Fresh videos and photos of the Renault RS01 racecars blasting around Circuit Jerez this week in Spain!

And crucially, a look under the hood of this mid-engine stunner — confirming the well-known rumors that the 3.8-liter engine under that back canopy has GT-R origins. [Actually, Renault confirmed this right from the start: see tech specs included below video.]

What a prospect. Imagine not just a true mid-engine racing GT-R, but actually a pure speed-demon with bespoke CF chassis and bodywork, racing suspension and all that power to just the back wheels!

Just the thought of such a machine is enough to wet your mouth. But seeing and hearing it in action around a GP circuit? Nearly nirvana. We’re slightly bummed not to have technical laptimes to share. How might this beast compete with racing 911s, or perhaps even track-focused hypercars? Lacking road-ready luxuries like airbags and sound insulation gives the RS01 a huge edge versus car’s in its general class: the Audi R8 or Supertrofeo Huracans. We’d wager this RS01 is near or at McLaren 675LT performance levels when it comes to stopwatch laps.

For now, the RS01 remains a flight of fancy, but one that is far more intoxicating than any static concept car, or Vision Gran Turismo fantasy.

Check out the latest video and photos of this masterclass in motorsports halo marketing.

2015 RenaultSport RS01

RS01 Tech Specs Snapshot

ENGINE

• Type  Nismo V6 – 24 valves – 3,799 cm3
• Layout  Longitudinal central rear
• Feed  Injection – 2 turbochargers
• Max power  > 500 hp
• Max torque  > 600 N.m
• Max engine speed  6,800 rpm
• Electronic management  Pectel SQ6M with traction control
• Data acquisition   Cosworth ICD Pro

TRANSMISSION

• Type  Rear wheel drive
• Gearbox  Sadev sequential, 7 speed+ reverse
• Control  XAP semi-automatic with steering-wheel paddles
• Differential  Limited slip
• Clutch  ZF Race Engineering, long service life with anti-stall function

RUNNING GEAR AND SUSPENSION

• Suspension  Double wishbone + pushrods
• Dampers  Öhlins 2-way adjustable
• Brakes  PFC Brakes 380 mm carbon discs, 6-piston calipers, Bosch ABS system
• Steering  Hydraulic power steering

 

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Renaultsport is revving up its fanbase this month ahead of the World Series of Renault race weekend extravaganza at Silverstone in early September.

F1 cars, Clio Cup cars and 115 years of Renaultsport racing legends will be proudly attending this petrolhead woodstock.

The UK debut of the RS01 racecar is perhaps the most exciting new detail for this fun event: the global racing series is part branding, part driver development and part technical R&D.
The RS01 features in 30 or so new photos ahead of the big race — shown below along with details on the $12 tickets to join the fun on site.

 

2015 RenaultSport R.S. 01

 

 

PREVIOUS

 

Created for the brand-new Sport Trophy track racing series, the new RS01 from Renaultsport is set to be track-ready for everything from the WEC Le Mans 24-hour race to Super GT in Japan.

A promising start!

The tech specs are below, and there is more than a little suspicion that the RS01 is a mid-engine Nissan GT-R. After all, it does run (what we suspect is) a NISMO twin-turbo V6 producing 550 horsepower.

Sharing like this is no bad thing! In fact, it is an amazing development on the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s strengths.

Stay tuned for more details as they become available.

RenaultSport R.S. 01 Racecar

RS01

TECHNICAL DATA RENAULT SPORT R.S. 01
CHASSIS

• Type  Dallara carbon monocoque chassis and steel roll cage

• Safety

• Monocoque chassis, roll cage and crashboxes compliant with FIA LMP1 2014

• standards, collapsible steering column, Sabelt seat FIA 8862/2009 standard

• Bodywork  Composites

• Aerodynamic features  Front blade and splitter, stepped flat bottom, rear diffuser and rear wing

