RB17 is Red Bull Racing's track-only hypercar pushing 1,200 HP
Red Bull Racing unleashes the V10-powered RB17
After confirming earlier this year that its track-only hypercar is set to make its public debut in 2024, the Milton Keynes-based F1 racing team has officially unveiled the RB17. Revealed at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed, the RB17 builds on 20 years of innovation in Formula One racing, resulting in Oracle Red Bull Racing winning 6 Constructors' Titles in the motorsport.
Designed by Adrian Newey and Red Bull Advanced Technologies, the hypercar is powered by a mid-mounted naturally-aspirated V10 engine developed by Cosworth that has a 15,000 rpm redline and sits on a monocoque chassis made from carbon fiber. The ten-cylinder powerplant displaces 4.5 liters and generates 1,000 PS. Thanks to an electric motor integrated within the automatic carbon fiber transmission, the RB17 has a total system output of 1,200 PS.
Not only does the RB17 generate plenty of power, but the unique aerodynamic design of the hypercar allows it to generate 1,700 kg of downforce and has a top speed of over 350 km/h. The sculpted bodywork and aerodynamic components direct airflow onto the places that help the RB17 stick to the ground. Also worth mentioning is the RB17's curb weight which is only 900 kg. Combined with over 1,200 PS from its electrified V10, Red Bull's track-only hypercar is one heck of a speed beast.
Other key features present in the RB17 include an adjustable pushrod suspension derived from F1 racing, carbon ceramic brakes, and a range of Michelin tires specifically designed for the track-only hypercar.
“We are excited to reveal the RB17 at Goodwood Festival of Speed, a project that is one of the most authentic and exciting that Red Bull Advanced Technologies has embarked upon to date. With 20 years of legacy in the world of F1 to draw from, and as a performance-centered organization, it only made sense for us to design our own Hypercar from the ground up. Combining technical innovation, achievement, and emotional appeal, the RB17 is a landmark car. I’m very proud of the Team and am delighted to see it make its world debut. We expect the RB17 to be a future classic,” said Christian Horner, Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Principal & CEO.
Only a total of 50 examples of the RB17 will be made and all are spoken for. Each RB17 client will be welcomed into the Red Bull family with a customer journey including track events. This will allow owners to experience some of the world's greatest circuits and one-of-a-kind driver development. More importantly, each RB17 is bespoke and will be tailored to suit individual driver's needs, with customers able to specify the exterior paint, the interior materials, and a host of other details.
“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,” shared Adrian Newey, Group Chief Technical Officer at Oracle Red Bull Racing.
Despite Newey set to leave Red Bull, he is committed to finishing the development of the RB17 as it becomes a full production vehicle that will be available to a very select few. More importantly, the RB17 will give the likes of the Mercedes-AMG One and Aston Martin Valkyrie a run for their money.
