Red Bull's RB17 Hypercar Has Been Modified Again, Making It Even More Wild | Carscoops

      Simulations indicate that the RB17 will be faster than an F1 car on specific circuits.

      7 hours ago

      by Brad Anderson

      The RB17 is equipped with a 4.5-liter V10 engine that revs up to an astonishing 15,000 rpm.

      The Cosworth engine produces 1,000 hp and has a thrilling sound on the dynamometer.

      Production is capped at 50 units, with each one starting at $6.7 million.

      Red Bull Advanced Technologies has unveiled the final design for the highly anticipated RB17, a track-focused hypercar developed under the guidance of Adrian Newey, who left Red Bull for Aston Martin last year.

      Designed without consideration for road legality and with an emphasis on extreme aerodynamics, the RB17 embodies the essence of the Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro, but elevates every aspect to new heights. It may well be one of the most extreme vehicles ever made available to private buyers.

      The company initially showcased the RB17 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in mid-2024, but significant changes have been made since. Up front, it now features a more defined carbon fiber splitter and redesigned integrated LED lights. Even as a track-only vehicle, the design team has ensured high standards of finish and detail.

      The most noticeable changes are on the sides. The RB17 now includes fully functional wing mirrors, along with aggressive, F1-style gills sculpted into its side pods. A prominent aerodynamic shark fin has also been added to the roof scoop, aimed at enhancing stability during high-speed cornering and straight-line acceleration.

      Red Bull Advanced Technologies

      At the rear, the design becomes even more unconventional. A striking wraparound wing design reflects the Valkyrie AMR Pro, while large venturi tunnels dominate the lower rear section. The exhaust has been relocated to exit through the engine cover instead of lower in the diffuser area.

      Top Gear recently had an exclusive preview of the RB17 during a visit to Red Bull’s UK facility. They were shown both the finalized exterior and the interior, which features a racing-style steering wheel with a large central display.

      The Engine

      As expected, the engine is exceptional. Similar to the V12s found in the Aston Martin Valkyrie, GMA T.50, and the V16 in the Bugatti Tourbillon, the RB17’s V10 is sourced from Cosworth.

      After much discussion, Red Bull and Cosworth decided on a 4.5-liter naturally aspirated V10 that revs to 15,000 rpm and generates 1,000 hp. It’s an engine crafted for pure excitement. On the dynamometer, it produces a sound that is utterly remarkable, in the best way possible.

      Technical director Rob Gray notes that by keeping the RB17 as a track-only model, the engineering team has bypassed the typical constraints of road regulations. This has allowed them to bring the car closer to Formula 1 standards than any other vehicle currently available to private owners.

      If you’ve ever wondered what a Formula 1-like car could look like without any compromises or limitations, this is likely it.