The Red Bull RB17 Hypercar is something we've never seen before
At the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Red Bull officially debuted their first-ever customer track vehicle. The hypercar, which goes by the name RB17 in keeping with their F1 car naming scheme, is 'Extreme' in the most literal sense. Adrian Newey is the brain behind designing this machine and it will be his last significant contribution to the company.
Red Bull's Advanced Technologies group built the RB17 without being constrained by road homologation or race restrictions. Power is derived from a 4.5-litre V10 engine along and an electric motor that sits within carbon fibre chassis. A six-speed sequential gearbox and an active limited-slip differential with hydraulic locking transfer power to the rear wheels.
With a redline of 15,000 rpm, the naturally aspirated engine produces an incredible 1,200PS. A torque value has not yet been released by Red Bull. With a peak speed of more than 350 kmph, the hypercar is expected to achieve lap times comparable to those of an F1.
Carbon brakes on all four wheels and power steering with hydraulic assistance are also included. The 18-inch carbon fibre wheels with Michelin racing slicks made especially for this car cover those brakes. Additionally, customers have the choice of 20-inch wheels fitted with very effective treaded tyres.
Official production is scheduled to begin in 2025, however, most of the 50 units have already been reserved by customers. A unique customer program, featuring a variety of track events on renowned circuits throughout the globe, will be included with every car.
Adrian Newey, Group Chief Technical Officer commented: "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."
Newey didn't design the RB17 as his first road vehicle. Additionally, he was the brains behind the Aston Martin Valkyrie, which will make its debut in 2025 as a Le Mans Hypercar and an AMR Pro version limited to the racetrack.
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