According to reports in the motor sports press, Alpine’s chief executive has raised the possibility of small-scale production of a road-going version derived from the Alpine Alpenglow.
Hydrogen Today is not in the habit of relaying articles written by others. But in the automotive sector, L’Argus* is regarded as a serious and well-informed medium. The article is based on statements made by Philippe Krief, the head of Alpine. “Around 2028, you’ll be able to buy a Hy4”, he told the Piston Heads website. These comments were made during the week of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The Managing Director of Alpine, a former Ferrari employee, is banking on possible improvements, notably from future polymorphic fuel tanks.
L’Argus goes further and reports that the road car will have a different profile and could be produced by a partner. It cites Magna Steyr, a company accustomed to working on special projects. In any case, at Spa, where the Alpenglow Hy4 was presented, Alpine team boss Bruno Famin stated that the hydrogen engine was an option both on the track and on the road.
At the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the brand was also able to gauge the enthusiastic response from the public. And the design made quite an impression.
The date is not random
The year 2028 was not a random choice. It corresponds to the time of entry of the future hydrogen category that the ACO, FIA and IMSA want to establish. Although Alpine has made no official announcement on the subject, it is a given that the Renault group brand will be among the competitors. And just like the manufacturers involved in endurance racing, particularly hypercars, it’s a good idea to offer a sports car in the catalogue that makes reference to the one that races on the racetrack.
It would therefore be perfectly reasonable to make the connection between the 24 Hours of Le Mans hydrogen race and a sports car using the same energy. Of course, there will be a few more stations in 4 years’ time. It is also conceivable that this type of car could be offered on tracks equipped with a hydrogen infrastructure. This is already the case at Le Mans (just opposite the circuit, near the airport), at Charade (Auvergne, with a GCK Energy pump) and will eventually be the case at Magny-Cours.
*L’Argus is a French magazine devoted to automobiles, aimed at individuals and professionals.
Do you want to learn more about the Alpine Alpenglow and its production in 2028? Then our latest articles on the subject should interest you. You can read them here, here and here.
Article written by Laurent Meillaud and translated by Mariem Ben Tili
