The RB17 has finally been revealed, and it’s just as mad as promised
Cars are getting faster each year, but Red Bull has promised a car that will rule the roost. With the intention of producing the fastest car in the world, the RB17 has been created, and it’s an absolute monster.
Power and lightness are the two most important factors in going fast. Through the use of a carbon fibre gearbox and monocoque chassis, this new track toy weighs less than 900kg. Being such a lightweight car, you would expect a smaller engine to keep the weight down too. Well, the boffins at Cosworth decided a V10 that revs to 15,000r/min will do just fine.
This brutal V10 produces 895kW and gives the RB17 a top speed of 350km/h, offering the ability to set lap times as fast as current F1 cars. Unlike the race cars we love, the RB17 is a 2-seater, which allows you to terrify your passengers with F1 speed on a closed-wheel platform. All the power is sent to the rear wheels, making this circuit destroyer that much more terrifying.
Red Bull claims that the RB17 is easy to drive and live with, which is an unfathomable comment. It’s interesting that there is still a degree of ease of ownership, given track cars’ reputation for being temperamental compared to regular performance cars.
The RB17 looks the part with its dynamic functional lines and aero parts. It is clear that Red Bull used their 20 years of F1 experience and engineering on this vehicle, and it truly defies the laws of physics. In a time where everything is going electric, race cars included, it’s refreshing to see a few brands revert back to their roots and make some damn impressive cars
