Red Bull’s Hypercar Revolution: The Redefinition of Speed with RB17

Red Bull has unveiled the final version of its first hypercar, the RB17, which has undergone several changes compared to the initial concept presented in 2024. The first official images of the RB17 v2.0 were released less than a year after the leak of the pre-production model photos.

The appearance of the RB17 has noticeably changed. The car features L-shaped LED headlights, side pontoons styled like Formula 1 cars with deep cuts, and a rear reminiscent of the Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR. The production version is also expected to be equipped with a massive “shark fin” extending from the roof intake.

Adrian Newey, the chief designer at Red Bull, has been refining the design over the past few months. One of the latest changes involved relocating the exhaust system to the top of the engine cover.

The Red Bull RB17 is equipped with a 4.5-liter V10 engine developed by Cosworth. This engine is capable of reaching up to 15,000 revolutions per minute and delivering 986 horsepower. Additionally, at low speeds, an electric motor with 197 horsepower is activated, assisting the engine by providing extra torque.

In the hypercar market of 2026, the RB17 stands out not only for its impressive powertrain but also for integrating advanced hybrid technology, something that has become increasingly significant among its competitors. Brands like Aston Martin and Ferrari are embracing similar innovations to enhance both performance and sustainability. Such technological integration indicates an industry-wide shift towards hybrid systems, maintaining traditional power outputs while significantly boosting efficiency.