Red Bull RB17 Hypercar to Get 15,000rpm Naturally-Aspirated V10 Engine, Production to Begin in 2025

Having confirmed the RB17 for a 2024 reveal as the brand's first-ever hypercar in June 2022,  Red Bull Advanced Technologies (RBAT) – the engineering arm of Red Bull Racing Group – has revealed the technical specifications of the two-seater hypercar. In the latest episode of the Red Bull podcast, Adrian Newey, Chief Technical Officer, Oracle Red Bull Racing, disclosed that the Red Bull RB17 will come powered by a naturally aspirated V10 engine, rather than a twin-turbo V8 hybrid powertrain (with over 1,100bhp). The NA V10 engine of the RB17 will rev to an impressive 15,000rpm, and will come mated to an electric motor making an additional 200bhp of power. Meanwhile, the internal combustion engine alone is capable of churning out over 1,000bhp.

Red Bull RB17: Downforce, Weight

Dubbed one of the most aerodynamic cars ever, the Red Bull RB17 is said to achieve lap times on par with Formula 1 cars; however, it wouldn't be an F1 car. The hypercar will feature a blown diffuser and a multifunction active suspension system, resulting in 1,700kg of peak downforce at 241km/h (150 mph), while at 193km/h (120 mph), the downforce number will be 900kg – which is also aimed for the kerb weight of the car. On offer will also be specially designed Michelin slicks.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2R--tmPSdM&t=1251s

"The RB17 distills everything we know about creating championship-winning Formula One cars into a package that delivers extreme levels of performance in a two-seat track car. Driven by our passion for performance at every level, the RB17 pushes design and technical boundaries far beyond what has been previously available to enthusiasts and collectors", said Adrian Newey.

Red Bull RB17: To Have More Legroom Than Valkyrie

In addition, the podcast also revealed that the two-seater RB17 will offer more legroom than the Valkyrie, developed jointly by Aston Martin and Red Bull Racing. For those not aware, Aston Martin plans to send a racing prototype version of the Valkyrie in both, the USA-based IMSA SportsCar championship and the World Endurance Championship (WEC), starting in 2025. Based on the Valkyrie AMR Pro track car, the prototype will get a modified version of the Cosworth-built 6.5-litre NA V12 engine, which in the prototype version will make 671bhp. 

Red Bull RB17: Availability

Penned by the F1 engineer and designer, the Red Bull RB17 is expected to be showcased in the Summer of 2024, with production to commence in 2025. Red Bull says no more than 50 units will be manufactured at the Red Bull Technology Campus in Milton Keynes, including the one for Adrian Newey. Moreover, the RB17 will also come bundled with on-track training and experiences.  

Red Bull RB17: Price, Rivals

Touted as a "track car", the Red Bull RB17 will start at £ 5 million or $ 6.3 million (plus applicable local taxes). In terms of market rivalry, the hypercar will be Red Bull's answer to the likes of the Aston Martin Valkyrie and the Mercedes-AMG One.