Red Bull Unveils Final RB17 Hypercar With Last-Minute Newey Input

Red Bull has revealed the final design of its RB17 hypercar, a track-only beast powered by a screaming Cosworth V10 engine. The project received a last-minute design tweak from legendary aerodynamicist Adrian Newey, who has remained a consultant despite his high-profile move to Aston Martin. With only 50 units slated for production, the RB17 represents a pinnacle of engineering and a final stamp of Newey's influence on the Red Bull brand.

Why it matters:

• The RB17 is more than just a car; it's a statement of technological prowess and brand prestige for Red Bull, extending their dominance beyond the F1 track.
• Newey's continued involvement, even after his departure, underscores the project's importance and serves as a final, powerful bookend to his historic era with the team.
• For the ultra-wealthy clients, it offers a rare, analog-digital hybrid driving experience—a high-revving V10 combined with electric power—that is becoming extinct in the modern automotive world.

The details:

• Powertrain: The heart of the RB17 is a bespoke 4.5-liter Cosworth V10 engine that revs to a staggering 15,000 rpm, producing over 1,000bhp, supplemented by a 200hp electric motor.
• Newey's Final Touch: In one of his last contributions, Newey instructed the team to move the exhaust onto the spine of the engine cover. This significant change required substantial work on the car's thermal management to prevent components from overheating.
• Exclusivity and Price: Production is strictly limited to 50 cars, with a reported price tag exceeding £5 million per unit.
• The Complete Package: The purchase price includes more than just the hypercar. Buyers receive a bespoke experience tailored to them, including access to Red Bull Racing's simulators, vehicle development programs, and on-track training.

Looking Ahead:

• The first RB17 test model is already in production, with customer cars expected to be delivered in the spring of 2027.
• While developed for the track, the advanced engineering and problem-solving undertaken for the RB17 at Red Bull Advanced Technologies could yield valuable insights and technologies that may indirectly benefit their future F1 operations.
• The RB17 will stand as a lasting legacy of Adrian Newey's genius and Red Bull's commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance, a tangible monument to one of F1's most successful partnerships.