by The Final Design of the Red Bull RB17 Track Hypercar
The Red Bull Advanced Technologies division has finally unveiled the final design of the long-awaited RB17 track hypercar. The car’s development was overseen by legendary engineer Adrian Newey, who recently moved from Red Bull to Aston Martin.
This car was created without any restrictions related to road homologation, allowing engineers to focus exclusively on aerodynamic efficiency and extreme performance. In its concept, the RB17 echoes the Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro but takes all metrics to an entirely new level. This is arguably one of the most radical machines ever offered to private clients.
Design Evolution Since the Debut
The car was first shown to the public at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in mid-2024, but its design has undergone significant changes since then. The front now features a more elaborate carbon splitter and a set of redesigned integrated LED headlights. Despite being track-only, the design team did not skimp on the quality of finish and details.
The most noticeable updates affected the sides. The RB17 gained full-fledged functional rearview mirrors, as well as aggressive, Formula 1-style air intakes integrated into the side pontoons. A prominent aerodynamic fin has appeared over the roof, designed to improve stability at high speeds both on straights and in corners.
Technical Features and Extreme Aerodynamics
The rear of the car looks even more impressive. A dramatic body-wrapping wing reminiscent of the Valkyrie AMR Pro solution, while a pair of massive Venturi tunnels dominate the lower half of the rear. The exhaust system has also been relocated: exhaust gases now exit through the engine cover, not through the diffuser area.
RB17 uses a 4.5-liter V10 that revs to an insane 15,000 rpm. Cosworth engine makes 1,000 hp and sounds wild on the dyno. Production limited to 50 units, each priced from $6.7 million.
Top Gear journalists managed to see the RB17 during a visit to Red Bull’s UK facility. In addition to the exterior, they also inspected the interior, which is equipped with a racing-style steering wheel with a large central screen.
The Heart of the Machine – A Naturally Aspirated V10 by Cosworth
As one might expect, the car’s powertrain is nothing ordinary. Like the V12 in the Aston Martin Valkyrie or the V16 in the Bugatti Tourbillon, the ten-cylinder engine for the RB17 was developed by Cosworth.
After lengthy discussions, Red Bull and Cosworth engineers settled on a 4.5-liter naturally aspirated V10, capable of revving to an incredible 15,000 rpm and producing 1,000 horsepower. This engine was created for pure speed sensation and emotion. On the dyno, it already sounds breathtaking.
Technical Director Rob Gray explained that by maintaining the RB17’s status as a track-only machine, the engineering team was able to bypass the usual constraints imposed by road regulations. This freedom allowed them to bring the car closer to Formula 1 levels than anything else ever offered to private individuals. If you’ve ever wondered what a car similar to an F1 car would look like, without any compromises or restrictions, this is probably it.
The hypercar’s production is limited to just 50 units, making it not only a technological marvel but also an extremely exclusive asset for collectors. The price for each of these cars starts at $6.7 million, further emphasizing its uniqueness and positioning at the pinnacle of automotive engineering. The creation of the RB17 demonstrates how technology and philosophy from the highest echelons of motorsport can be transferred into a limited series for the most experienced enthusiasts seeking the absolute driving sensation without any compromises.
