Words: Chris Lilly
It seems that the latest fashion in the world of concept cars is to design a machine for the track. Following on from the launch of McLaren’s P1 GTR, Renault has reaffirmed its importance to motorsport with the Renaultsport R.S. 01 – a high-tech racing car.
Due to operate in a one-make Renaultsport Trophy championship from next year, the R.S. 01 is designed to be a springboard for those drivers looking to progress to GT and endurance racing. Tipping the scales at less than 1,100kg, the lightweight racer will have more than 500hp on tap to achieve speeds close to 200mph.
The powertrain will make use of Renault’s partnership with Nissan as the engine is derived from the Japanese firm’s staggeringly quick GT-R. Prepared by in-house tuning firm Nismo, the 3.8 litre V6 twin-turbo will be semi-stressed and bolted to the carbon monocoque and roll cage.
Great importance has been put on the aerodynamic design for the R.S. 01 with a highly efficient shape – and it certainly looks the part. At two meters wide and just over one meter high, the stance is classic race car. Under the skin, up-to-date aerodynamic design will be working hard to keep the car on track while cornering. Air channels, splitters, diffusers and blades all channel and manipulate the airflow to maximum effect – pitching the R.S. 01 between a GT3 endurance racer and DTM German touring car in terms of performance.
Beginning in 2015, the Renaultsport Trophy will be part of the World Series by Renault, a European series racing at famous venues such as Monza, Monaco and Spa-Francorchamps.
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