“RB17” sounds just like the identify of a Red Bull Racing Formula 1 automotive. However, the “RB16” utilized in 2020 was outdated by the “RB16B” and RB18 within the following seasons. In 2024, we’ll lastly get to see an “RB17”, however it will not be an F1 automotive. Instead, Red Bull will likely be utilizing the alphanumeric designation for a hypercar.
Initially announced in 2022, the RB17 would be the work of Red Bull Advanced Technologies, the engineering arm of Red Bull Racing Group. The Mercedes-AMG One and Aston Martin Valkyrie rival has been penned by none apart from F1 engineer and designer Adrian Newey. In the newest episode of the corporate’s podcast, the Global Chief Technical Officer talked to nice size concerning the hotly anticipated hypercar.
Initially marketed with a twin-turbo V8 engine, the brand new hypercar will now characteristic a naturally aspirated V10 that may rev to a screaming 15,000 rpm. The combustion engine alone will produce a whopping 1,000 horsepower, additional supplemented by an electrical motor delivering an additional 200 hp. And if that is not spectacular sufficient, Newey shared that the engineering staff is aiming for a curb weight of lower than 900 kilograms (1,984 kilos). To put that determine into perspective, the lightest ND-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata was a Japan-only special edition that weighed 990 kg (2,182 lbs).
Touted as probably the most aerodynamic vehicles ever made, the Aston Martin RB17 is poised to realize lap instances similar to these of an F1 automotive, based on Newey. It’ll give you the chance generate an deliberately restricted peak downforce of 1,700 kilograms (3,747 kilos) at 150 mph (241 km/h). Remarkably, at 120 mph (193 km/h), the downforce determine will likely be equal to the burden of the automotive.
This two-seater hypercar is getting a extra spacious cabin than the Valkyrie, significantly by way of legroom for taller people. Additional tidbits shared in the course of the podcast reveal options comparable to lively suspension and bespoke Michelin tires. Production will likely be capped at 50 examples, however technically solely 49 items will likely be accessible since Newey has dibs on one.
With the design and technical specs now finalized, Red Bull plans to conduct testing of varied elements in 2024. A full-size scale mannequin will likely be showcased this summer season, however on-track testing is just not slated to start till later in 2025. The manufacturing of buyer vehicles is scheduled to kick off in 2026. Those 49 individuals lucky sufficient to say one will even obtain coaching that may embody utilizing Red Bull’s F1 simulator.
Price? £5 million, or about $6.3M at present trade charges, plus taxes. The RB17 is touted as a “track car” however we have reached out to Red Bull to seek out out whether or not it is going to be road authorized.