Red Bull RB17 debuts as a 1,200 hp circuit-only hypercar that revs to 15,000 rpm.

Posted on July 12, 2024
Supercars
Red Bull RB17 debuts as a 1,200 hp circuit-only hypercar that revs to 15,000 rpm.

The Red Bull Formula 1 racing team has entered the hypercar field.

On Friday, Red Bull Racing unveiled the RB17, a track-specific hypercar, at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed; only 50 units of the RB17 will be produced, with no word on pricing. Red Bull has announced that in 2022, the RB17 will cost approximately 5 million British pounds (approximately 6.48 million yen).

The RB17 will be powered by a naturally aspirated, mid-mounted V10 engine with a redline reaching 15,000 rpm. Red Bull has not revealed any details about the engine itself, but has stated that it will produce approximately 1,000 horsepower on its own. An electric motor adds about 200 hp to this gas engine, and the total powertrain delivers 1,200 hp to the rear wheels. The electric motor drives the fills for smoother gear changes, but is also used for first and reverse gears. The gearbox is made of carbon fiber.

According to Red Bull, the entire vehicle weighs less than 1,984 pounds, is capable of F1-like lap times, and has a top speed of over 217 mph.

The RB17 is all about aerodynamics. It was designed by Adrian Newey, an F1 legend and Red Bull Racing's chief technical officer. One of Newey's goals with the RB17 was to provide an F1 experience that would allow drivers to enjoy F1 with their co-drivers, despite being a two-seater. Newey is also responsible for the Aston Martin Valkyrie.

In May, Newey made the shock announcement that he was leaving the Red Bull Racing team, but not before completing the 2024 F1 season and the RB17.

The RB17 is said to have the most advanced ground-effects package of any car sold to the public. It has an adjustable aero-sport and active suspension system that includes side skirts. This phenomenon, known as porpoising, has plagued Mercedes-Benz AMG's Formula One cars in recent years.

A blown diffuser, which directs exhaust gases to the top of the diffuser to aid downforce, is also part of the package. Downforce is said to equal the car's weight at 120 mph and reach a peak of 3,750 pounds at 150 mph. The latter is said to prevent tire destruction while allowing for F1-like lap times.

Two wheel options will be available, along with custom Michelin tires.

The RB17 will not be driven on public roads, but Red Bull says each owner will be "welcomed as part of the Red Bull family and will enjoy a full customer journey." That journey will include track events at various circuits, driver development training, and customization of the RB17 to the owner's needs and desires. Each vehicle will be custom-built, allowing buyers to specify everything from paint color to interior materials.

The RB17 will be serviced and maintained directly by Red Bull.

The car was named RB17 because it was not used in the team's F1 racing car. Red Bull's 2021 F1 car was originally planned to be the RB17, but ended up being the RB16B.

Production of the RB17 is said to begin in 2025 at Red Bull's headquarters in Milton Keynes, England,

and the RB16B is expected to be the first car to be built by Red Bull.

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