ENGINE

• Type  Nismo V6 – 24 valves – 3,799 cm3

• Layout  Longitudinal central rear

• Feed  Injection – 2 turbochargers

• Max power  > 500 hp

• Max torque  > 600 N.m

• Max engine speed  6,800 rpm

• Electronic management  Pectel SQ6M with traction control

• Data acquisition   Cosworth ICD Pro

TRANSMISSION

• Type  Rear wheel drive

• Gearbox  Sadev sequential, 7 speed+ reverse

• Control  XAP semi-automatic with steering-wheel paddles

• Differential  Limited slip

• Clutch  ZF Race Engineering, long service life with anti-stall function

RUNNING GEAR AND SUSPENSION

• Suspension  Double wishbone + pushrods

• Dampers  Öhlins 2-way adjustable

• Brakes  PFC Brakes 380 mm carbon discs, 6-piston calipers, Bosch ABS system

• Steering  Hydraulic power steering

• WHEELS

• Wheels  Braid wheels, central mounting

• Tires  Michelin 30/68 R18 (front) and 31/71 R18 (rear)

• DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES

• Length  4,710 mm

• Width  2,000 mm

• Height  1,116 mm

• Wheelbase  2,744 mm

• Front/rear track  1,675 / 1,624 mm

• Fuel tank  150 liters

• Weight  < 1,100 kg

• * Pending approval in ongoing tests.

 
PRESS KIT
August 27, 2014
renault SPORT R.S. 01
A RACING CAR OF SPECTACULAR DESIGN
BUILT FOR PERFORMANCE

Renault is restating its passion for motor sports with the Renault Sport R.S. 01, a racing car
of spectacular styling and exceptional performance. With a design inspired by the world of
concept cars and governed by an absolute pursuit of aerodynamic downforce, Renault Sport
R.S.  01  is  a  radical  expression  of  the  brand’s  sporting  DNA.  Its  technical  specifications
reflect the best of Renault Sport expertise. With a carbon monocoque chassis for a weight of
less than 1,100 kg and an engine developing over 500  hp, it is able to reach a top speed of
over 300 kph. From 2015, Renault Sport R.S. 01 will be one of the stars of World Series by
Renault  in  a  new  championship,  the  Renault  Sport  Trophy,  a  springboard  for  the
professional GT and Endurance championships.

“Renault Sport R.S. 01 is a racing car of extraordinary design, symbolizing Renault’s
passion  for  motor  sports.  The  spectacular  design  lines  reflect  in  themselves  the
ambitions of this exceptional car, thanks to the  efforts and enthusiasm of Laurens van
den Acker and his team. Under the bodywork, it is packed with cutting-edge systems
from  Renault  Sport  Technologies.  The  aim  is  to  achieve  an  advanced  level  of
performance, delivering thrills for both the driver and the  public. If we had to sum up
Renault Sport R.S. 01 in a few words, we could describe it as a marriage between the
beauty of Renault DeZir and the performance of Formula Renault 3.5!”
Patrice Ratti, CEO of Renault Sport Technologies
“Renault  Sport R.S. 01 is a spectacular racing car, in the purest tradition of GT. With
its high-level sporting capacities, Renault Sport R.S. 01 illustrates the rich expertise of
Renault Sport, and its ability to develop the racing cars that will reveal future GT  or
Endurance champions.”
Alain Prost, Renault Ambassador for motorsport

SPECTACULAR DESIGN, INSPIRED BY THE
WORLD OF CONCEPT CARS!
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.
« The spectacular look of Renault Sport R.S. 01 is born out of
the  world  of  concept  cars  and  the  result  is  a  genuine  racer
which  boasts  extraordinary  performance  backed  up  by  the
Renault Sport signature.”
Laurens  van  den  Acker,  Renault  Senior  Vice  President,
Corporate Design
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
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.

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.

