By Sebastian Cenizo
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Key Takeaways
- Red Bull RB17 is a track-only hypercar with a V10 hybrid powertrain that provides over 1,200 horsepower.
- Built for extended track sessions, the RB17 features adjustable components to suit various driving styles.
- Only 50 units of the RB17 will be produced.
The Goodwood Festival of Speed has played host to several exciting reveals this week, but this is arguably the most amazing. It's the Red Bull RB17 hypercar, a track-only hypercar designed by the exceptional Adrian Newey, who has led the Red Bull Formula 1 team to six World Constructors' Championships. The new car is described by Red Bull Racing CEO Christian Horner as "Adrian Newey unleashed," with this creation combining several innovative technologies, including some that have been banned from the world of F1, like flexible side skirts and a double fan-blown full-length diffuser. In a nutshell, this is leagues beyond even what the Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro could ever offer, and there's more than a passing resemblance to that car, which Newey also had a lot of influence in.
2023 Aston Martin Valkyrie
- Base MSRP
- $3,250,000
- Engine
- 6.5L V12 Hybrid
- Horsepower
- 1,160 hp
A Screaming V10
There's nothing quite like the sound of a V10 engine, and Newey was adamant that everything about this car should be artistic and emotional - not just effective for high performance. As a result, the previously planned twin-turbo V8 was dropped in favor of a 4.5-liter V10 that produces more than 1,000 hp on its own, all of which goes to the rear wheels via a carbon fiber six-speed gearbox. Red Bull has not provided the specifics of the transmission, but our man on the ground is at the hypercar's unveiling at the Goodwood Festival of Speed speaking with Mr. Newey himself, so keep an eye out for our in-depth feature. Until then, here's what else we do know.
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Along with that V10 - which only reaches redline at a stratospheric 15,000 rpm and is a semi-stressed member of the carbon monocoque structure - a 200-hp electric motor is also part of the setup, helping to fill torque at lower rpm. This also provides reverse and first gears. Despite no AWD traction, Red Bull promises that the RB17 is both "easy to own and operate." The car has been built "in line with current Le Mans safety regulations," suggesting a potential future entry at the famous endurance race, something that reigning F1 World Champion Max Verstappen has hinted at in the past, too. Another hint of those intentions is the fitment of a large 18.5-gallon fuel tank, filled with regular pump gas, for the record.
Ready For Extended Track Sessions
Newey says this hypercar would shine best at tracks like Spa-Francorchamps, but it should provide plenty of engagement at slower tracks, too, thanks to hydraulic power steering. The car also boasts pushrod suspension with active control of ride height, body roll, and mechanical balance. As Newey has previously said, the car can be tailored to various driving styles. The RB17 also boasts adjustable dampers, a lift mode for bumps, carbon-carbon brakes like the Bugatti Bolide, ABS, and various modes for different skill levels and track types. Red Bull says the car has enough cooling to run at 95 degrees Fahrenheit at 3,280 feet of elevation without any issues or reduction in performance. 18-inch carbon fiber wheels with truly bespoke Michelin slick tires are standard, but a more approachable compound is also available, as are 20-inch wheels with treaded rubber for an even tamer toy.
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Aerodynamic tricks include vortex-driven flow and wheel wake management systems, as well as those flexible side skirts, which are limited to 1.7 tonnes of downforce. There are also full-width active front and rear wing elements, along with an active diffuser, and track experience days will be hosted to teach drivers to unlock their full potential. The car is a two-seater, so there's a possibility we'll see a roadgoing version someday, but for now, this is already an extremely enticing proposition. Just 50 units will be made, all with left-hand-drive layouts, and each will offer a two-year/2,485-mile warranty. This is arguably the most aerodynamically advanced hypercar ever, and with under 1,984 lbs of weight and over 1,200 hp on tap, it is claimed to be capable of matching F1 lap times. Interested? You'll need just under £6 million/$7.7 million.
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