Unleashing the Beast: Inside the 15,000-RPM V10 Red Bull RB17 Hypercar
The automotive world was set ablaze at the Goodwood Festival of Speed when Red Bull unveiled the jaw-dropping RB17 hypercar. Conceived as a track-only beast by the legendary Adrian Newey, the mastermind behind Red Bull's six World Constructors' Championships, this vehicle is more than just a car—it's a technological marvel. Red Bull Racing CEO Christian Horner described it as 'Adrian Newey unleashed,' and indeed, this masterpiece incorporates groundbreaking technology, some of which were banned in Formula 1, such as flexible side skirts and a blown diffuser.
The Heart of the Beast: A 15,000-RPM V10
Nothing evokes the spirit of racing quite like the sound of a V10, and Newey ensured that the RB17 would be as emotional as it is powerful. Initially slated to house a twin-turbo V8, the decision was made to switch to a naturally aspirated 4.5-liter V10, roaring to a redline at an astonishing 15,000 RPM. This engine alone churns out over 1,000 horsepower, transferred to the rear wheels via a bespoke carbon fiber six-speed gearbox.
However, the story doesn't end there. Red Bull has integrated a 200-horsepower electric motor into the powertrain. This setup not only fills in torque at lower RPMs but also provides a reversing gear. While Red Bull hasn't disclosed whether the electric motor powers the front wheels, they have assured that the RB17 will be 'easy to own and operate.'
Track-Worthy Design for Extended Sessions
Newey claims that the RB17 will find its home on iconic tracks like Spa-Francorchamps, but it’s engineered to thrill even at lower-speed venues. Armed with hydraulic power steering and pushrod suspension, the car features active control over ride height, body roll, and mechanical balance. This ensures that it can be tailored to the driver’s style, offering adjustable dampers, specific modes for varying skill levels, and track conditions. Remarkably, the RB17 is designed to run optimally at 95 degrees Fahrenheit at 3,280 feet of elevation, thanks to an efficient cooling system.
The hypercar stands on 18-inch carbon fiber wheels adorned with custom Michelin slicks, although 20-inch wheels with treaded tires are also an option. Hydraulically supported aerodynamics, including active front and rear wings and an active diffuser, ensure up to 1.7 tonnes of downforce.
Technological Marvel or Future Contender?
Speculation is rife about the RB17's place in future endurance races like Le Mans, especially given its high safety standards and an 18.5-gallon fuel tank designed for regular pump gas. Max Verstappen, the reigning F1 World Champion, has hinted at Red Bull's potential venture into Le Mans, making the RB17 a tantalizing glimpse into that possibility.
Christian Horner may have hinted at a road-going variant, but for now, the RB17 remains a track-exclusive spectacle. Limited to just 50 units, each left-hand-drive model includes a two-year/2,485-mile warranty. At a cost of £5 million ($6.3 million), it offers well-heeled enthusiasts a unique blend of cutting-edge performance and F1-inspired engineering, wrapped in a package that promises the thrill of Formula 1 lap times.
The future of high-performance track cars feels incredibly bright, or rather, screamingly loud, thanks to the Red Bull RB17.