This Insane Hypercar Could Soon Hit the Streets – Are You Ready to Drive the Red Bull RB17?
The automotive world was sent into a frenzy when Red Bull unveiled the breathtaking RB17 hypercar at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Designed by the legendary Adrian Newey, this track-only marvel is limited to just 50 units and boasts an impressive 4.5-liter V10 engine developed by Cosworth. Its radical design and incredible performance make it an iconic piece of engineering. However, the news that Lanzante, a renowned British automotive engineering firm, is now pursuing road legality for the RB17 adds a thrilling twist to the tale.
Lanzante Takes the Lead
Founded by the same minds that have successfully designed road-legal variants of exclusive hypercars like the McLaren P1 GTR, the Senna GTR, and Pagani's own stunning Huayra R, Lanzante is stepping in to convert the RB17 for everyday use. The firm's reputation for turning track beasts into legal road machines is unmatched, making them the ideal partner for Red Bull owners who want to take their hypercars off the track and onto the streets.
Christian Horner, the team principal of Red Bull Racing, made it clear that the company had no intentions of producing a road-legal version. This left a significant gap in the market, but it also opened an opportunity for specialized firms like Lanzante to capitalize on the enthusiasm of potential RB17 buyers. Following this, Lanzante announced that they had already started discussions with customers who placed orders for the RB17 regarding the necessary modifications needed to ensure legal compliance.
The Conversion Challenge
Turning a highly specialized performance machine like the RB17 into a vehicle suitable for public roads is no easy feat. The hypercar sits incredibly low, featuring a plethora of aerodynamic enhancements in carbon fiber, which are designed to maximize performance on the track. The challenge will be considerable, as any alterations made must adhere to safety standards while maintaining the car's track-worthy prowess. While it’s unclear what exact modifications will be necessary, a balance between performance and practicality must be struck.
What Will Be Required?
- Modification of the aero components to meet street regulations.
- Additions of safety features like airbags and anti-lock brakes.
- Compliance with emissions regulations for road usage.
The RB17, with its outrageous visual design and multi-layered complexity, poses a unique set of challenges. Without clarity on the specific changes required, there's a certain air of mystery that surrounds the conversion process. However, one can imagine the engineering prowess that Lanzante brings to the table; their experience in shifting hypercars from track to street is a good omen for potential buyers.
What’s Next for the RB17 Owners?
The road-legal version of the RB17 is likely to come at a significant cost. Ace clients should be prepared to invest a certain fortune for Lanzante's work, with estimates hinting at hundreds of thousands on top of what they’ve already paid for the car itself. Despite this hefty price tag, the allure of driving a uniquely designed hypercar on public roads will undoubtedly appeal to many car enthusiasts.
Adopting a 'street-legal' persona, the RB17 also brings about the possibility of showcasing the vehicle in more social settings, making it a versatile addition to any car collection. Exploring the world with a screaming 4.5-liter naturally aspirated V10 engine is an exhilarating prospect, and the thought of blending the thrill of track performance with street legality adds an extra layer of excitement for owners.
Conclusion
With Lanzante's involvement, the dream of driving a Red Bull RB17 on the open road could soon become a reality. The combination of outstanding engineering from Adrian Newey and Lanzante's conversion expertise suggests that this car may become an even more desirable possession than it already is. As conversations with potential owners ramp up, the excitement surrounding the transformation will undoubtedly mature into something tangible, bringing the RB17 closer to home.