alpine's hydrogen-powered concept car nestles its driver in transparent cockpit

Alpenglow concept car by alpine

French automaker Alpine, which is owned by the Renault Group, introduces a new concept car with an aerodynamic silhouette that features a completely transparent cockpit. Making its debut on 17 October at the Paris motor show, the hydrogen-powered ‘Alpenglow’ marks the future of sports cars and a new era of sustainable and zero-emission mobility. Its elegant design addresses both racing and open-road settings, while water is set as the protagonist of the eco-friendly car concept.

In its single-seater, the driver sits nestled between two hydrogen reservoirs located on each side of the teardrop-shaped cockpit. The driver and interior space become one, with the cockpit appearing as a blue-tinted see-through helmet. The Alpine team sought to create an overall shape that can be seen as a singular whole, explaining that ‘the interior and exterior are in a state of symbiosis’.

all images by Renault Group

aerodynamic shapes juxtaposed with stylized lights

The name Alpenglow refers to an optical phenomenon where a horizontal band of red-tinted light appears across the horizon after sunset or before sunrise. Measuring 5 meters long, 2 meters wide, and less than 1 meter high — what Alpine describes as a ‘dream car’s proportions’ — the Alpenglow is a highly sleek car whose sculpted lines reflect the features of future Alpine models. Props usually found in racing cars, like the central driver’s position and a racing steering wheel, add to its distinctive design language.

The aerodynamic body accommodates two transparent, backlit paddle shifters and two selectors with a range of controls, including ‘Track Control’ and ‘Regenerative Braking’. The steering wheel is also equipped with an ‘Overtake’ button, for a boost of extra power. Meanwhile, the car features an entirely transparent rear wing that almost disappears from sight. Although it appears lightweight, it has great importance for the car’s performance, helping reduce drag and generate greater downforce.

the cockpit takes shape as a blue-tinted see-through helmet

The front lights are integrated into the V-shape front, which runs the length of the Alpenglow as a continuous red line. A ‘shower of stars’ symbolized by triangular lights emerges from each end of this line — a nod to Alpine’s iconic signature. ‘Starting in the front with red hues like a comet entering the atmosphere, it extends through to the back, where various shades of blue convey the Alpenglow’s clean emissions — it emits practically only water vapour when running.’ The left and right tanks add to the alluring look of the silhouette, with their gentle curves fitting seamlessly into its curvaceous design.

Thanks to the blue lights, the vapour produced by the internal combustion motor gains a bluish hue creating a magical and sporty feel that follows the car. Fine pearlescent flecks with shifting light and shade give the car’s paint a liquid-like finish. The wheels are covered with transparent rims, creating snowflake patterns that bear the Alpine identity. A triangle located in the middle of the rims features hydrogen and the Alpine logo, highlighting the brand’s signature.