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concepts that were showed to us by the
Renault Styling Center. The side is definitely
one of the most characteristic angles of the
car. The entire fluid dynamics were designed
to optimize the air flow under the car's floor.
And a part of this flow fosters the two
intercooler that are located at the sides.
In order to make this delicate balance work,
we had to smoothen and optimize every
single millimeter of the first CAS (Computer
Aided Style, that's how the stylists call their
3D models). The final result has been
extraordinary both in terms of performance
and style (but that's only an opinion). I'd
say that one of our best abilities was to take
advantage of the styling cues and give them
the right value to reach the maximum
amount of performance».
The name, which recalls the first
Renault F.1 car born in 1977,
the first turbo one, is due to fate or
refers to a legacy?
«It isn't entirely due to fate, Renault
strongly wants to highlight how important
the new RS01 is, the first Renault-built
sports car not coming from a road model.
So they wanted to recall an equally-
revolutionary vehicle like the F1 RS01».
The RS01 is bound to race alongside the
World Series Renault 3.5 schedule. The
two projects shared technologies,
materials or solutions?
«As in any other project by Dallara, the level
of sharing between the products is pretty
relevant. Despite the fact that this is a sport
car, more similar to a GT, there is a strong
relationship with the formula car».
What are the strongest points of the RS01
from the safety standpoint?
«The requirements made by Renault
in terms of safety were really clear,
exactly like for the performance.
The car has a safety cell (monococque plus
steel safety cage), a front nose and a rear
crash box with the same specifications of a Le
Mans Prototype. In addition to that, it has
side anti-intrusion panels which were
mandated only recently in LMP1. The safety is
one of the key requirements for Renault, and
their cars must guarantee the highest
standards available.
The fast and lucky drivers that will
be driving them will have the
chance to follow a training program
for the Japanese GT or even for the
24 Hours of Le Mans. What are
the most useful elements of the RS01
in terms of training pro and
gentleman drivers?
«The car has a level of downforce and grip in
general that enables it to reach lateral
accelerations superior to the ones of a GT3
car. This allows the driver of an RS01 to
prepare well for the Le Mans, DTM and Super
GT cars. It was also a great surprise (the car
is currently being developed on-track) to see
the gentleman drivers that had the chance to
drive the RS01 show a good driving ability
and an optimal physical strength. I would say
that the RS01 is a great car to aim at Le
Mans, DTM and Super GT for both pro racers
and gentlemen».
«Renault Sport RS01 is a spectacular
race car, with the real GT spirit.
It promises a great feeling for the
driver. For its high-level
characteristics, the Renault RS01
showcases the great qualities of
Renault Sport, and the ability to
develop racing cars able to highlight
the future stars of GT or Endurance».
Alain Prost
Chassis: Dallara
carbon fibre monocoque
Engine: Nismo V6, 3799 cm3, 24 valves
Power: 500 bhp
Torque: 600 Nm
Gearbox: Sadev 7-speed sequential
Tires: Michelin 30/68 R18 (AV),
31/71 R18 (AR)
Length: 4710 mm
Width: 2000 mm
Height: 1116 mm
Weight: 1100 Kg
Top speed: 300 Km/h
Renault RS01