Red Bull RB17 Hypercar Debuts at The Goodwood Festival of Speed
Red Bull RB17 Hypercar Debuts at The Goodwood Festival of Speed
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| Red Bull RB17 Hypercar Debuts at The Goodwood Festival of Speed |
After years of rumors and teasers, Red Bull has finally unveiled its first-ever customer track car, the RB17, at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The two-seater mid-engine hypercar generates over 1,200 horsepower, thanks to an electrically assisted 4.5-liter naturally aspirated V-10 that can rev to an astonishing 15,000 rpm. Weighing under 1,984 pounds, Red Bull promises Formula 1 car levels of track performance. Talk about extreme.
This incredible weight is due to the RB17's carbon fiber two-seater monocoque, which uses the engine as a stressed member of the chassis. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a six-speed sequential gearbox and a hydraulically locking active limited-slip differential. There is no reverse gear; backing up is handled by the electric motor integrated into the drivetrain.
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| Red Bull RB17 Hypercar Debuts at The Goodwood Festival of Speed |
The electric motor alone produces 200 of the total 1,200 horsepower, with the V-10 supplying the remaining 1,000 hp. Standard traction control helps manage all that power, and anti-lock brakes ensure drivers don’t lock up under heavy braking zones. The RB17 boasts a top speed of over 217 mph.
As expected from a car developed by Red Bull engineering genius Adrian Newey, the RB17 boasts impressive aerodynamics. Red Bull claims the car generates up to 3,747 pounds of downforce—nearly double its own weight. Wheel wake management systems are integrated into the body to smooth airflow around the tires, and the front and rear wings feature active elements to adjust downforce for different scenarios.
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| Red Bull RB17 Hypercar Debuts at The Goodwood Festival of Speed |
The RB17's internals are equally motorsport-inspired. It features adjustable pushrod suspension on all four corners, integrated with active height and roll control, and a lift mode for navigating bumps at low speeds. Additionally, it has hydraulically assisted power steering and carbon brakes on all four corners, with the rear brakes controlled via a brake-by-wire system.
The brakes are housed within 18-inch carbon fiber wheels with Michelin racing slicks, developed specifically for this car. Customers can also opt for 20-inch wheels wrapped in high-performance treaded tires.
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| Red Bull RB17 Hypercar Debuts at The Goodwood Festival of Speed |
Red Bull designed the RB17 for easy and frequent use. Custom seat options, an adjustable pedal box, and built-in storage for race suits and helmets are available. The engine runs on pump gas, and each car comes with a 2-year/4,000-kilometer warranty (whichever comes first). Red Bull claims the car is durable enough to run a 24-hour race without servicing. Routine maintenance can be performed at Red Bull's HQ, a local service center, or at the customer's location. Major services are required every 8,000 kilometers (roughly 5,000 miles) and must be conducted at the company's headquarters.
Like other track-only supercar makers such as Ferrari and McLaren, Red Bull plans to host several private events each year for customers to use their cars on the track as intended. The company also plans to bring owners into its inner circle, inviting them to Red Bull Racing celebrations, simulator sessions, and off-track social events.
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| Red Bull RB17 Hypercar Debuts at The Goodwood Festival of Speed |
"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," Newey said in a statement. "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."
There's no word on the price for the RB17, though it's safe to assume it's well into the seven-figure range. Not that it matters, as all 50 examples have already been sold. Production is expected to begin next year.
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