4 Minutes
Red Bull's RB17 Looks Like It Landed From Another Planet
The RB17's final design has landed, and the two-seater track-only hypercar looks like something sculpted for a sci-fi racetrack. Red Bull Advanced Technologies has refined the concept shown at Goodwood into a cleaner, sharper package that keeps the aggressive, aero-first silhouette intact.
Design and aerodynamics
The body is a tapestry of aero-active surfaces carved from carbon fiber: sculpted sidepods, integrated slim LED headlights, and a reduced greenhouse that prioritizes downforce and cooling. Despite its radical form, Red Bull didn't omit essentials you expect on a serious track car—rearview mirrors and a single windshield wiper remain to help the already-limited visibility from the low driving position.
Inside, the philosophy is pure focus. The cabin rejects automotive distractions—no large touchscreens or unnecessary menus—in favor of tactile, purposeful controls. As the engineers remind us, on-track driving demands drivers keep eyes on the circuit rather than on an infotainment display.
Powertrain and performance
At the heart of the RB17 is a naturally aspirated 4.5-liter Cosworth V10 that screams to a staggering 15,000 rpm. That engine alone produces about 1,000 horsepower and is paired with an electric motor contributing roughly 200 hp, giving the package a combined output of 1,200 hp. The car weighs under 900 kg (around 1,984 lb), promising lap times approaching modern F1 machinery and a top speed north of 350 kph (217 mph).
Power is sent to the rear axle via a carbon-fiber transmission and a sequential six-speed gearbox (plus reverse) with a hydraulically active limited-slip differential. That rear-wheel-drive layout and razor-focused power delivery underline the RB17's status as a pure track tool rather than a grand tourer.
Highlights:
- 4.5-liter naturally aspirated Cosworth V10, 15,000 rpm
- Combined output: ~1,200 hp (1,000 hp ICE + 200 hp electric)
- Weight: < 900 kg (≈ 1,984 lb)
- Top speed: > 350 kph (217+ mph)
- Drivetrain: rear-wheel drive, 6-speed sequential + reverse
- Chassis: carbon fiber monocoque and carbon transmission casing
Limited run and customer experience
Red Bull will produce just 50 bespoke RB17s, each tailored to its buyer. Expect seven-figure pricing that varies with options and bespoke finishes. Buyers will be invited into a full customer program that includes track tuition and events at some of the world's most prestigious circuits—an experience as much as a purchase.
Where the RB17 sits in the market
The RB17 isn't trying to be a road-going halo car. Instead, it targets wealthy enthusiasts and collectors who want a pure, uncompromised track hypercar that blends F1-adjacent performance with bespoke craftsmanship. With its carbon fiber monocoque, hybrid V10 powertrain, and near-F1 lap-time ambitions, it competes in spirit with other limited-run, track-focused hypercars but stands out thanks to Red Bull Advanced Technologies' motorsport DNA.
Quotes and context "We aimed to marry extreme aerodynamics with an engine that sings at 15,000 rpm," a Red Bull spokesperson said during the reveal. The RB17's design team—drawn from Red Bull’s race heritage—has highlighted how form and function were developed together to extract maximum performance.
Prototypes are currently undergoing track testing, which suggests the official public debut is approaching. For buyers and fans, that means the final countdown to seeing a genuine, track-only rocket from one of motorsport's most recognizable brands is now well underway.
Source: autoevolution
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