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The Red Bull RB17: How iconic F1 architect Adrian Newey built his ‘utopia’ car

The Red Bull RB17: How iconic F1 architect Adrian Newey built his ‘utopia’ car

Unleashing the Ultimate Driving Experience: Red Bull's RB17 Hypercar Unveiled

In a captivating unveiling at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Red Bull has pulled back the curtain on its latest creation, the RB17 hypercar. Designed by the legendary Adrian Newey, this track-focused marvel promises to deliver an unparalleled driving experience, blending the raw power and precision of Formula One technology with the elegance and beauty of automotive artistry.

Redefining the Limits of Performance

A Passion Project Realized

The RB17 represents a culmination of Newey's lifelong pursuit of automotive excellence. Inspired by a "Christmas holiday project" in 2010, where he sketched a no-rules Formula One car, the RB17 is the embodiment of Newey's vision to create a vehicle that transcends the constraints of traditional road cars and even Formula One regulations. With a focus on delivering an adrenaline-fueled driving experience, the RB17 aims to push the boundaries of what's possible in the world of high-performance automobiles.

Harnessing F1 Expertise

Leveraging the wealth of knowledge and experience from Red Bull's Formula One team, the RB17 project has brought together a team of over 150 individuals, many of whom have previously worked in the pinnacle of motorsport. This cross-pollination of talent has allowed the RB17 to benefit from the cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions that have propelled Red Bull to multiple world championships.

Uncompromising Design and Performance

The RB17 is a testament to Newey's design philosophy, where form and function seamlessly converge. With a focus on creating a "joy to drive," the hypercar boasts a stunning aerodynamic package that not only delivers immense levels of grip and downforce but also exudes a sense of beauty and elegance. Powered by a naturally aspirated V10 engine capable of producing 1,200 bhp, the RB17 is poised to deliver Formula One-level performance, with simulations suggesting it could have qualified on pole position at Silverstone.

Exclusivity and Ownership Experience

Limited to just 50 units, the RB17 is a rare and exclusive offering, with a price tag of just under £6 million (.7 million) – more than twice the cost of the Aston Martin Valkyrie. However, Red Bull is not content with the RB17 becoming a mere collector's item. Instead, the company has developed a bespoke program to ensure that owners can fully experience the car's capabilities on racetracks around the world, with the support and guidance of the Red Bull team.

Newey's Parting Gift

The unveiling of the RB17 holds a special significance, as it coincides with the news of Adrian Newey's impending departure from Red Bull after nearly two decades of service. While the RB17 was never intended to be Newey's final Red Bull creation, it serves as a fitting swan song for the legendary designer, showcasing his unparalleled talent and passion for pushing the boundaries of automotive performance.

What's Next for Newey?

As Newey prepares to embark on a new chapter, the question on everyone's mind is, "What's next?" The designer has acknowledged that he occasionally feels the need for a break, and the RB17 project has provided him with a refreshing challenge. However, Newey's future remains uncertain, with Aston Martin understood to be leading the chase to secure his services. Regardless of his next move, Newey's legacy as one of the greatest designers in Formula One history is cemented, and the RB17 stands as a testament to his enduring brilliance.

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