24h Le Mans
Hypercars under the microscope | The Alpine A424 Hypercar bears the expectations of the French constructor among fierce competition. Alpine is back in La Sarthe with renewed ambition, building on its initial FIA World Endurance Championship learning experience last season. Focus on Alpine’s artful blend of style and technology.
The Alpine A424 was introduced at the 24 Hours of Le Mans Centenary as the A424_β concept. Always destined to evolve, the prototype has kept its striking visual identity designed by a team headed by Alpine design manager Antony Villain, and Raphaël Linari, head of external design and racing.
Inspired by the Alpenglow concept car, the Hypercar has the same clean lines. Its futurist front lights are a signature feature of Alpine production cars. Anyone tailing behind the A424 will be treated to the two arrow-shaped As as a parting salute. The triangular motif, reminiscent of Alpine snowflakes, decorates the fins and rear aerofoil.
The lithe bodywork harbours high-precision mechanics. The carbonfibre monocoque chassis with honeycomb shell was developed with Oreca, a well-respected player in the endurance racing field. It’s both light and tough: ideal for a racecar.
A 3.4-litre V6 monoturbo engine producing up to 675hp, in keeping with the current Balance of Performance, powers the Alpine A424. The engine is paired with a standard Bosch hybrid system, affording a surge of electric power. The BMW, Cadillac and Porsche Hypercars are fitted with the same system. Reliable, precise Magneti Marelli electronics supervise the whole.
Introduced to the track in 2024, the Alpine A424 has had a full season’s experience. Alpine Sport director Bruno Famin says: “By the end of the season, we were in a position to fight for the podium, which was truly satisfying. Performance consistency and optimising the use of Michelin tyres throughout a race are key points. We know we still have a lot of work to do in all areas in an environment that will be even more competitive this season. Continuing our progress is our primary target.”
The gradual progress led to two third places, at the 6 Hours of Imola and the TotalEnergies 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, for the #36 of Mick Schumacher, Frédéric Makowiecki and Jules Gounon. Alpine Endurance Team principal Philippe Sinault is clear: “The goal is to build on what we've learnt and consolidate our foundations to be better prepared for Le Mans than we were a year ago.” Last year both Alpines were retired due to mechanical issues.
Alpine rejoined the 24 Hours of Le Mans top class in 2021 but its relationship with the race dates back much further. In 1978, the make won Le Mans with the A422B in the hands of Jean-Pierre Jaussaud and Didier Pironi. The Alpine Endurance Team cherish the dream of reiterating the feat with the A424.
It has to be said that the Alpine A424 is both elegant – it’s French! – and engineered for endurance. Buoyed by an encouraging 2024 season, Alpine comes to this year’s race armed with experience, a solid technical foundation and the ambition it takes to lift a trophy.
Don’t miss the next episode in our “Hypercars under the microscope” series in which we shall continue our analysis of the prototypes in the high-quality field.
Next up: The Aston Martin Valkyrie entered by Aston Martin THOR Team
Already published: The Cadillac V-Series.R
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