Renault Sport RS

The Renault Sport R.S. 01 is to be revealed on August 27th at the Moscow Motor Show. It's destined to travel the globe together with the World Series by Renault, bringing young new fans closer to the French diamond brand. Why R.S. 01? Maybe to remind us of the legendary RS01, the first Formula One powered by a turbocharged engine.

In the digital world, where a driver's skill is determined by his Xbox unlocked achievements, the R.S. 01 is a cool machine. But until we actually see it doing a burnout in Moscow's square like the old Trophy car did, the R.S. 01 still doesn't mean a lot to us.

In a previous statement, the carmaker said its radical machine will be powered by an engine borrowed from Nismo and producing 500bhp. That either means a highly-tuned V6 similar to the 3.7-liter of the 370Z, a de-tuned GT-R 3.8 twin-turbo or a VH 4.6-liter like the one used by the Australian Altima V8 racing car.

A car to thrill at first glance, Renault Sport R.S. 01 sets out to be one of the world’s most efficient GT racers. With every stroke of the design pen, in the body lines and in the detail, the aim was twofold: to make Renault Sport R.S. 01 an iconic Renault vehicle, and to contribute to track performance through a constant quest for aerodynamic efficiency.
AN EMBLEMATIC FRONT END, REFLECTING RENAULT’S SPORTING GENES

Like all the Renault vehicles designed under the management of Laurens van den Acker , Renault Sport R.S. 01 displays a prominent logo, the key feature on the front end. The vehicle’s impressive width of 2,000 mm – for a height of 1,116 mm – is reinforced by the signature of the LED daytime-running lights positioned along the brake cooling scoops.
At the centre of the grille, the air is “sucked in” and channeled by the stem of the chassis towards the two water coolers. It is then expelled through the extractors positioned on the hood. The negative pressure thereby created increases downforce at the front of the car. The large blade of the lower splitter and the stepped flat bottom also contribute to aerodynamics at the front. The two fins on the side of the bumper generate vortices that limit the turbulence of the rotating wheels.
A LOW-SLUNG, SCULPTED PROFILE
Underlined by the graphic pattern running from the headlights to the side air intakes, the low-slung profile is characteristic of a GT with a central rear engine. The imbalance in the overhangs is dictated by vehicle architecture and also by efforts to optimize weight distribution. The windows extending back to the airfoil and the curved shape of the rear bonnet further underline the choices made in design.
The sculpted lines of Renault Sport R.S. 01 bring to mind the concept car DeZir, presented in 2010. In his preliminary study, designer Akio Shimizu was also inspired by Renault Étoile Filante (shooting star), the record-breaking vehicle that topped 300 kph at Bonneville Salt Flats in 1956!
The air flow is channeled by the lower splitter into extractors positioned behind the front wheels. Running along the doors, these extractors change shape to become intercooler scoops. This provides effective cooling for the turbochargers.

POWER AND STRONG IDENTITY AT THE REAR
Looking beyond the adjustable fin, the rear diffuser “pushes”’ Renault Sport R.S. 01 to the track, extracting the air flow sweeping under the flat bottom. This system has a huge advantage in that it creates no drag and so does not penalize top speed.
The diffuser is topped by a twin exhaust and LED lights, completing the original light signature that extends across the width of Renault Sport R.S. 01 almost in its entirety.

THE AERODYNAMIC PERFORMANCE OF A SINGLE-SEATER
As a result of the considerable efforts devoted to aerodynamics, Renault Sport R.S. 01 is able to achieve an exceptional level of performance beyond that of a GT3 and closer to that of a DTM. CI (lift coefficient) and CdA (drag coefficient) are similar to those of a Formula Renault 3.5. At the top speed of 300 kph, the downforce of 1.7 metric tons is equivalent to that of a Formula Renault 3.5, the benchmark single-seater in the World Series by Renault.

A VEHICLE PACKED WITH THE TECHNICAL EXPERTISE OF RENAULT SPORT

The technical characteristics of Renault Sport R.S. 01 are on a par with its spectacular design. Providing effective protection for the driver, the carbon monocoque chassis enables a vehicle weight of just 1,100 kg. Installed in a central rear position, the Nismo V6 3.8L twin-turbo engine developing more than 500 hp is mated to a Sadev seven-speed sequential gearbox. With carbon brakes and special Michelin tires, Renault Sport R.S. 01 embodies the full technical expertise of Renault Sport Technologies.

