Alpine’s Formula 1 engine factory at Viry-Châtillon is to be converted into an engineering center by the end of 2024. The Hypertech Alpine center will focus on multiple projects, mainly road cars, battery technology and electric vehicles.
The main projects outlined for the new center include the development of the upcoming Alpine supercar and advancing battery technologies. This means the engineering center will be responsible for the Renault/Alpine’s sports cars short- to medium-term battery development.
For long term, it will also carry out research and advanced engineering activities on the chemistry of ultra-high energy density cells, particularly solid-state battery technology. The center will also develop new electric motor technologies in collaboration with Ampere for the next generation of EVs.
Alpine has stated that it will cease production of its Formula 1 engine by the end of 2025 but that other existing motorsport activities – WEC, customer racing or Formula E and Rally-Raid for partner brands – will continue.
The brand also stated that each employee affected by this transformation project will be proposed a new position within Alpine Hypertech.
“It is a turning point in the history of the Viry-Châtillon site, which will ensure the continuity of a savoir-faire and the inclusion of its rare skills in the group’s ambitious future while strengthening Alpine’s position as an ‘innovation garage’. Its racing DNA remains a cornerstone of the brand. It will continue to fuel an unprecedented industrial and automotive project, thanks particularly to Hypertech Alpine”, said Philippe Krief, Alpine CEO.
In other news, Alpine also announced that it has appointed Olivier Guintrand as VP of Alpine Cars Engineering.