The Alpine A424 hypercar’s development is clearly in full swing, with the company making concerted efforts to perfect its performance and reliability.
Top Key Points
- The Alpine A424 hypercar development program progressing well
- The successful two-day test session at Motorland in Aragon, Spain
- Focus on understanding and fine-tuning systems and aerodynamics
- Significant progress on the mechanical setup
- The next phase of testing scheduled for 17-19 October at Jerez
- The first endurance session at Motorland in mid-November
- Team on track to homologate car before end of year
Here are a few takeaways
- Continuous Testing: Alpine has been systematically testing the A424 hypercar, moving from one circuit to another. They started at the Circuit Paul Ricard, then Lurcy-Lévis, followed by Motorland, and next will be Jerez. Each location provides a unique set of challenges and data for the development team.
- Distance Covered: The car has covered significant distances in testing, with 1,500 km at Motorland and 780 km at Lurcy-Lévis. This is indicative of the company’s intent to understand the car’s endurance and long-term performance.
- Aerodynamics & Systems: One major focus of the recent tests was the car’s aerodynamics, with specific adjustments like ride height being optimized. The company also prioritized understanding and fine-tuning various systems, such as braking and differential systems, ensuring the vehicle’s all-around performance.
- Tyre Endurance and Thermal Behavior: With the long, double-stint runs, Alpine is keen on understanding the Michelin WEC 2024 tyres’ durability and the thermal conditions within the car, especially under the bonnet. This is critical for a hypercar, as overheating can lead to performance degradation and potential mechanical failures.
- Short Runs: The short runs were essential for Alpine to make adjustments to various elements like aerodynamic balance, weight distribution, and the hybrid system deployment. These short bursts provide insights into the car’s immediate response to changes and its handling during rapid accelerations and decelerations.
- In-depth Mechanical Work: Beyond just the car’s software and aerodynamics, Alpine is also diving deep into the A424’s mechanical setup. This holistic approach ensures that every part of the vehicle is optimized for peak performance.
- Upcoming Homologation: All these tests are leading up to the vehicle’s homologation. With deadlines fast approaching, the team’s pressure is on to ensure the A424 meets all necessary requirements.
- Feedback Loop: After every testing session, the A424 is taken back for analysis. The engineers at Viry-Châtillon will continue to work on various ‘garage’ phases and scrutinize the electrical and electronic components. This feedback loop ensures that the lessons learned from one test are implemented before the next.
Quotes
Bruno Famin, VP, Alpine Motorsports: “The work of the various teams involved in this A424 project continues to progress, and a genuine osmosis is developing between the different actors involved, which is really pleasing.
It’s been an intense two days. All the shakedown stages are now behind us, and we’ve got down to the nitty-gritty at Aragon, with the fine-tuning of the car’s different systems and the aero work.
Things are moving in the right direction, but we’re only at the beginning of the process, and there’s still a tremendous amount to do in all areas. We’re focusing on the upcoming phases, specifically the first endurance test and preparations for homologation.”
Philippe Sinault, Alpine Endurance Team Principal: “The tests went well. The positives from the tests at Circuit Paul Ricard were confirmed at Motorland and the car continued to display a healthy behaviour. It was a pivotal stage in the programme because, after completing the shakedown tasks, we started to get all the car’s elements to work together: the hybrid system, engine and chassis. Matthieu and Nico put in a series of stints over more than 1,500 km, sometimes even double stints, with no reliability issues, so it was quite satisfying and constructive.
During this stage, we could really begin our operating role, with a particular emphasis on understanding the car and getting the right setups. The smooth running of the team was palpable on the human side, which genuinely encouraged discussions ahead of the big challenge ahead. We still have a lot of work ahead of us, but we’re on the right track.”
Conclusion
Alpine’s thorough and systematic approach to the development of the A424 hypercar showcases its commitment to excellence and performance. With the meticulous testing regimen and the feedback mechanism in place, the A424 is shaping up to be a highly anticipated addition to the world of hypercars.
