It was kept in the dark, shrouded in secrecy. But the day is finally here as Renault brings their new RS 01 into the light for the world to see. Looking very much similar to the Audi R8, this new RS 01 race car will be competing in the Renault Sport Trophy, a whole new championship of the World Series by Renault.
Featuring a carbon monocoque chassis and an engine producing over 500-horsepower, the new RS 01 is described by Renault Sport Technologies CEO Patrice Ratti as a “marriage between the beauty of Renault DeZir and the performance of Formula Renault 3.5”. Heavily influenced by Renault concept cars, the RS 01 has a width of 2,000mm and a height of only 1,116mm.
The RS 01 is equipped with a complex aerodynamic package that grants increased downforce, where Renault said that the car is superior to the GT3 and almost as aerodynamic as a DTM racing car. The lift coefficient and drag coefficient are similar to those of a Formula Renault 3.5.
Providing the thrust is a Nismo 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine situated in the central rear position of the car. Packing more than 500-horsepower and 600Nm of torque, the engine is mated to a seven-speed Sadev sequential transmission and is able to take the RS 01 to speeds up to 300km/h. And with a carbon monocoque chassis built by Dallara, the car tips the scales at less than 1,100kg.
Stopping power is provided by a set of carbon brakes hiding inside the special Michelin tires. The car is also equipped with safety features such as a collapsible steering column and Sabelt bucket seat with a six-point harness, compatible with the HANS system.
