RenaultSport R.S. 01. Who needs Caterham?

RenaultSport unveils the R.S. 01, the 493bhp LMP prototype that will offer racers a springboard onto the GT and endurance racing scene from 2015 onwards.

Just when we thought, with its collaboration with Caterham was dead in the water, that Renault had nothing of interest left to unveil…

This is the Renaultsport R.S. 01, the recently debuted concept from the 2014 Moscow Motor Show. Powered by a 493bhp 3.8-litre twin turbo V6 (a derivation of that used in the Nissan GT-R), the new R.S. 01 is designed to be a launching pad for Renault-affiliated racers onto the GT and endurance motorsport scenes. Renault has already confirmed that its new racer will headline its 2015 Renault Sport Trophy, a support series for the World Series by Renault Formula 1 feeder category.

Though the platform of the new R.S. 01 is not based on any of Renault’s existing models, the company has confirmed that ‘there is a marriage between the beauty of the Renault DeZir and the performance of Formula Renault 3.5’. Loosely translated, that means there’s little aerodynamic similarities between the R.S. 01 and the electric car.

The stunning aerodynamic kit is built around a carbon monocoque for optimum chassis stiffness, a lightweight construction that weighs less than 1100kg. Key aerodynamic elements include the distinctive front grille, enormous rear wing and rear diffuser, which have been designed to channel air around the bodywork and for more effective downforce respectively. Bolted onto the main tub – which was designed by Dallara – is a 150-fuel tank.

Potential racers amongst you may want to take particular attention to the new RenaultSport R.S. 01. Pro category winners of the LMP-style RenaultSport Trophy will receive a rookie test with Nismo’s Super GT team in Japan, whilst the Am category winner gets the chance to test Nismo’s official 2016 Le Mans LMP2 prototype.

Source – RenaultSport