Pioneering Performance with Hydrogen Turbo Engines
In their constant search for the best way to achieve sustainable performance, automotive companies are experimenting with alternative fuels and powertrains that offer some level of emission reduction without diminishing the fun factor on the driving side. A somewhat surprising entrant is the Alpine Alpenglow Hy4 prototype – a rather unconventional sports car that runs on hydrogen in an upgraded combustion engine and a turbocharger. This rolling lab from French performance brand Alpine seeks to demonstrate that environmental innovation and awe-striking performance are not mutually exclusive via the less conventional hydrogen combustion technology. The hydrogen combustion, or the Hy4, can be seen as a radical concept that goes against the grain of a typical car maker’s strategy to deliver on the future of transport that is green.
Defying Science: 340 HP from Hydrogen Combustion
The Alpenglow Hy4 is centred by the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a staggering 340 horsepower – quite unbelievable that such a scissor can be achieved using a hydrogen-fueled combustion engine. Although car manufacturers such as Toyota have been toying with hydrogen combustion, it is an area that has been traditionally dismissed by most scientists who pointed out that, given its low energy density and a very slim flammability range, hydrogen is not suitable for applications requiring high power outputs. Still, Alpine has pressed on, using the Hy4, which the company has called a ‘technological test bed’ to perfect hydrogen combustion for future motorsport applications and regular production vehicles. The French brand considers this powertrain a ‘tremendously promising solution’ even for road cars.
Track-Ready Prototype: Hydrogen Power in Action
It is no longer an idea on paper, but the Alpenglow Hy4 running prototype with a carbon fibre monocoque is perfect for the racetrack. It has a sequential transmission to slow the delivery of its hydrogen-fueled power and has three sets of hydrogen tanks with pressures of 700 bars. Following the official launch at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit on May 10, the Hy4 will continue with demonstrations at other endurance races, including the 6 Hours of Spa on May 11 and 24 Hours of Le Mans in June to expose the Hy4 exhibit, sound, and other special features to motorsport enthusiasts. It will allow Alpine to get honest feedback on the edgy emotions this hydrogen combustion powertrain can produce.
Hypercar Aesthetics Meet Green Engineering
Although the hydrogen combustion powertrain is the focus, the Alpine Alpenglow Hy4 has become an angular, aggressive-looking performance vehicle over time. The low ground clearance, wide tracks, and open forms, such as the roof scoop, are reminiscent of a hypercar-like design. This concept is more developed than the 2022 Alpenglow rolling prototype and has a two-seat cockpit design with a redesigned crash structure for racing. But even so, it teases a relatively new design language for Alpine with an adventurous mix of supple contours and razor-sharp edges. It also includes some elements of design that might be used in other electric vehicles to be released by Alpine, namely the A290 sports car.
Revolutionizing Motorsport: Hydrogen’s High-Octane Future
The Alpine Alpnglow Hy4 is a radical deviation from the mainstream in the automotive industry’s drive toward more sustainable transport. While others enthusiastically embrace battery-electric powertrains, the Alpine operates on a completely different paradigm with a hydrogen combustion prototype resembling a stroke of sheer genius. It was also tested in demonstration runs at significant race events where the topic of utilizing such a unique powertrain is explained with the help of emotions and showcased that Alpine is developing its hydrogen sports cars of the future. Hydrogen combustion engines are part of Alpine’s strategic vision for motorsports, such as endurance racing and possibly Formula 1, and electrifying the mainstream sports car industry.