Renault has unveiled its new RS 01 race car that will compete from 2015 in the Renault Sport Trophy, a new championship of the World Series by Renault. The new series is thought as a springboard for the professional GT and Endurance championships.
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,” the RS 01 features a carbon monocoque chassis and an engine producing over 500 hp. Inspired by Renault concept cars, the RS 01 has dramatic proportions: a width of 2,000 mm (78.4 in) and a height of just 1,116 mm (43.9 in). The racer features a prominent logo and signature LED daytime running lights positioned along the brake cooling scoops.
The RS 01 has a sophisticated aerodynamics package which ensures increased downforce, with Renault saying the car is superior to a 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.
The big lateral air intakes disclose the central rear position of the engine, which is a Nismo 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 producing more than 500 hp and 600 Nm (442 lb-ft) of torque. Derived from the Nissan GT-R, the engine is mated to a Sadev 7-speed sequential gearbox and is able to push the RS 01 to a top speed of over 300 km/h (186 mph). Thanks to the carbon monocoque chassis built by Dallara, the car weighs just under 1,100 kg (2,425 lbs).
The RS 01 is equipped with carbon brakes and special Michelin tires, as well as safety features such as a collapsible steering column and Sabelt bucket seat with a six-point harness, compatible with the HANS system. Renault says the RS 01 is positioned between a GT3 and a DTM in terms of performance.
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