Red Bull's $6 Million RB17 Hypercar: Unveiling The F1 Experience You Can Own
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Red Bull Racing—undoubtedly the top dog in Formula 1 right now—has just pulled the wraps off its very first production hypercar, the RB17, at the illustrious Goodwood Festival of Speed. This isn't just any hypercar, but a track-only masterpiece promising the kind of performance you'd expect from a Grand Prix-winning machine. Forget the distinctive livery and design cues of their F1 cars; the RB17 has its own identity, and oh boy, what an identity it is!
Engineered to Thrill
At the heart of the RB17 is a mind-blowing combination of a 1,000-horsepower naturally aspirated V10 engine paired with a 200-horsepower electric motor. This isn't just about raw power; it's about delivering that power in a way that mirrors the precision and control of an F1 car. The power unit here functions as a semi-stressed member of the chassis, precisely like an F1 engine does. This magnificent beast weighs in at a feather-light 1,984 pounds and boasts an incredible downforce of up to 3,747 pounds—figures that would make any car enthusiast's heart race.
What's in a Name?
The RB17 name carries a story of its own. It finds its roots in Red Bull Racing’s unique car naming system and their response to the pandemic-induced regulations delay in Formula 1. Originally, the ground effects-focused rules were meant to debut in 2021, but due to the delay, much of the work from the 2020 RB16 carried over to the 2021 RB16B model, leaving the RB17 name unused until now. The championship-winning RB18 for 2022 meant it was time for the RB17 to shine as a hypercar, rather than just another F1 entry.
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Adrian Newey's Masterpiece
It's poetic that the RB17 serves as the final project of Adrian Newey, the legendary F1 designer, before he moves on from Red Bull Racing. Newey himself described the car as a challenge that he's pondered for years, highlighting its power, speed, and sheer beauty. Designed as a two-seater, it ensures that the thrill of driving at F1 speeds isn't a solo experience but can be shared with a friend or partner.
“I had been mulling around the idea to take on the challenge to design our very own Hypercar, from concept to delivery, for many years and it has been a magnificent project and journey. For it to finally be the day we pull the covers off and see the birth of the RB17, is truly remarkable. The RB17 Hypercar embraces everything we stand for: undeniable power, speed and beauty. It is very adaptable in its abilities, and we made sure to design it as a two-seater so that the thrill of driving at F1 speeds can be enjoyed with a friend or partner.”
- Adrian Newey
An Exclusive Package
Red Bull will produce only 50 of these $6 million hypercars. Sure, the price tag is eye-watering, but the perks that come with ownership are what make it truly special. Owners will get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Red Bull Racing, including invitations to team events, time in the simulator, and track-day outings to push the RB17 to its limits. It's not just buying a car; it's buying an experience, a direct ticket to the world of championship-winning Formula 1 racing.
If you’re a car enthusiast with deep pockets and high adrenaline needs, the RB17 is more than just a status symbol. It’s a testament to Red Bull’s dominance and innovation, a machine that captures the essence of speed and exclusivity. Don’t just watch the F1 races from the stands or on TV—experience the power and thrill first-hand with Red Bull's phenomenal RB17 hypercar.