LMP1 SAFETY STANDARDS FOR THE CARBON BODY SHELL
Supervised by engineer Christophe Chapelain , Renault Sport R.S. 01 was designed in cooperation with benchmark technical partners.
The carbon fiber monocoque chassis was a natural choice in order to meet objectives in terms of weight and safety. Italy’s Dallara was responsible for designing and building the chassis, in the same way as for Formula Renault 3.5. The tub, which includes the 150 liter fuel tank, features a steel roll cage at the top. At the front, a crash box absorbs energy in the event of frontal impact. Shaped like a boat’s stem, the design contributes to aerodynamic efficiency. Another crash box attached to the gearbox, plays the same role at the rear of the car. The entire assembly respects FIA LMP1 2014 standards to ensure safety.
Completing the list of safety features are a collapsible steering column, and a Sabelt bucket seat with a six-point harness, compatible with the HANS® system.
MORE THAN 500 HORSEPOWER
The semi-stressed engine is bolted to the carbon monocoque chassis on the distribution side, and to the roll cage at the top. Prepared by Nismo, the 3.8L V6 twin-turbo engine is derived from the Nissan GT-R. The main change in relation to the production model is the dry sump system intended to prevent oil surges during long corners. The Pectel electronic unit features a traction control function.
Turbo pressure is set to deliver over 500 hp with maximum torque of more than 600 N.m. This positions Renault Sport R.S. 01 between a GT3 and a DTM in terms of performance.
SEVEN-SPEED SEQUENTIAL GEARBOX
The Nismo engine is mated to a longitudinal seven-speed gearbox supplied by Sadev. With an eye to budget management, the same gear ratio sets will be used for all tracks. However, it will be possible to adjust the preload setting of the self-locking differential.
Activated by steering-wheel paddles, the sequential control system is managed by an XAP electromagnetic actuator. Developed specially by ZF Race Engineering, the clutch features an anti-stall function and is designed for an extended service life.
RUNNING GEAR CONTRIBUTING TO EFFICIENCY
Grip is provided primarily by aerodynamic downforce and this is reflected in suspension design. In the same way as on sports prototypes, a conventional double wishbone layout has been adopted with pushrods and Öhlins dampers. Adjustable for compression and rebound, the systems are positioned on either side of the body at the front, and longitudinally above the gearbox at the rear.
The braking system combines 380 mm carbon discs from PFC Brakes with six-piston calipers. This choice is an excellent compromise between efficiency and endurance. Renault Sport R.S. 01 is also fitted with Bosch Motorsport ABS.
The partner of Renault Sport Technologies for all its motorsport products, Michelin has developed special 18-inch tires, mounted on wheels of original design with a central nut.

RENAULT SPORT R.S. 01, FUTURE STAR OF THE WORLD SERIES BY RENAULT

An organizer of motorsports events for 40 years, Renault Sport is entering a new phase with Renault Sport R.S. 01. The new car will add a fresh dimension to customer sport and to talent-spotting among pilots and amateur drivers. Renault Sport R.S. 01 will compete in the Renault Sport Trophy championship, an event built to measure. This one-design series, which will be part of the World Series by Renault from 2015, will be a new opportunity for “Pro-Am” teams, and a gateway to the GT, DTM, ELMS and WEC championships.

