Automotive legend Adrian Newey has long dreamed of creating a non-Formula 1 car that would embody the ultimate driving experience. After years of anticipation, his vision has finally come to fruition with the RB17.
The RB17 is a track-only hypercar that pushes the boundaries of automotive engineering. It features a screaming Red Bull-spec, Cosworth-made 1,000bhp 4.5-liter V10 engine that can rev to an astonishing 15,000rpm. To supplement this raw power, a 200bhp e-motor provides instant torque.
Despite weighing under 900kg, the RB17 exudes an imposing presence with its extended dimensions and sleek lines. Its side pods and voluminous details hint at its aerodynamic complexity. Porosity is a key feature, with numerous open spaces and ducts to channel air efficiently.
Unlike the somewhat similar Valkyrie, the RB17 focuses solely on track performance. Its design has been relentlessly optimized to generate F1-fast lap times. Newey has incorporated dual fans, a full-width rear wing, and an intricate floor and diffuser to transform airflow into pure aerodynamic magic.
The RB17 can trace its roots to Newey's Red Bull X1, a fantastical concept car he designed for Gran Turismo in 2010. The basic idea has lingered in his mind ever since, serving as a template for the real-world RB17.
The RB17 is a symphony of aerodynamic prowess, boasting a targeted downforce of a staggering 1,700kg at 150mph. Unlike traditional hypercars, the floor plays a dominant role in generating this downforce, with the car's active aero surfaces offering unprecedented flexibility.
Newey explains, 'It allows you to change the mechanical balance and your stability margin... combined with the car’s active aero surfaces it allows you to change the centre of pressure [the ratio of front downforce versus rear downforce]. And we will have knobs in the cockpit that allow you to do that on the fly.'
This translates to a car that can be finely tuned for different track conditions and corners, allowing drivers to dial in the perfect balance for maximum performance.
The RB17 is a product of a long and meticulous design process, with three years of conceptual development and refinement. Newey likens it to the third iteration of their vision, having gone through multiple engine iterations and an initial all-wheel-drive configuration before settling on the final rear-wheel-drive layout.
This meticulous approach ensures that when the RB17 finally hits the track in summer 2025, it will be a honed and perfected machine representing the pinnacle of hypercar engineering.
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Music by Robertothenice from Pixabay
Photographs From TopGear