Alpine, Renault’s performance division, has taken a bold step into the future of sustainable high-performance vehicles with the unveiling of the Alpenglow Hy6 concept at the 2024 Paris Motor Show. This supercar, a hydrogen-powered evolution of its predecessor, the Alpenglow Hy4, showcases Alpine’s vision of how combustion engines might be saved from extinction by running on hydrogen.
While brands like Toyota have been experimenting with smaller three-cylinder hydrogen-powered engines, Alpine has opted for a much more potent setup. The Alpenglow Hy6 ditches the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine from the previous iteration and replaces it with a mighty 3.5-liter V-6. This hydrogen-fed, twin-turbocharged engine generates an impressive 730 horsepower and 568 lb-ft (770 Nm) of torque, all of which is sent to the rear wheels via a sequential transmission. The engine revs up to 9,000 rpm and relies on hydrogen stored in three tanks—two located in the side pods and one behind the cockpit. For safety, the tanks are kept in ventilated compartments, separate from the cabin.
The development of this V-6 powertrain took two years, and Alpine engineered the aluminum-block engine with a dry sump, allowing the supercar to reach speeds over 205 mph (330 km/h). Notably, the car operates with zero emissions, as its exhaust system releases only water vapor, thanks to its use of hydrogen as fuel. The mid-engine layout, coupled with an LMP3 carbon chassis, provides both exceptional performance and lightweight handling, a hallmark of Alpine’s engineering prowess.
Though the Alpenglow Hy6 is a concept, it represents a significant leap in Alpine’s pursuit of sustainable performance. It remains unclear whether this hydrogen-fueled combustion engine will be featured in a production model or if Alpine will opt for a fully electric drivetrain in future vehicles. However, the French automaker has confirmed plans to bring a supercar to market, signaling exciting possibilities for hydrogen-powered vehicles.
In addition to the Alpenglow Hy6, Alpine also displayed the A290 electric hot hatch, a performance version of the upcoming Renault 5, and the A390 concept, which previews the brand’s first SUV set to launch next year. Also present at the Paris Motor Show was the limited-edition A110 R Ultime, the brand’s most expensive model to date.
Alpine’s innovations, including the hydrogen-powered Alpenglow Hy6, reflect the brand’s commitment to combining performance with sustainability, offering a glimpse into the future of zero-emission high-performance vehicles. As Alpine gears up for its debut in the U.S. in the coming years, the Alpenglow concept and its hydrogen technology may well represent the brand’s vision for a cleaner, yet thrilling, automotive future.
