[WEC] Alpine Hypercar Discussion

[Matador]

I don't know if maybe I missed the thread, but is no one talking about the Alpine A424 LMDh that will debut next year?


Quite a good looking car, with design cuses (IMO) from the GR010, Caddy and Acura LMDh.


Mecachrome 3.4 Single Turbo V6

Alpine has revealed its LMDh car that will debut in the FIA World Endurance Championship next year and confirmed that it will be powered by a Mecachrome V6 engine.
The Renault brand on Friday presented images and initial technical details of the Alpine A424_B which has been developed in conjunction with chassis partner ORECA.

[joeb]

Was there an actual car unveiled? Or just these drawings?

[Matador]

Originally Posted by joeb

Was there an actual car unveiled? Or just these drawings?

I haven't been able to find any live pics up till now, so I assume it's just been these renders.

[TF110]

Originally Posted by Matador

I haven't been able to find any live pics up till now, so I assume it's just been these renders.

There was an actual car shown off. Looks much better too.

[Matador]

Originally Posted by TF110

There was an actual car shown off. Looks much better too.

Nice. Got a link?

[broadrun96]

I can't imagine much different since it's the Acura Oreca base and you can see a ton of it in the render.

Is this the first WEC/FIA LMDh over an IMSA program as well?

[Adam43]

Originally Posted by broadrun96

I can't imagine much different since it's the Acura Oreca base and you can see a ton of it in the render.

Is this the first WEC/FIA LMDh over an IMSA program as well?

It is. You could consider Porsche was 50/50, I suppose.

I feel that this is a significant thing.

[Matador]

Can the forum embed videos?

[Sodemo]

Why have they specified “single turbo” is that significant?

[Matador]

Originally Posted by Sodemo

Why have they specified “single turbo” is that significant?

Mecachrome's F1 engine department thinks it's the best config. Isotta will run that setup as well.

[tomcug]

Originally Posted by Sodemo

Why have they specified “single turbo” is that significant?

Because their PR department felt they need to put emphasis on something that differs them from competition? That engine was terrible in LMP1 so I assume it's significantly upgraded compared to version that raced in 2018.

[veeten]

Originally Posted by tomcug

Because their PR department felt they need to put emphasis on something that differs them from competition? That engine was terrible in LMP1 so I assume it's significantly upgraded compared to version that raced in 2018.

It uses the same turbo design as their F1 cars, meaning a dual-feed compressor that connects from each bank of cylinders rather than a connected pipe.

... but the thing is, looking at the rear facing image, there is a dual exhaust.

Hmmmm...

[Sodemo]

I assume twin turbos aren’t banned? If not why would you want just a single turbo?

[Adam43]

Originally Posted by Sodemo

I assume twin turbos aren’t banned? If not why would you want just a single turbo?

The reason to have two turbos is to improve the response through the rev range.

A hybrid can do that and better. It’ll be easy for them to match the determined power through the rev range. Easy peasy.

[joeb]

Originally Posted by Sodemo

I assume twin turbos aren’t banned? If not why would you want just a single turbo?

No, but the link works. thanks!

This was the first I had seen this video, that is a car and not a render, but I do wonder if that is just a conceptual roller. Have to imagine there aren't working parts in there.

[broadrun96]

I believe the Acura, BMW and Lamborghini are all TT, V6 and 2V8s if I'm not mistaken


I was confused about contract engine in an LMDh with the announcement but guess I was under the impression LMDh required an engine from the manufacturer catalog. I guess the Acura ain't really coming from one of their cars so maybe not so much required

[kvenom]

Hopefully, Mecachrome does a better job than the last engine they put in a prototype...

[TF110]

They call it the A424 Beta, so it seems its still not the final version.

[veeten]

Well, according to Sportscar365.com, Doornan has said that when Alpine gets homologation and reaches a commercial agreement with IMSA, the A424B could be eligible to run in the WeatherTech Sports car Championship.
It would be a great racing comparison to the Acura, since both have the Oreca chassis as basis. It would come down to the powertrain, Honda's V6 vs the Meccachrome(Renault) V6.

[Adam43]

Which will both have extremely similar power curves! It’s more likely the tyre pressures will be the differentiator.

[tomcug]

Also aero differences (slight but cars probably won't be identical in that aspect), hybrid software, teams running the cars, maybe something else Alpine/Renault in IMSA is something I look forward to but until an official announcement is made, I'm a bit skeptical

[Gerard C]

Mecachrome has got a long time experience of the V6 because they've been the official Renault supplier (refurbishing F1 engines). In spite of this, all did not go as a dream when it came to design their in house engines… Together with the tyre pressures it will be interesting to see the fuel management between the two engines.

[Adam43]

Originally Posted by tomcug

… hybrid software, …

Definitely this. While the power output will be the same, how you use this to influence the dynamics of the car is a really interesting area. Acura have really targeted this area.

…teams running the cars, …

Definitely.

maybe something else …

Originally Posted by Gerard C

Mecachrome has got a long time experience of the V6 because they've been the official Renault supplier (refurbishing F1 engines). In spite of this, all did not go as a dream when it came to design their in house engines… Together with the tyre pressures it will be interesting to see the fuel management between the two engines.

Tyre pressures.

Fuel management will be neutralized to a certain extent with the energy and pitstop rules. But in theory you can run on average lighter with better management. Depending on the weight given to you.

[seanyb505]

I'm quite doubting alpine would run in IMSA. The manufacturer buy in doesn't really feel worth it for someone who sells no cars in North America. Could it be rebranded?

[Gerard C]

Rebranded? Don't think so. The Camaro venue at LM was supported by FIA, ACO, NASCAR and IMSA if I'm correct, they must be following a global program. Funny enough, in the 60's Alpines were built not only in France but in Brasil (rebranded Interlagos), Bulgaria (Bulgaralpine), Mexico (Dinalpin) and Spain. As you suggest, I don't think the message "remember our international past" or "Tesla, here we are" will impress a north american consumer! Back to tyre pressures and real racing then?