambitious engineering, the latter of which incorporated cutting-edge hydrogen technology.
Laurent Rossi, CEO of Alpine, said at the time that the Alpenglow prototype represented the company’s promise to emphasize sustainability without compromising performance.
“Alpenglow’s mighty and lavish design hints at what Alpine cars will be like tomorrow and at our vision for motorsports moving forward,” Laurent explained. “With hydrogen technology on board, we are strengthening our commitment to a responsible future and to keeping driving pleasure as real as ever.”
Now, Alpine has taken another step towards this vision with a new and improved version of the prototype: the Alpenglow Hy6.
The Alpenglow Hy6: Alpine’s eye-catching commitment to sustainable development
Indeed, the Alpenglow Hy6 is a groundbreaking performance vehicle that changes the way that we approach powertrains. At its core lies a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, which was designed in collaboration with French racing team ORECA. Unlike traditional engines that rely on fossil fuels such as diesel and gasoline, this supercar harnesses the power of hydrogen.
Departing from conventional fuel cell systems commonly found in hydrogen-powered vehicles, the Hy6 retains the structure of an internal combustion engine, which motorsports enthusiasts will appreciate. This design choice preserves the thrilling experience and raw power typically associated with racing, all while incorporating an eco-friendly touch.
In action, the innovative supercar delivers an incredible 730 horsepower at 7,600 rpm and 570 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. As a result, this enables the Hy6 to reach top speeds of 205 miles per hour.
Thanks to its Inconel exhaust system, which is integrated into the rear lights, it releases water vapor when the car runs.
Through hydrogen technology, Alpine is revving fast into a green future
Through its hydrogen-powered design, the Alpenglow Hy6 emits very little carbon emissions, reflecting Alpine’s dedication to making motorsports more sustainable. It also represents a perfect blend of performance and ecological responsibility.
Bruno Famin, the vice president of Alpine, echoed this sentiment: “With the development of this brand new Hy6 V6 engine, we are demonstrating our commitment to hydrogen research, which could herald motorsport applications with high-performance levels.”
He added: “A solution for continuing to cultivate the passion for motor racing [is] using a very noble V6 with remarkable specific power and a sound to thrill drivers and spectators with its maximum revs at 9,000 rpm.”
Plans to place a supercar into production are currently underway, although Alpine has not yet confirmed if it will be the Hy6 or if it will be a model based on the Hy6’s design and engineering.
As Alpine charges ahead in the world of sustainable motorsports, the Alpenglow Hy6 stands as a symbol of innovation and environmental responsibility. This supercar not only meets the high-performance standards of racing enthusiasts but also the growing demand for eco-friendly solutions within the automotive industry. With plans for production in the near future, Alpine is set to transform the future of motorsports for the better. In all likelihood, it can encourage other car manufacturers to prioritize sustainability in their vehicle designs and production practices.