Renault’s New R.S. 01 Race Car Comes With A GT-R Heart: Video
Renault chose the 2014 Moscow Auto Show kicking off today in the Russian capital to unveil a striking new race car that’s set for competition next year. Dubbed the R.S. 01, the new race car has been developed by the French automaker’s motorsport unit Renaultsport and will compete in a new one-make series called the Renaultsport Trophy that forms part of the ever-expanding World Series by Renault.
The R.S. 01 has clearly been inspired by 2012’s Renault Alpine A110-50 concept car but it also likely hints at the styling we can expect on Renault’s actual Alpine sports car due in 2016. Renault’s only comment in this regard is that the design is a “radical expression of the brand’s sporting DNA” and has been “governed by an absolute pursuit of aerodynamic downforce.”
We think it looks great, and it should perform as good as it looks thanks to its mechanicals. Under the pretty body is a carbon fiber monocoque chassis built by Dallara to LMP1 standards. Power comes from a NISMO-enhanced version of the twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V-6 fitted to the Nissan GT-R and output is rated somewhere above 500 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. This positions the R.S. 01 between GT3- and DTM-spec race cars in terms of performance.
The engine is mid-mounted and drives the rear wheels via a seven-speed sequential gearbox sourced from Sadev. The suspension consists of double wishbones with pushrods, and the dampers are an adjustable set from Öhlins. Stopping power comes from carbon ceramic discs sourced from PFC and the wheels are an 18-inch set sourced from Braid and wrapped in Michelin rubber. The curb weight is said to be approximately 2,400 pounds and the top speed is in excess of 186 mph.
If you’re interested in competing in the upcoming Renaultsport Trophy, you’ll need to fork over £282,000 (approximately $467,915) for the car. Renault says the new racing series will be a good springboard for anyone interested in getting into professional GT or endurance racing.
Source: Motor Authority