THREE QUESTIONS FOR… ÉRIC DIEMERT
DESIGN DIRECTOR, renault SPORT TECHNOLOGIES
What were the requirements concerning the design of Renault Sport R.S. 01?
“Renault Sport Technologies wanted to develop a car exploring a new dimension in performance. So it was important
for this impetus to be visible in design. Also, the reach of Renault Sport R.S. 01 had to extend beyond the range to
make  it  an  iconic  brand  model.  This  is  why  it  looks  nothing  like  a  production  vehicle.  The  process  was  similar  to
designing a concept car in terms of the freedom enjoyed by the team, so that was really exciting.”
What  were  the  main  stages  in  the  process  leading  up  to  presentation  of  the  mock-up  at  the  Moscow  Motor
Show?
“All  our  projects  begin  with  an  in-house  competition.  From  November  22,  2013,  as  part  of  this  first  phase,  sixteen
designers from our network of Design centers in France and other countries were able to give free rein to their creative
drive.  At  the  end  of  three  weeks,  we  chose  the  work  of  Akio  Shimizu,  a  young  Japanese  designer  working  at  the
Guyancourt  exterior  design  studio.   His  project  was  a  natural  choice  for  its  strength  of  expression  and  immediate
connection  with  Renault’s  identity.  We  then  made  a  digital  mock-up  of  his  drawings.  This  took  us  into  the  technical
phase, based on constant small-loop exchanges with Renault Sport Technologies and Dallara. The aim was to establish
the  best  possible  balance  between  our  requirements  in  terms  of  design  and  ae rodynamics.  With  each  iteration,
performance was verified by means of CFD
calculations. We then milled a full-size mock-up. This stage was crucial to
validating the vehicle’s proportions and attitude. The result showed our decisions to be sound, so subseq uent changes
primarily concerned fine-tuning of the body lines, air intakes and extractors. The definitive design was frozen on April 25
last.”
How would you assess the result?
“First, we need to emphasize that the entire project was completed in five mon ths. That’s a particularly short time frame
compared with the production projects we’re used to.
Renault  Sport  R.S.01  expresses  a  successful  convergence  achieved  against  challenging  constraints  relating  to  the
quest for top-level performance. With hindsight,   would say that the aerodynamics issue largely guided but   above all
stimulated our creativity!
The end product is a source of great pride for the entire team. We’re impatient now to see the cars on the starting grid
for their first race!”

 

CFD: Computational Fluid Dynamics

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 Motorsport technical manager for Renault Sport Technologies  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.
taly’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 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.
*  Professional – Amateur.
** DTM : Deutsche Tourenwagen-Masters (DTM) is the german championship for tourism derived cars
*** ELMS : European Le Mans Series
*** WEC : World Endurance Championship

 

RENAULT SPORT TROPHY, A NEW EVENT FOR THE 2015 SEASON
“Renault  Sport R.S.  01 marks the start of a new line. For this reason, it was named  in tribute to Renault’s  very first
Formula 1 vehicle. We wanted to design the best racing car in order to bring to light the best talent and prepare the next
generation of drivers. Renault Sport R.S. 01 is a vehicle of exceptional performance and the World Series by Renault
will  be its showcase. We started from scratch in developing Renault Sport Trophy. It is an attractive event that stands
out among existing motorsport events. With “Pro-Am” teams and a sports program combining sprinting and endurance,
we will create a gateway to the higher series.” Patrice Ratti, CEO of Renault Sport Technologies
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 F A 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 S how,
–  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 IS CONTRIBUTING TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF MOTORSPORT IN RUSSIA
The unveiling of Renault Sport R.S. 01 at the Moscow Motor Show is highly symbolic for Renault. Motorsports have a
special place  in the  minds of the  Russian public, and are  an excellent  way to  build  Renault’s  image on this market.
Renault Sport has been highly active in this area in recent years, playing a pioneering role in organization or taking part
in a variety of motorsports events in Russia.
In  2012,  the  World  Series  by  Renault  was  the  first  international  track  series  event  to  take  place  in  Russia,  at  the
Moscow Raceway. On June 28 and 29, more than 78,000 spectators gathered around the track to celebrate the victory
of Sergey Sirotkin in Formula Renault 3.5 Series. In the not too distant future, maybe this young hope could join his
countryman Daniil Kvyat, second in Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 in 2012 and now a driver with Scuderia Toro Rosso Renault in Formula 1.
“In  2012,  the  World  Series  by  Renault  marked  the  opening  of  Moscow  Raceway.  Over  the
past three years, we have promoted the development of  motorsports around  Russia.  A few
weeks  ago,  the  Russian  stage  was  a  real  celebration  for  spectators  of  all  ages.  The
entertainment program on the track and in the Renault Village attracts both sports enthusiasts
and families, who were able to take advantage of everything happening on and off the track,
free of charge.”