If you have $400,000 burning a hole in your bank account – because who doesn’t – Renault has something that might be worth looking at.
The French company known for absolutely nothing in North America in decades is still number two in its homeland and a strong proponent of promotion through racing. That’s where the Renault R.S. 01 comes in. First shown during the Moscow Auto Show, the new race car is powered by a de-tuned version of the GT-R’s turbocharged V6 that, in the case, makes 500 hp. Renault’s aggressive-looking race car will serve as the star in a new single-make race series called the Renault Sport Trophy.
Aside from sourcing the engine from Nissan, the carbon fiber tub comes from Dallara and the shape from a young Japanese designer named Akio Shumizu. The GT-R engine is bolted directly into the carbon tub and uses a seven-sped sequential transmission to power the rear wheels. It uses a bespoke traction control system and – thankfully – anti-lock brakes.
Renault says the inaugural season will begin in 2015 with up to 20 teams competing using both professional and amateur drivers in a series that will span Europe. The winning pro driver will get the chance to test with the Nismo Super Gt works team and the winning amateur racer will score a seat in an LMP2 car for Le Mans 2016.
GALLERY: Renault R.S. 01
[Source: Car and Driver]
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