Renault RS 2027: Is this the future of F1?
Electric pit stops, closed cockpits and LED wheel caps all feature on the futuristic race car
Renault has revealed its interpretation of what F1 cars may look like in ten years' time, debuting its radical RS (Renault Sport) 2027 concept at this week's Shanghai Motor Show.
The futuristic prototype features a closed cockpit design for better driver protection, as well as autonomous safety systems that only activate when the vehicle detects a crash is unavoidable.
According to Autocar, the RS 2027 is powered by a 1,341bhp turbocharged V6 engine and a "two-part kinetic energy recovery system". Weighing in at just 1,323lbs, it has a power-to-weight ratio of 2235bhp per ton, which the magazine says is 1,000bhp more than today's Formula 1 cars.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
A hybrid powertrain allows the RS 2027 to go through the pit lane on electric energy alone. Renault also hopes that battery technology will evolve to the point where fuel tanks can be reduced to half their current size.
Unlike the current rear-wheel drive F1 cars, the single-seater concept directs power to all four wheels through "very high-density batteries", the company says. The rear wheels can also gradually turn in a system similar to that found on the Mercedes AMG GT R road car.
There's a greater emphasis of fan involvement, too, as Renault says the RS 2027 transmits telemetry from the car directly to viewers. In addition, LED wheel caps could be used to show fans what lap the driver is on.
It's not the first time a Formula 1 team has imagined what future single-seating racing cars could look like: McLaren revealed its radical MP4-X F1 car in 2015. Like the RS 2027, the Honda-powered concept featured a closed cockpit and retained its hybrid powertrain.
While Renault and McLaren's concepts are not expected to reach production, AutoExpress says F1's new owners Liberty Media "have vowed to make improvements to the spectator experience".
The RS 2027 "is a clear statement of intent from the French brand", adds the magazine, and indicates "how it would like the sport to develop over the next decade".
The Shanghai Motor Show runs from 21 to 28 April.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Today's political cartoons - November 3, 2024
Cartoons Sunday's cartoons - presidential pitching, wavering convictions, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Why Man United finally lost patience with ten Hag
Talking Point After another loss United sacked ten Hag in hopes of success in the Champion's League
By The Week UK Published
-
Who are the markets backing in the US election?
Talking Point Speculators are piling in on the Trump trade. A Harris victory would come as a surprise
By The Week UK Published
-
Mercedes-Benz E-class review: what the car critics say
The Week Recommends The 11th generation E-class delivers a polished drive and features a spacious interior packed with tech
By The Week Staff Published
-
Mercedes-AMG G63 4x4² review: what the car critics say
The Week Recommends This truly luxurious 4x4 is pretty straightforward and off-road it feels invincible
By The Week Staff Published
-
Mercedes-AMG SL review: recapturing a golden age of motoring
feature The latest SL harks back to when the first model set ‘new standards for style and comfort’
By The Week Staff Published
-
Renault Austral 2023 review: what the car critics say
feature Renault’s new mid-size family crossover is stylish and has keen handling
By The Week Staff Published
-
Mercedes-Benz EQE review: what the car critics say
feature This is a ‘rounded’ electric vehicle, but looks underwhelming – like a ‘squashed Prius’
By The Week Staff Last updated
-
Mercedes-Benz S350d reviews: what the critics say
feature This seventh-generation S-Class will have to ‘work hard to maintain its standing’
By The Week Staff Published
-
Renault Arkana reviews: what the critics say
feature This multi-purpose hybrid car appears ‘made for the school run’
By The Week Staff Published
-
New Mercedes-Benz S-Class: the flagship saloon’s next generation
Speed Read Prices start from £78,705 for the standard wheelbase S 350 d AMG Line
By Mike Starling Published