In this way, Alpine is ready for possible changes in future regulations. It is also a symbolic application of the name Alpenglow, which takes on its whole meaning: an optical phenomenon that lets a glowing light shine on the mountains before sunrise, in other words, an evocation of the dawn of a new world.
Following on from the first road-going prototype powered by a 340 bhp, turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine, the Alpenglow Hy6 is equipped with an all-new engine that offers more than double the power. It is a ground-breaking 3.5-litre V6, developed entirely by Alpine for optimum hydrogen combustion. It produces 544 kW (740 bhp), or more than 150 kW/l (210 bhp/l), giving Alpenglow first-rate performance, ideally in line with the spectacular design of this rolling laboratory, which is evolving with the arrival of this new motorisation.
Bruno Famin, VP Alpine Motorsports, said: "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. A solution for continuing to cultivate the passion for motor racing using a very noble V6 with remarkable specific power and a sound to thrill drivers and spectators with its maximum revs at 9000 rpm. The Alpenglow Hy6 concept is the perfect example of what is possible to achieve the essential step of reducing carbon emissions in motorsport."
The Alpine Alpenglow Hy6 hydrogen-powered rolling prototype is designed as a genuine race car based on an LMP3 carbon chassis. From the outset, the chassis has been designed to match the performance offered by the all-new Hy6 V6 engine, which more than doubles the power output compared with the 4-cylinder engine used in the first demo lab. Conceived from a blank sheet of paper, the Hy6 V6 is an unprecedented engine purposely developed by the Alpine teams at Viry-Châtillon for use with hydrogen. Two years of work went into its development. It was a considerable engineering challenge regarding the specific features of hydrogen combustion, which gave rise to an exceptional increase in expertise. Oreca is the technical partner that has made it possible to implement this savoir-faire in the engine's design.
The two leading solutions for hydrogen-powered propulsion are the fuel cell (which produces electricity to power an electric motor) and the internal combustion engine powered directly by hydrogen. Alpine has opted for the latter, as it combines several advantages of a race car, not least the very similar feel of the engine for the driver and a sound that is entirely in keeping with Alpine's racing philosophy. These advantages include an elevated power output, excellent efficiency under heavy loads, and reduced cooling requirements, as a large proportion of the heat dissipates through the exhaust system.