After developing the most efficient programs for single-seaters, Renault Sport Technologies aims to roll out a new offering for hatches. Positioned between the Clio Cup events and professional championships, such as the WEC, DTM and Japanese Super GT, the Renault Sport Trophy is a gateway for the best pilots and for gentleman drivers.
The 2015 season will be open to twenty “Pro-Am” teams, classified according to the rules of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). At World Series by Renault meetings, competitors will be able to maximize their time on the track by taking part in a real monotype championship called Renault Sport Trophy.
Track time is currently estimated at more than four hours per car and per driver, over a three-day weekend.
The Renault Sport Trophy championship will reap the benefits of brand expertise in organizing motorsports events. Priority will be given to technical fairness, sporting ethics and cost control. The technical definition of Renault Sport R.S. 01 aims for servicing every other season, thus helping to keep running costs down.
A GATEWAY TO JAPAN AND LE MANS!
Alongside the prize money for the best drivers and teams in each round, Renault Sport Technologies and its partners will be providing particularly attractive end-of-season rewards.
The champion in the “Pro” category will have the chance to follow a complete development program (simulator, physical preparation, media training, etc.) prior to taking a rookie test with the official Nismo team for the Super GT in Japan. If he has the qualities required, he will be able to pursue his career in this extremely competitive discipline.
A similarly attractive reward will be provided for the “Am” champion, who will have the chance to take part in the 2016 Le Mans 24-Hour event driving an LMP2 prototype.
WORLD SERIES BY RENAULT: A CELEBRATION OF MOTORSPORTS!
Renault has been competing in motorsports for 115 years. Over this time, it has claimed victory in the most prestigious sporting events and disciplines, from the Monte-Carlo Rally to the Le Mans 24-Hour event via Formula 1,where it has notched up twelve world titles! A forerunner in track-based one-design racing formulas more than 40 years ago, Renault Sport is still the reference in the field.
Set up in 2005, the World Series by Renault reinvented this type of event. They have been rightly acclaimed by the public, with 5.5 million spectators accepting the brand’s invitation. These “free, fast and fun” events are built on a strong base:
  top-level international championships: Formula Renault 3.5 Series, Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 and Eurocup Clio,
  track demonstrations such as the Infiniti Red Bull Racing F1 Show and Renault Classic Show,
  family events (pit-stop challenge, driving simulators, exhibitions, kids’ village, etc.)
  free entrance for members of the public, who are able to access all the stands and paddock,
  significant media exposure, with live TV coverage on Eurosport and a number of other channels worldwide.
Renault’s wild Renaultsport RS01 racing car has turned a wheel for the first time in public – with none other than four-time F1 champion Alain Prost at the wheel.
In a demonstration run at the finale of the World Series by Renault single-seater championship, the RS01 lapped the Spanish Jerez circuit in front of 58,000 spectators.
Prost wasn’t the only famous hand driving the RS01, with rally hero Jean Ragnotti and ex-Toro Rosso F1 pilot Sebastien Buemi also taking turns behind the wheel.

Remind me what the Renaultsport RS01’s all about.

Looking a bit like an Audi R8 trying to go undercover as a Megane, the mid-engined RS01 will race in its own one-make championship called the Renaultsport Trophy series, as part of the support race package for the Formula Renault 3.5 championship (the category that Kevin Magnussen won on his way to becoming a McLaren F1 driver).
With a carbonfibre chassis built by Italian specialists Dallara, a twin-turbo 3.8-litre V6 engine with around 500bhp borrowed from the Nissan GT-R Nismo, and that breathtaking bodywork with styling cues designed to echo models from Renault’s road range (the car is a promotional tool after all), it’s a pretty mouth-watering proposition.
Designed as a springboard for teams and drivers aiming for the likes of GT, DTM and Le Mans in the future, there will be classes for both ‘Pro’ and ‘Am’ drivers. There’s a tantalising carrot for the drivers in the shape of an LMP2 drive in the 2016 Le Mans 24hrs for the Am champion and a possible Nismo works drive in the Japanese Super GT championship for the Pro champ.

What did Prost make of it?

Predictably, given that he’s a Renault ambassador, Prost described the RS01 as ‘magnificent’, adding that it feels like a ‘typical endurance car’ to drive. We’d expect nothing less, as the RS01 was built to FIA LMP1 safety regs and develops a similar level of downforce to an all-singing, all-dancing Formula Renault 3.5 car.

Teams will take delivery of the Renaultsport RS01 from March 2015, having stumped around £280,000 per car, with the first race taking place at Spa towards the middle of the year. We can’t wait.

Although it doesn’t benefit from the same recognition surrounding the Ferrari brand, Renault is a big name in the world of motorsports. The French have been involved in top-tier racing for decades and, more recently, their World Series championships have helped numerous talented youngsters grow into professional racers. For 2015, Renault and its Sport Technologies arm have developed yet another racing division, one that comes with its own, exclusive race car.
Make no mistake though, this new racer is not another beefed-up Megane RS . The French have taken things up a notch with a vehicle that’s faster than the entire bunch of race-ready Megane RS and Clio RS hatches. Making things even more interesting is the fact that Renault’s new race car features a unique design, highlighted by a coupe-like shape with a fixed wing on the rear.
Updated 10/22/2014: The new Renaultsport R.S. 01 took its first public laps on October 18th at the Jerez track in Spain, for the last leg of the World Series By Renault. Behind the wheel was Alain Prost who apparently was very impressed by the car: "The Renault Sport R.S. 01 is magnificent, and that’s important in terms of image. This is a new step forward for Renault, since it is launching what is actually a typical Endurance car. It’s a real race car, while being closely linked to the product since its design was largely inspired by the new production models." The car will make its racing debut in mid-2015.