Alpine A424: The French Brand’s Return to Top Tier Sports Car Racing

Alpine has recently unveiled its new A424_β LMDh Le Mans racer, marking the French brand’s return to the top tier of sports car racing. The official launch took place before the start of this year’s 24-hour race, and the new LMDh racer is set to compete in the famous race’s top hypercar category next year.

Alpine’s ‘A-arrow’ marque has been competing in the second-string LMP2 category for the past decade, but this return to the top level highlights Renault’s commitment to increasing the impact and reach of its performance/racing brand. The brand will eventually front a four-level road car range that started with the new-era A110 in 2017, with a new full-electric A110 planned for 2026.

The New LMDh Racer

The new LMDh racer from Alpine uses a 3.4-litre single-turbo V6 engine, which delivers an impressive 670bhp. It is the only car to use this powerplant, and like the rest of the field, it uses an Xtrac gearbox, a Bosch ‘hybrid box,’ and a Williams battery. On chassis design, LMDh entrants have the chance to work with one of four homologated chassis design companies, and Alpine has chosen Oreca to prolong a long-standing partnership.

Body design and aerodynamics are relatively open to entrants’ preference, and with the A424_β, Alpine has chosen to stress the A-arrow theme that will be carried by all Alpine road cars and racers. The new Alpine, which like other LMDh entrants will be eligible to race in the US, has its engine running on the dyno now. The car will turn a wheel for the first time and start serious shakedown testing in August.

Alpine’s Racing History

Alpine has a rich history in sports car racing, with outright victories 40 years ago. The brand has been competing in the second-string LMP2 category for the past decade, but this return to the top level underscores Renault’s seriousness about increasing the impact and reach of its performance/racing brand.

The A424_β LMDh Le Mans racer is a significant milestone for Alpine, as it marks the brand’s return to top-tier sports car racing. The brand’s commitment to racing is evident in its decision to enter the top hypercar category at Le Mans, and it is sure to attract attention from motorsport enthusiasts around the world.

Alpine’s Road Car Range

Alpine’s road car range started with the new-era A110 in 2017, and the brand is set to release a new full-electric A110 in 2026. The A110 is a two-seater sports car that combines modern technology with classic design elements, and it has received critical acclaim since its release.

Alpine’s commitment to racing is evident in its road car range, with the A110 featuring design elements that are also present in the A424_β LMDh Le Mans racer. The A-arrow theme that is present in the new LMDh racer will be carried by all Alpine road cars and racers, highlighting the brand’s commitment to performance and racing.

Conclusion

Alpine’s new A424_β LMDh Le Mans racer marks the French brand’s return to top-tier sports car racing. The new LMDh racer uses a 3.4-litre single-turbo V6 engine that delivers an impressive 670bhp, and it is set to compete in the top hypercar category at Le Mans next year.

Alpine’s commitment to racing is evident in its decision to enter the top hypercar category, and it is sure to attract attention from motorsport enthusiasts around the world. The A424_β LMDh Le Mans racer is a significant milestone for Alpine, and it marks the brand’s return to top-tier sports car racing.