Updated 5.13.17
RenaultSport had center stage for the mainstream Renault range in Shanghai this year. The dancers and sense of occassion certainly made the new purple Espace’s debut a bit cooler.
No mind. The star of the show soon rolled on stage. World debut of the RS2027 Vision concept. A look at what ultimate racecars will look like in a decade.
Who is RenaultSport to make the prediction?
THey are the only manufacturer with top billing in F1 and Formula E, as far as we can recall. The convergence of shouty gas turbos and buzzy electrics seems unavoidable in ten years time.
For comparison, below the jaunty launch event photos of the RS2027 is a look at the dominant electric racecar from this year, the 2017 RenaultSport e.dams, which races in Formula E sounding like a mad swarm of Dysons on steroids. But also doing no-brake corners at what looks like 120-mph.
The evolution shown here is entirely plausible, but this concept has more than just its swirl of front wings, wild new wheel-tire units and lean, ultralight mechanicals, suspension and bodywork. Check out the real-life photos of the machine below for an entirely credible look at the future of racing.
Shanghai Premiere LIVE – 2017 RenaultSport RS2027 Vision
2017 RenaultSport e.dams
What would F1 cars be without their giant wings? Faster and more futuristic, if the RS2027 Vision is any indication!
The latest RenaultSport concept takes a look at where F1 will be in a decade from now. The result is a gorgeous expression of the open-wheeled racecar. The future-tech is nose-to-tail, with intriguing details being the side-hinged driver canopy, open-mesh cockpit walls and the streamlined tail with integrated rising wing. Not as wild about the idea of a transparent helmet for the drivers, or the web-connected and public telemetry data the RS2027 shares with fans in realtime.
The RS2027 looks at a future where aero in F1 is less important than it is with today’s rulebook. We know this from the fairly simply executions here of the front and rear wings. No tri-plane wild wings and spoilers to ruin the smooth, pure beauty of the beast.
A big turbo powerplant still makes the thrust needed to pass 200-mph on track, while LED lighting becomes a central part of the designs. The RS2027’s LEDs wrap the nose wing and tail’s trailing edges in a clean and sexy new way. OLED screens in the wheels also promise interactive displays on track, such as laptimes, fuel levels and tire conditions.
Check out the concept from ideation to fabrication to the real-thing via the 60-photo set below. A quick snap of the current (perhaps 2016) Renault-Sport F1 car for reference.
2017 RenaultSport RS2027 Vision
The R.S. 2027 Vision
Aided by 40 years of experience in Formula 1, Renault has outlined a vision of what racing’s premier series might look like in 2027:
- A more human-centric championship with drivers at the heart of the sport, as illustrated by a transparent cockpit and a transparent helmet that allow the drivers to be seen in the heat of the action.
- A more spectacular show, with active LED lighting incorporated into the wheels and moving aerodynamic parts such as the car’s active wings.
- Safer racing thanks to an autonomous mode that can be activated in the case of an accident, along with an ultra-resistant polycarbonate cockpit canopy to protect against impact.
- More extensive interaction between the cars and greater connection with spectators. Fans will be able to view the telemetry data of their favourite driver for example.
- Ultra-high-performance racing that benefits from Groupe Renault’s expertise in the realms of four-wheel drive, four-wheel steering and very high-energy density batteries.
- An even more environmentally-respectful form of Formula 1, with the fuel tank capacity halved in the space of 10 years, plus a full-electric mode for use along the pit lane.
- The R.S. 2027 Vision also features the C-shaped lighting signature that has become a familiar hallmark of Renault’s road vehicles.
“One role of Renault Sport Racing is to anticipate the future of Formula 1 so that it draws a maximum number of fans in an environment consistent with Groupe Renault’s objectives. We look forward to generating inspired conversations with the racing community, fans and enthusiasts through this concept that highlights our ideas and desires.” Cyril Abiteboul, Managing Director, Renault Sport Racing.
Tom Burkart is the founder and managing editor of Car-Revs-Daily.com, an innovative and rapidly-expanding automotive news magazine.
He holds a Journalism JBA degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Tom currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina with his two amazing dogs, Drake and Tank.
Mr. Burkart is available for all questions and concerns by email Tom(at)car-revs-daily.com.