alpine's alpenglow hypercar to run on hydrogen in endurance track race for the first time

alpine’s alpenglow hypercar set to race

Ahead of the six Hours of Spa-Francorchamps endurance track race in Belgium, Alpine is set to reveal the very first dynamic version of its hypercar, Alpenglow. Running on a hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine, Alpine’s Alpenglow is expected to be on the track at the Spa-Francorchamps race on May 11th, 2024, one day after the unveiling of its dynamic version and updated model design. Alpenglow offers a glimpse into the future of Alpine design in motorsport, as well as for future series production models of its hypercars, with its hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine aiming to improve its driving ‘tenfold,’ as described by the motorsport company.

images courtesy of Renault Group and Alpine Cars

Hypercar emitting blue hydrogen vapor

Alpine first introduced Alpenglow as a concept hypercar at the end of the Paris Motor Show 2022. This year, the hydrogen-powered vehicle is having its first endurance track race where visitors may be able to see Alpenglow’s signature light, starting with the streaks of red light at the front that extend to the rear. Blue is the primary color of the hydrogen hypercar, from the exterior down to the water vapor that the vehicle emits as it speeds away. Look at the front, and a shower of stars formed by triangular lights emerges from the four headlights, nodding to Alpine’s signature. Behind the hydrogen hypercar, Alpenglow’s blue-tinted lights remind viewers of its clean fuel too.

view from above

Overtake button for extra boost

The single-seater Alpenglow is surrounded by two 700-bar cylindrical hydrogen reservoirs located on each side of the teardrop-shaped cockpit, which is colored blue and see-through. Inside, the steering wheel is reminiscent of the ones used for endurance and Formula 1 racing. Its geometric shape has two transparent selectors, with the controls ranging from Track Control to Regenerative Braking. There’s also an Overtake button for when the driver needs an extra boost as they drive. The hydrogen hypercar is dubbed lightweight by Alpine given its partly recycled carbon fiber parts and material usage. Its wheels have rims made entirely out of a transparent material too, and a triangle located in the middle of the rims features hydrogen too.

side view featuring rims made entirely out of a transparent material

The design of Alpine’s Alpenglow helps its aerodynamic performance, starting with its accentuated V-shape at the front and the bold line on the side for the air intake, which creates an aerodynamic tunnel. Lengthy tapered rear wings are said to further optimize the hydrogen hypercar’s aerodynamics, and this particular design is also an homage to Alpine’s A220 endurance model from the late 1960s. Since the two hydrogen tanks are on the side, they form a curvy silhouette that makes Alpenglow muscular and sculpted. As of publishing the story, Alpine has yet to reveal the final updated design of Alpenglow, ahead of the hydrogen hypercar’s real-life model on May 10th, 2024.

Alpine’s Alpenglow hypercar to run on hydrogen for the first time in an endurance race