The Red Bull RB17 is the latest hypercar creation from the renowned designer Adrian Newey, the man behind the Aston Martin Valkyrie.
This exclusive track-focused machine is set to deliver F1-comparable lap times, thanks to its 883kW hybrid V10 powertrain and groundbreaking aerodynamics.
While development began in 2021 and is still underway, Red Bull plans to commence testing in mid-2025, with production taking place at its Milton Keynes facility.
The current prototype, unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, closely mirrors the final design, albeit the production version will be slightly smaller. Although engineered primarily for track use, the RB17 offers an intriguing option for street-legal conversion.
A screaming V10
The heart of the RB17 is a Cosworth-developed naturally aspirated 4.5-litre V10 engine, capable of revving to a thrilling 15,000rpm and delivering 735kW.
A single electric motor integrated into the automatic transmission boosts power to the rear axle by an additional 147kW, bringing the total output to an impressive 883kW. This power, combined with a weight of under 900 kg, promises exhilarating performance.
Maximum aero
The RB17’s striking bodywork is punctuated by large aero components and apertures, meticulously designed to optimise airflow for maximum performance.
Red Bull claims the hypercar can generate an impressive 1700 kg of downforce, contributing to its top speed of over 350km/h.
The motorsport-derived chassis features an F1-style adjustable pushrod suspension, carbon brakes and bespoke Michelin tyres developed specifically for the RB17.
A hypercar for all
Adrian Newey shared his vision for the RB17 with Autocar, stating the goals were to create a vehicle that looks and sounds fantastic and is enjoyable for drivers of varying skill levels, provided they have a decent amount of track experience.
He further asserted that at its peak performance, with a highly skilled driver at the helm, the RB17 is capable of achieving F1 lap times.
All 50 units of the RB17 are reportedly already reserved, despite the rumoured price tag of £5 million (around NZ$10.6 million), which also includes a personalised driver training program.
Each unit will be an ode to personalised driving, offering extensive customisation options for colours, materials and other bespoke features.
And despite his recently announced departure from Red Bull Racing, Adrian Newey remains committed to seeing the development of the RB17 hybrid hypercar through to completion.
With its blend of F1 technology, track-focused performance, and potential for road use, the Red Bull RB17 is poised to be a truly remarkable machine.
