While many manufacturers are shifting toward fully electric vehicles, some, like Alpine, see a future for combustion engines powered by hydrogen. The Alpenglow Hy6 concept is built around this idea, utilizing a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 that runs on hydrogen rather than conventional gasoline. This engine is a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the Alpenglow Hy4, which used a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 340 horsepower. The new V-6 in the Hy6 is far more potent, delivering an impressive 730 horsepower and 568 lb-ft (770 Nm) of torque to the rear wheels.

The Alpenglow Hy6 doesn't just promise lower emissions; it also brings remarkable performance figures. Alpine has equipped the car with a cutting-edge sequential transmission, allowing the hydrogen-fed V-6 to rev all the way to 9,000 rpm. This powerful engine is housed in a lightweight, LMP3 carbon chassis, contributing to the car's top speed of over 205 mph (330 km/h). All of this is achieved with zero harmful emissions, as the vehicle only releases water vapor, thanks to its Inconel exhaust system.

The hydrogen fuel is stored in three tanks—two positioned in the side pods and one behind the cockpit. These tanks are secured in ventilated compartments for added safety, ensuring they don’t share space with the cabin.

It took Alpine two years to develop this all-new V-6 engine, which represents a significant leap in hydrogen combustion technology. The engine features an aluminum block with a dry sump, enabling it to generate 211 horsepower per liter, a testament to the engineering precision behind the project.

Alpine’s use of hydrogen in this application is notable, as it offers a potential alternative to both gasoline and fully electric powertrains. While hydrogen-powered vehicles like Toyota's GR Yaris and GR Corolla hot hatches have made headlines, Alpine’s use of a V-6 brings the technology to the supercar realm, showing that high-performance vehicles can be both exhilarating and eco-friendly.

Though Alpine has confirmed plans to introduce a supercar into production, it remains unclear whether the production model will retain the hydrogen-powered V-6 or transition to a fully electric drivetrain. The company’s dedication to innovation suggests that either option will be impressive, but the Alpenglow Hy6's hydrogen engine showcases a promising future for sustainable combustion.

Alpine is generating buzz at the 2024 Paris Motor Show, where the Alpenglow Hy6 is one of the highlights. Alongside it, Alpine is also showcasing the A290, an electric hot hatch based on the new Renault 5, and the A390 concept, which previews the company’s first SUV set for production in 2025. Additionally, the A110 R Ultime, Alpine’s most expensive limited-run car to date, is also on display, representing the brand's pinnacle of engineering and performance.

With the Alpenglow Hy6, Alpine is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of high-performance supercars. Its hydrogen-powered V-6 offers a glimpse into a future where combustion engines can continue to thrill drivers while reducing environmental impact. Whether this technology makes its way to production remains to be seen, but the concept demonstrates that hydrogen could play a vital role in the next generation of supercars.