On Friday, Alpine took the wraps off its upcoming LMDh race car, which is set to participate in the elite Hypercar category of the World Endurance Championship starting in 2024.
Known as the A424, the car in its concept form is currently denoted as a Beta by Alpine. It is powered by a turbocharged 3.4-liter V-6 engine coupled with a single electric motor. In compliance with LMDh regulations, the output of the powertrain is capped at 670 hp.
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In a bid to control costs, LMDh regulations mandate teams to procure their chassis from one of the four designated suppliers. The Alpine A424, in this case, employs a chassis provided by Oreca.
The introduction of new LMDh cars sees them competing alongside LMH cars in the Hypercar category, where Balance of Performance rules are applied to ensure a level playing field. Other renowned automakers already part of the Hypercar competition include Ferrari, Porsche, and Toyota, with Lamborghini planning to enter the competition with its LMDh race car in 2024.
Alpine A424 Beta LMDh racing car
Alpine has committed to a minimum of four racing seasons with an LMDh in the Hypercar category, intending to enter two cars per season. Alpine will collaborate closely with Signatech, its existing endurance racing partner.
Currently, the car manufacturer competes in the secondary LMP2 category of the World Endurance Championship, but has earlier raced in the Hypercar category with a ‘grandfathered’ LMP1 race car.
While LMDh cars are eligible for the GTP class of the IMSA SportsCar Championship, Alpine does not foresee participation in the North American series in the near future. Instead, the company is leveraging its Formula 1 program to build a reputation in the U.S., possibly leading to a local launch. While Alpine hasn’t officially confirmed selling cars in the U.S., there have been significant indications.
At the moment, Alpine’s only road car is a mid-engine sports car called the A110. All upcoming models will be electric, with Alpine’s first EV, a production version of the previously showcased A290 Beta hot hatch, expected to be launched in 2024.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Alpine A424 LMDh Race Car
What is the new LMDh race car that Alpine has revealed?
The new LMDh race car revealed by Alpine is called the A424. It’s set to compete in the Hypercar class of the World Endurance Championship from 2024.
What is the power source of the Alpine A424 LMDh?
The Alpine A424 LMDh is powered by a hybrid powertrain that combines a turbocharged 3.4-liter V-6 engine and a single electric motor. The total output is capped at 670 hp, as per LMDh rules.
Who are the competitors of the Alpine A424 in the Hypercar class?
The Alpine A424 will be competing with vehicles from several other automakers in the Hypercar class, which include Ferrari, Porsche, and Toyota. Lamborghini is also set to join the competition in 2024.
How long has Alpine committed to racing an LMDh in the Hypercar class?
Alpine has committed to racing an LMDh in the Hypercar class for at least four seasons, starting from 2024.
Does Alpine plan to participate in the IMSA SportsCar Championship?
While Alpine’s LMDh cars are eligible for the GTP class of the IMSA SportsCar Championship, the automaker currently doesn’t have plans to join the North American series.
What are Alpine’s plans for the U.S. market?
While no official confirmation has been made, Alpine has suggested the possibility of launching its cars in the U.S., leveraging the brand awareness built through its Formula 1 program.
What is Alpine’s plan for electric vehicles?
All of Alpine’s future models will be electric. The first electric vehicle (EV) from Alpine, a production version of the A290 Beta hot hatch, is expected to be launched in 2024.