RB17: Red Bull’s First Bespoke Hypercar
Introduction:
Red Bull Racing, known for its success in Formula 1, is set to unveil its first-ever bespoke hypercar later this year. The RB17, a project led by renowned F1 design guru Adrian Newey, promises to be a game-changer in the automotive world. In this article, we will explore the details of the RB17, its development process, and its potential impact on Red Bull’s future as a road car manufacturer.
Adrian Newey’s Focus Shifts to the RB17:
Adrian Newey, the mastermind behind numerous Formula 1 championship-winning cars, will be dedicating his expertise to the final development and delivery of the RB17. This hypercar marks Newey’s departure from Formula 1, as he shifts his focus to this exciting project. According to Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing’s CEO, the RB17 is “Adrian Newey unleashed,” showcasing the designer’s unrestricted creativity.
The Birth of the RB17:
The RB17 project has been in the making for several years. In 2014, Adrian Newey expressed his desire to build a car free from the constraints of sporting regulations and road car legislation. To make this dream a reality, Red Bull collaborated with Aston Martin on the design work for the Aston Martin Valkyrie. The RB17 is seen as a natural progression from the Valkyrie, incorporating lessons learned from its development.
Aim and Production Details:
The RB17 is not intended to be a mass-produced road car but rather a track-focused hypercar. Red Bull Advanced Technologies (RBAT) aims to deliver a limited production run of 50 units, with 15 cars being produced annually. Most of these units have already been sold, highlighting the high demand for this exclusive vehicle.
Technical Insights:
The RB17 will be powered by a mild hybrid V8 engine, producing a staggering 1250bhp. Rob Gray, RBAT’s technical director, reveals that the car will feature significant hybrid power contribution, with around 150bhp coming from regenerated energy. The hybrid system will complement the internal combustion engine, enhancing performance rather than dominating it. The power unit itself will be a twin-turbo V8, providing torque fill and reducing throttle lag under acceleration.
Design Innovations:
Adrian Newey’s expertise as an aerodynamicist is well-known, and the RB17 will showcase his signature design elements. Referred to as “Adrian’s greatest hits” by Rob Gray, the hypercar will feature flexible skirts, large ground effect tunnels, and active suspension to handle various circuit conditions. Furthermore, exhaust blowing and other F1-inspired tricks will be incorporated into the design. Newey’s involvement extends beyond aerodynamics, as he is also working on aspects like wheels, tires, suspension, brakes, and the engine.
The RB17’s Road-Legal Potential:
While primarily designed for track use, Red Bull acknowledges that some owners may want to convert the RB17 for road use. Christian Horner revealed that the closed-roof hypercar could be made road legal if necessary, allowing owners to enjoy the RB17 on public roads while meeting local traffic regulations.
Red Bull’s Future as a Road Car Manufacturer:
With the RB17, Red Bull takes its first steps towards becoming a fully-fledged road car manufacturer. Christian Horner sees this hypercar as the start of an exciting journey for Red Bull into the world of road cars. While he doesn’t rule out the possibility of further road car projects, the RB17 is considered a halo project that showcases Red Bull’s capabilities and sets the stage for future endeavors.
Conclusion:
The RB17 represents an exciting new chapter for Red Bull Racing and Adrian Newey. This bespoke hypercar pushes the boundaries of design and engineering, incorporating F1-inspired innovations while offering a unique driving experience on the track. With its limited production run and high demand, the RB17 solidifies Red Bull’s position as a major player in the automotive world. As Red Bull embarks on its journey as a road car manufacturer, enthusiasts eagerly await the unveiling of this groundbreaking hypercar.
