The new Alpine A424 Hypercar, revealed last Friday at Le Mans, will use a ‘heavily modified’ version of the Mecachrome-built Formula 2 engine, the manufacturer has confirmed.
The Mecachrome V634 engine is a V6 3.4-litre engine which is used in the Dallara-built Formula 2 cars. However, it is not known for its reliability, with F2 cars having had recurrent engine issues since 2018.
It was also planned to be used by Ginetta in the British manufacturer’s G60-LT-P1 LMP1 car. However, the company later switched to an AER-developed engine, due to Mecachrome’s refusal to increase the power output.
An Alpine spokesperson told MotorsportWeek.com, “The engine of the A424 is based on the Formula 2 engine indeed, but it is heavily modified compared to the F2 or even previous LMP1 engines seen previously.
“The Alpine F1 Team from Viry-Chatillon has been deeply involved in the evolution of this engine, in collaboration with Mecachrome. Most of the parts are new, benefiting both performance and reliability.
“The engine control system is also fully specific to the A424 and entirely developed and calibrated by Alpine Racing in Viry.”
The engine as planned to be used in the A424 features a single turbocharger at 90°. Its maximum rev band is 9000rpm, and will produce 675hp, in line with the FIA World Endurance Championship’s Hypercar regulations. It also features a ‘spec’ 50kW Bosch-developed hybrid system, as required by the WEC and IMSA’s LMDh technical ruleset.
The car itself will be built by Oreca and raced by Signatech, who run the factory team on behalf of Alpine. It is due to enter the WEC next season.
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