Adrian Newey’s Hypercar unveiled by Red Bull (video)
The Red Bull RB17 Hypercar designed by Adrian Newey has just been unveiled at the Festival of Speed organized in Goodwood. A new opportunity to observe the incredible talent of the British engineer.
Everyone was waiting for it and it finally arrived. Two years after its announcement, the RB17, jointly designed by Adrian Newey and Red Bull Advanced Technologies, was unveiled this Friday at the Goodwood Festival. This hypercar, Red Bull’s first production car, is a direct response to Porsche and its 963, designed for the World Endurance Championship and currently competing in the WEC. The RB17, the result of 20 years of innovation in Formula 1, redefines the standards for production cars with its advanced technological elements.
A revolutionary car
The RB17 is above all a breathtaking design and outstanding performance. Inspired by the Aston Martin Valkyrie, another masterpiece by Newey created in 2021 to celebrate the collaboration between the Red Bull team and the English manufacturer, this supercar combines speed and road adaptability. The RB17 designation refers to its absence on the Formula 1 grid, the RB16 having raced in 2021 and the RB18 in 2022.
Under the hood, we find a semi-restrained 4.5-liter naturally aspirated V10 engine, capable of reaching 15,000 revolutions per minute. The two-seat monocoque carbon fiber chassis, as well as the gearbox, give this hypercar characteristics similar to an F1 car, but approved for road use. With a weight of less than 900 kg and more than 1,200 horsepower, the RB17 rivals F1 lap times and exceeds 350 km/h in top speed. Despite these performances, it remains manageable and usable on a daily basis, a real tour de force that once again demonstrates Newey’s talent.
Adrian Newey, Red Bull’s legendary engineer, doesn’t hide his pride: « I had been thinking about the idea of taking on the challenge of designing our own hypercar, from concept to delivery, for many years and it was a wonderful project and adventure. The fact that we have finally unveiled the birth of the RB17 is truly remarkable. The RB17 hypercar embodies everything we stand for: undeniable power, speed, and beauty. »
Initially, Newey was considering a power unit developing 1,000 horsepower for a weight of 150 kg. A turbo V8 would certainly have allowed to achieve this objective. For nearly a year, we have continued to evolve. Not only from a stylistic point of view, but we also changed other things. The car is a little smaller than the blue car in length and width. I think the style has been further improved, he continues.
Production of the RB17 has just started. It will then be tested on the track under real conditions and only 50 units will be produced worldwide. Each customer of Red Bull Advanced Technologies, in charge of production, will be able to customize their vehicle. Dan Smith, head of aerodynamics, specifies: « Each RB17 will be personalized, with customers being able to specify everything from the exterior paint color to the interior materials, and a whole range of small details. »
The spectators will have the opportunity to see it in static version at the Goodwood Festival in England by 2026. A unique opportunity to admire this masterpiece of technology and design which will undoubtedly offer a magnificent spectacle.
