🏎️ Red Bull RB17 Hypercar: Comprehensive Fact Sheet 🚀

The Red Bull RB17 is a track-only hypercar designed by Red Bull Advanced Technologies, spearheaded by legendary Formula 1 designer Adrian Newey. Unveiled at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed, this exclusive vehicle aims to deliver Formula 1-level performance in a two-seater package. Below is a detailed breakdown of all known facts, incorporating the latest specifications and insights:

📏 General Overview Ascendant
Name: RB17, derived from Red Bull Racing’s F1 naming convention, filling the skipped 2021 designation between RB16B and RB18.

Production: Limited to 50 units, with production starting in 2025 at Red Bull’s Milton Keynes, UK campus.

Price: Approximately £5.75 million ( ~$7.2–7.5 million USD) plus taxes, varying by customization and local taxes.

Purpose: Track-only hypercar (not street-legal initially, though a road-legal version is planned).

Unveiling: Non-working full-scale model revealed on July 12, 2024, at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Ownership Experience: Includes exclusive track days, driver coaching, simulator sessions, and integration into Red Bull Racing events.

🛠️ Technical Specifications
Powertrain
Engine: 4.5-litre naturally aspirated V10, developed by Cosworth, revving to 15,000 rpm. Produces 1,000 hp (746 kW).

Hybrid System: 200 hp (149 kW) electric motor, contributing to a combined output of 1,200 hp (895 kW).

Transmission: Six-speed sequential gearbox with carbon fibre casing, using Xtrac gears. No reverse gear; handled by the electric motor.

Drive: Rear-wheel drive (front-axle electric motor considered but dropped for weight savings).

Fuel: Runs on 98 RON pump fuel with a 70-litre fuel tank.

Chassis and Weight
Chassis: Carbon-fibre monocoque, with the engine as a semi-stressed member.

Weight: Under 900 kg (1,984 lbs), yielding a power-to-weight ratio of ~1,210 hp/ton (surpassing Max Verstappen’s RB20 F1 car at 1,137 hp/ton).

Aerodynamics
Downforce: Up to 1,700–1,725 kg (3,747–3,800 lbs) at 150 mph (241 km/h), nearly double the car’s weight. At 120 mph (193 km/h), downforce equals the car’s weight.

Features:

Most advanced ground effect package in a production car, including side skirts (banned in F1).

Active aerodynamic elements in front/rear wings and diffuser.

Wheel wake management systems to optimize airflow around tyres.

Design: Channels and tunnels minimize drag, avoiding a large rear wing. Low rear wing integrates with a massive diffuser.
Suspension and Braking
Suspension: F1-inspired pushrod suspension with active height and roll control, adjustable dampers, and a lift mode for low-speed clearance.

Brakes: Carbon-ceramic brakes with brake-by-wire on rear wheels only.

Steering: Hydraulically assisted power steering.

Wheels and Tyres
Wheels: 18-inch carbon-fibre wheels (optional 20-inch high-performance treaded tyres).

Tyres: Custom Michelin racing slicks (three compounds: high-grip, slip-angle-friendly, and treaded).
🚀 Performance
Top Speed: Over 350 km/h (217 mph), restricted to ~230 mph in some configurations for safety.

Lap Times: Capable of Formula 1-equivalent lap times, potentially outqualifying an F1 field at circuits like Silverstone. Simulations show faster times than F1 lap records at multiple tracks.

Cornering: Generates F1-level cornering forces due to extreme downforce and active suspension.

Durability: Designed to endure a 24-hour race without maintenance. Service intervals: 4,000 km (minor) and 8,000 km (major, at Red Bull HQ).

🎨 Design and Customization
Designer: Adrian Newey, with influences from his F1 cars and the Aston Martin Valkyrie.

Seating: Two-seater (left-hand drive only) for sharing the F1 experience with a passenger or coach.

Interior:

Generous cockpit dimensions with customizable seats and an adjustable pedal box.

Integrated storage for helmets and racing suits.

Customization: Bespoke options for exterior paint, interior materials, and detailed specifications.

Safety: Meets Le Mans Hypercar safety standards, despite being track-only.

🏁 Ownership and Support
Track Events: Red Bull hosts private track days at premier circuits with full factory support.

Driver Development: Includes coaching, simulator access, and car setup tailored to individual drivers.

Maintenance:

Supported at Red Bull HQ, local service centres, or client facilities.

Two-year or 4,000 km warranty.

Exclusivity: Owners join Red Bull Racing’s “inner circle” with invites to team celebrations and social events.

Availability: All 50 units reportedly sold, with 49 available (Newey reserved one).

🌟 Development and Significance
Development Timeline: Initiated in 2020 during COVID lockdown, with three engine iterations (initially a twin-turbo V8, then a hybrid V8, finalized as a V10).
Testing: Component testing in 2024, with on-track debut planned for summer 2025.

Newey’s Legacy: The RB17 is Newey’s final Red Bull project before his 2025 departure, reflecting his 20-year F1 legacy (14 championship-winning cars).

Engineering Feat: Built entirely in-house by Red Bull Advanced Technologies, showcasing F1-derived innovation free from FIA or road regulations.

Comparison: Outperforms competitors like the Aston Martin Valkyrie (also Newey-designed) in track focus and aerodynamics.

🗣️ Quotes
Adrian Newey: “The RB17 distills everything we know about creating championship-winning Formula One cars into a package that delivers extreme levels of performance in a two-seat track car.”

Christian Horner: “The RB17 is a celebration of Adrian’s time with the team. It’s 50 very special cars with an insane amount of performance.”

Rob Gray: “Our target is for it to be faster than a Formula 1 car… in simulation, we’re seeing times that are faster than F1 lap records.”

🔮 Future Prospects
Racing Potential: Could compete in events like the FIA World Endurance Championship if adapted, though no specific category confirmed.

Road-Legal Version: A less aggressive aero package is planned for future road homologation.
Legacy: Expected to be a “future classic” due to its exclusivity, performance, and Newey’s design pedigree.

📸 Visuals
Aesthetics: Sleek, low-slung design with F1-inspired lines, active aero, and a massive rear diffuser.

🏎️ Why It Matters

The RB17 is Red Bull’s first production car, blending 20 years of F1 expertise into a track weapon that redefines hypercar performance. With Newey’s unrestricted vision, it pushes engineering boundaries, offering wealthy enthusiasts an F1-like experience. Its rarity, bespoke nature, and potential to outpace modern F1 cars make it a landmark in automotive history.

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