We do seem to be on something of a hydrogen fuel sine-wave, sometimes heading upwards towards sunlit, zero-emissions uplands, and at other times dipping back down, shaking our heads, and muttering that it's never going to work.
Hydrogen sports car concept
Well, Alpine - Renault's spin-off sporting brand, maker of the delectable A110 sports car and employer of Fernando Alonso - reckons that there's still some life in the whole idea of hydrogen cars, and so has designed this A4810 concept sports car to prove it.
Well, actually, technically, Alpine itself has not designed the car - it's actually been designed by students from the Istituto Europeo di Design (IED) Design School in Turin (long a hotbed of wild and wacky vehicle designs).
The A4810 is almost a traditional supercar design - carb-forward cockpit, long rear deck, the proportions of a Le Mans racer (more or less), but under the skin it's rather more futuristic. Not only is there (in theory - it's just images for now...) a hydrogen fuel cell and the necessary high-pressure hydrogen tanks under that tightly-wrapped skin, but Alpine claims that the car's aero package has been inspired by its efforts in Formula One.
Bi-tone colours
"The French spirit has been skilfully preserved: while avoiding the pitfalls of unnecessary formal elements, designers focussed on the overlapping layers and sculptural aspects of the car's silhouette. The bi-tone colours, matte black, and carbon fibre highlights create a bold contrast with each part of the car, making them stand out according to their function: aerodynamic, mechanical, or merely formal" said Alpine in a statement.
The brief given to the IED's students was to create a sports car for 2035, the year in which all cars sold in Europe will have to be zero-emissions models. Individual students worked up ideas for the car - using a combination of 3D models, sketches, and renders - and the final car was pieced together from a combination of the two best designs.
Paola Zini, Director of IED Turin, said, "As in previous years, through their most important project, the Masters students have embraced notions of skills transversality and teamwork in a fertile and visionary environment. This is part of the IED DNA and will help prepare students for the challenges the industry will face in the future, and serve as a foundation for their professional success. Alpine's contribution was one of passion, enthusiasm, and constant presence, and marks another milestone in international collaboration. Furthermore, this was an opportunity for students to work under the guidance of Antony Villain, Alpine Design Director, Raphael Linari, Alpine Chief Designer, and a number of IED alumni, whom we had the pleasure of seeing again."
Passion and know-how
Antony Villain, Alpine Design Director, said, "Collaboration with the Istituto Europeo di Design and its students has been a great experience. It was a 'filter' for us to see the brand through the eyes of the younger generation, but it was also an opportunity to share our passion and know-how, and give them sound advice for a successful career in automotive design."
"The Alpine A4810 project by IED has been a very exciting experience with IED students and lecturers", added Raphael Linari, Alpine Chief Designer. "The result is a futuristic supercar that explores new territories for the brand in terms of package, proportions, and design language. The different creative approaches of the young talented students combined with IED know-how gave rise to some very interesting responses. Furthermore, the extraordinary final result makes the collaboration a resounding success!"
There's one very nice little touch, which only those of you with a nerd-level knowledge of mountaineering will have spotted - the 4810 number is the height of Mont Blanc in metres. Mont Blanc is, of course, the highest peak in the Alps...
Chances of the A4810 actually making it to production? The wrong side of sod-all, we'd say, but some of its styling and engineering ideas might eventually trickle through. As for the idea of a hydrogen fuel cell Alpine? Well, Renault has been making some noises about hydrogen power in recent months, but as ever any move in that direction will run up against the same problem experienced by all hydrogen cars - where are all the hydrogen filling stations?