Launched at the Moscow Motor Show, Renault has just unveiled one of the best-looking racecars built in years. It’s called the Renaultsport R.S. 01 and will feature in the Renaultsport Trophy next year, a one-make racing series run as part of the carmaker’s World Series that will take place on tracks such as the Nurburgring and Spa. A Dallara-built carbon-fiber monocoque chassis is at the heart of the RS 01, which weighs just 1,100 kg with power coming from a Nismo-tuned variant of the Nissan GT-R’s 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6.
Renault claims it will generate in excess of 500 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, which is sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed sequential box controlled by steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. 0-100 km/h should be clocked in less than three seconds, with stopping power coming from carbon-fiber discs. The RS 01 also comes with bespoke alloys shod in specially-developed Michelin rubber, adjustable dampers, a limited-slip differential and double-wishbone suspension. Inspired by the DeZir concept and 1956 Renault Etoile Filante land speed record car, the racer sports a massive rear wing, large grille, prominent lower splitter, twin exhausts, and LED lights. Priced at £282,000, the Renault RS 01 is already attracting interest from race teams
