Unleashing the Beast: Red Bull’s RB17 Hypercar Is Set to Redefine Speed
Forget what you know about blazing-fast hypercars, because Red Bull Racing is shifting gears from the world of Formula 1 to the streets with something unprecedented. Brace yourselves for the RB17, a name that sparks curiosity not for its place in the F1 lineage but for being the moniker of Red Bull's first road-going hypercar. It's a machine that promise to blur the lines between racing circuits and tarmac roads.
In a dramatic revelation, Red Bull Advanced Technologies— the engineering juggernaut behind Red Bull Racing Group— has pulled the wraps off its latest project, the RB17. Initially teased in 2022, this hypercar is the brainchild of iconic F1 engineer and designer Adrian Newey. Newey, in a candid discussion on the company’s podcast, dished out exhilarating details about this beast that is poised to take on giants like the Mercedes-AMG One and the Aston Martin Valkyrie.
Initially envisioned with a twin-turbo V8 engine, the RB17 has evolved to boast an ear-splitting, naturally aspirated V10 that revs all the way up to 15,000 rpm. This monstrous heart pumps out an awe-inspiring 1,000 horsepower, which is further boosted by a 200 hp electric motor. Newey and his team didn’t just stop at power; they’re meticulously crafting the RB17 to tip the scales at under 900 kilograms (<1,984 pounds), making it lighter than a feather compared to its contemporaries.
The aerodynamic design of the RB17 is touted as one of the most advanced amongst road-going cars. Newey's ambition? To clock lap times that rival those of an F1 car. At 150 mph, the car is expected to generate a staggering 1,700 kilograms of downforce, essentially making it stick to the road as if gravity had been turned up a notch.
The RB17 isn’t just about raw speed and ground-breaking aerodynamics; it’s designed with the driver in mind. The two-seater hypercar will offer more legroom than the Valkyrie, ensuring that even the tallest of enthusiasts can find comfort behind its wheel. It promises not just a ride, but an experience with active suspension and custom Michelin tires tailor-made for the ultimate performance.
Red Bull plans to keep this marvel exclusive, with production capped at a mere 50 units— well, technically 49, as Newey has already claimed the first for himself. As we edge closer to its full-scale model showcase this summer, anticipation builds. Yet, the wait continues, as on-track testing isn’t expected until 2025, with production of customer cars following suit in 2026.
Securing a RB17 doesn’t just mean owning a piece of Red Bull’s racing heritage, it comes with the privilege of a bespoke training program. This includes real-time sessions in Red Bull’s F1 simulator, preparing owners to harness the beast’s full potential.
In sum, the RB17 is not just another hypercar; it's a statement, a vision translated into reality by Red Bull, set to redefine the boundaries of speed and luxury on the asphalt. For the lucky few who get to own this marvel, the road ahead promises to be nothing short of extraordinary.