Alpine, the esteemed French sports car manufacturer, is not quite ready to say goodbye to combustion engines. Despite the impending discontinuation of its iconic A110 and a planned shift towards electric vehicles, Alpine has unveiled an exciting new development: the Alpine Alpenglow. This prototype sports car is powered by a hydrogen-combustion turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering an impressive 335 horsepower.
The Alpenglow is not just any concept vehicle; it is a “rolling lab” designed to test the waters for hydrogen combustion technology in production vehicles. While Alpine labels the Alpenglow as a racing car, it is not intended to compete in races. Instead, it serves as a dynamic testing ground for advanced technologies. The car is built on an LMP3 prototype chassis and features a sequential gearbox that sends power to the rear wheels.
Visually, the Alpenglow resembles a previous concept by the same name, but with practical modifications for functionality. These include a redesigned crash box and new NACA ducts at the front to cool the oil and water radiators. The vehicle’s height has been increased to accommodate a larger cabin, now offering two seats, likely to aid in data collection and possibly to give thrill rides.
Despite its racing car designation, Alpine has not released any specific acceleration stats. However, the company boasts a top speed of over 167 mph. The Alpenglow will demonstrate its capabilities with demo laps at the Spa-Francorchamps during the 6-hour WEC race on May 11, followed by appearances at the Circuit De La Sarthe during the weekend of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
This development represents a significant step for Alpine as it explores sustainable alternatives to traditional petrol engines, potentially paving the way for future hydrogen-powered sports cars that do not compromise on performance. The Alpine Alpenglow highlights the brand’s commitment to innovation and its proactive approach to environmental responsibility.
Shawn Henry
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