The RenaultSport RS 01 is one of the most fascinating racing cars currently in competition.
Produced for its very own one-make series, the R.S. 01 is interesting in that it isn’t based around an existing Renault road car and is instead a ground-up, bespoke creation with nothing but racing in mind.
Most other race cars that compete in one-maker series like the MC Trofeo series from Maserati, various 911 GT Cup championships from Porsche and the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Series, are all based around street models.
The R.S. 01 is also special as it hasn’t been produced to comply with any strict regulations and therefore sits between a GT3 race car and a purpose-built prototype in terms of outright pace. Given the exclusivity and performance of the car, very few people other than professional racing drivers in the Renaultsport Trophy will ever get the chance to drive one. Evo Magazine’s Dan Prosser is the exception to that rule.
The British journalist had the opportunity to drive the car on a circuit and unsurprisingly, it’s incredibly fast. Power is provided by a twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 from the Nissan GT-R, delivering 550 hp and with peak downforce sitting at 1200 kg, it can theoretically drive upside down in a tunnel.
Is this the ultimate track-toy for both up and coming and seasoned racing drivers? Quite possibly.