“RB17” sounds just like the title of a Purple Bull Racing Method 1 automotive. Nevertheless, the “RB16” utilized in 2020 was outdated by the “RB16B” and RB18 within the following seasons. In 2024, we’ll lastly get to see an “RB17”, however it will not be an F1 automotive. As a substitute, Purple Bull shall be utilizing the alphanumeric designation for a hypercar.
Initially introduced in 2022, the RB17 would be the work of Purple Bull Superior Applied sciences, the engineering arm of Purple Bull Racing Group. The Mercedes-AMG One and Aston Martin Valkyrie rival has been penned by none apart from F1 engineer and designer Adrian Newey. Within the newest episode of the corporate’s podcast, the International Chief Technical Officer talked to nice size in regards to the hotly anticipated hypercar.
Initially marketed with a twin-turbo V8 engine, the brand new hypercar will now characteristic a naturally aspirated V10 that may rev to a screaming 15,000 rpm. The combustion engine alone will produce a whopping 1,000 horsepower, additional supplemented by an electrical motor delivering an additional 200 hp. And if that is not spectacular sufficient, Newey shared that the engineering crew is aiming for a curb weight of lower than 900 kilograms (1,984 kilos). To place that determine into perspective, the lightest ND-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata was a Japan-only particular version that weighed 990 kg (2,182 lbs).
Touted as one of the crucial aerodynamic automobiles ever made, the Aston Martin RB17 is poised to realize lap instances corresponding to these of an F1 automotive, based on Newey. It’s going to give you the option generate an deliberately restricted peak downforce of 1,700 kilograms (3,747 kilos) at 150 mph (241 km/h). Remarkably, at 120 mph (193 km/h), the downforce determine shall be equal to the load of the automotive.
This two-seater hypercar is getting a extra spacious cabin than the Valkyrie, notably when it comes to legroom for taller people. Further tidbits shared through the podcast reveal options resembling energetic suspension and bespoke Michelin tires. Manufacturing shall be capped at 50 examples, however technically solely 49 items shall be out there since Newey has dibs on one.
With the design and technical specs now finalized, Purple Bull plans to conduct testing of assorted elements in 2024. A full-size scale mannequin shall be showcased this summer season, however on-track testing isn’t slated to start till later in 2025. The manufacturing of buyer automobiles is scheduled to kick off in 2026. These 49 individuals lucky sufficient to say one may also obtain coaching that may embrace utilizing Purple Bull’s F1 simulator.
Value? £5 million, or about $6.3M at present trade charges, plus taxes. The RB17 is touted as a “monitor automotive” however we have reached out to Purple Bull to seek out out whether or not will probably be road authorized.