Renault Sport has just revealed the new R.S 01 racing car which is set to make its debut at the 2015 Renault Sport Trophy championship as part of the World Series by Renault.
Judging by the car’s silhouette, it could be mistaken for an Audi R8 but it isn’t, and it’s not based on the Megane either; the R.S 01 is a purpose-built GT car from Renault Sport’s many years of expertise in motorsports.
The aerodynamic-driven GT car is inspired from Renault’s DeZir concept car four years ago, the R.S 01 features a carbon fibre monocoque structure and weighs less than 1100kg. A 150-litre fuel tank is fitted, with the entire assembly respects FIA LMP1 safety regulations.
Propelling the mid-engined car is a 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V6 engine from Nissan that powers the mightly Nissan GT-R. The modified VR38DETT V6 unit will produce 493bhp with 600 Nm of torque, and it is mated to a longitudinal seven-speed gearbox. That alone will produce a top speed of 300km/h. No 0-100km/h figures were given, but the R.S 01 will slot between the GT3 sports car and DTM racer in terms of performance.
Stopping power is courtesy of 380mm carbon fibre disc brakes with six-piston calipers. A double-wishbone suspension setup is used at the front and rear, with adjustable dampers and limited-slip differential. Michelin has also developed special 18-inch tires, mounted on wheels of original design with a central nut.
The R.S 01 is set to be a stepping stone for aspiring GT drivers prior to jumping to the bigger series such as Le Mans Endurance racing, Super GT and DTM. Also, this car is for sale at £282,000.
[Source: Renault Sport]
