WEC: Alpine A424_β Marks French Brand's Comeback to Top Tier Prototype Endurance Racing

For the next FIA World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2024, Alpine has unveiled the A424_β Hypercar. The performance-focused Renault sub-brand has been competing in the LMP2 category for the last decade, and it now aspires to compete in and win the premier LMDh class as well. An electric road car line that Alpine plans to launch globally may benefit greatly from a victory in the premier category at Le Mans. The Alpine A424_β is powered by a Bosch hybrid unit and a battery made by Williams, in addition to a 3.4-litre 90-degree single-turbo V6 engine and a seven-speed Xtrac transmission. Alpine, although a hybrid hypercar, is very light, weighing about 1,030kgs.

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Alpine A424_β: Design

The Alpenglow hypercar concept was revealed last year as an inspiration for the carbon body version of these vehicles, but its fender forms and cockpit bubble are much more outlandish. A massive fin reaches from the top of the vehicle to the back of the wing. The roof snorkel is a nice touch and a clear reference to the 1978 Le Mans-winning Alpine A442.

Alpine A424_β: Powertrain

The Alpine A424_β is propelled by a 3.4-litre 90-degree single-turbo V6 engine paired with a seven-speed Xtrac gearbox, a hybrid unit built by Bosch, and a battery supplied by Williams. When compared to the four-figure power outputs of today's road-legal supercars, the combined 671bhp from the combustion engine and 67bhp from the hybrid system may not seem much.

Oreca's double wishbone suspension, pushrod dampers, electronic power steering, and carbon ceramic brakes with six-piston dampers are all part of the carbon chassis. All four wheels are 18 inches in diameter; however, the front wheels are 12.5 inches wide, while the rear ones are 14 inches wide.

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New Manufacturers to Enter WEC in 2024

The LMDh formula has garnered significant attention from various manufacturers in recent times. Porsche was among the first to announce their entry with the Porsche 963, setting the stage for other manufacturers to follow suit. Cadillac, Acura, and BMW quickly joined the fray. However, it is worth noting that BMW and Honda's Acura division will solely focus on racing in North America for the 2023 season. In the subsequent year, BMW has plans to expand its racing endeavours and compete in the esteemed World Endurance Championship (WEC). 

In addition to the manufacturers mentioned earlier, the upcoming year will witness the entry of Lamborghini and Alpine into the LMDh formula. Lamborghini has expressed its intent to participate in both the IMSA (International Motor Sports Association) and the World Endurance Championship (WEC) starting in 2024.