Red Bull RB17 Hypercar: Unleashing Power and Performance

Adrian Newey - the person who has the whole of Formula 1 on strings. For those who don’t follow F1, Newey is the man behind Red Bull's recent dominance, and news of his departure has people bringing out their theories as to where he might (or might not) go.

Amidst all the paddock chatter, Newey has amazed the world… not with the news of what he’ll do after he leaves Red Bull in early 2025, but with his hypercar project with the team on which he's been working since long. Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, meet the RB17 hypercar.

Unleashing Power and Performance

We’re going to start with the headline figures because that’s what you’ve come here for (yes, we know). The RB17 packs a 4.5-liter naturally aspirated V10 engine (developed by Cosworth) coupled with an electric motor. The latter produces 200 horsepower by itself, while the V10 packs 1,000 horsepower. It can rev to a breathtaking 15,000 rpm. Yup, you read that correctly - Fifteen Thousand RPM. All the power is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed sequential gearbox and an active limited-slip diff which can lock hydraulically.

Oh, and before we forget to tell you, it weighs just 900kg. It weighs less than the number of horsepower it has. Let that sink in. The weight-saving is thanks to the hypercar’s carbon fiber two-seater monocoque.

Cutting-Edge F1-inspired Technology

The RB17 has been crafted to accommodate a wide variety of driver skill levels, featuring advanced active suspension and aerodynamic systems. The car's ride height can be adjusted to optimize its mechanical balance and roll characteristics, while the front and rear wings include movable components that adapt to different track conditions and driving styles.

The peak downforce can reach an impressive 1,700 kg (nearly double the car’s weight) thanks to the ground-effect skirts. You can clearly tell that the RB17 is the culmination of all the F1 know-how of Adrian Newey and the Red Bull Advanced Technologies team of 120 engineers which worked with him on it.

Additionally, the RB17 is equipped with:

• Hydraulic power steering
• Traction control
• Anti-lock braking system (ABS) that works with the carbon-carbon brakes

Drivers can also choose between 18-inch carbon fiber wheels fitted with custom Michelin slicks or 20-inch wheels with treaded tires, ensuring a tailored driving experience.

Customization for a Personalized Experience

The RB17 offers a range of customizable options, including:

• Seat configurations
• Adjustable pedal box
• Integrated storage for essentials like race suits and helmets

Designed to run on standard pump gas, each vehicle comes with a warranty of 2 years or 4,000 kilometers, whichever occurs first. Impressively, the manufacturer claims that the car is robust enough to compete in a 24-hour race without needing servicing.

For regular maintenance, owners can choose to service their car at Red Bull's headquarters, a local service center, or even have a technician come to their location. Major services are required every 8,000 kilometers (about 5,000 miles) and must be performed at the company’s headquarters to ensure optimal performance.

An Exclusive Limited Edition

Only 50 will be made with the car’s track-testing still left before deliveries commence. As Newey and Red Bull wanted to build the ultimate track car, the RB17 is not eligible to participate in any motor racing series. Red Bull will be organizing private racing events for the customers.

Newey’s Fitting Farewell to Red Bull

Adrian Newey unveiled the RB17 at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed along with Red Bull Racing Team Principal and CEO, Christian Horner, and Red Bull Advanced Technologies Technical Director, Rob Gray.

Newey, visibly proud of his creation and also a tad emotional, said:

“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.”

He further added:

“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.”

The RB17 is a last hurrah before Newey and Red Bull part ways, and what a hurrah it is.