Ah, the Red Bull RB17—an absolute marvel of engineering, a hypercar that’s as elusive as Bigfoot on a unicorn, and just as impossible to drive on public roads.
If you were one of the 50 lucky (and let’s be honest, insanely rich) folks who snagged this £5 million ($6.5 million) track monster, you’ve got a problem.
A big one. But fear not! Lanzante, the British wizards who turned the McLaren P1 GTR into a street-legal dream, are here to save the day.
Meet the Red Bull RB17: A Hypercar for the Elite
First off, let’s talk about what makes the RB17 so special. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill supercar.
No, sir. This baby is a Cosworth-powered, 1,200 hp beast designed to shred tracks and leave mere mortals in its dust. We’re talking a naturally aspirated 4.5-liter V10 that revs to a screaming 15,000 rpm.
Oh, and it doesn’t have a reverse gear because, why would you need one when you’re always going forward at 217 mph?
The Price of Exclusivity
But here’s the catch. You’ve shelled out £5 million for this beauty, and you can’t even take it to your local Starbucks. It’s like buying a pet tiger and realizing you can’t take it for a walk in the park. Frustrating, right?
Lanzante to the Rescue: Making the RB17 Street-Legal
Enter Lanzante, the British firm with a penchant for making the impossible possible. These guys are the automotive equivalent of fairy godmothers.
Remember the McLaren P1 GTR? Lanzante made it road-legal. The Pagani Zonda Revolucion? Yep, they did that too. And now, they’re taking on the RB17 challenge.
The Cost of Convenience
Of course, this magical transformation won’t come cheap. Converting your RB17 to a street-legal beast will set you back an extra £500,000 ($650,000).
That’s right, about 10% of the car’s original price. But hey, if you can afford the car, what’s another half a million, right?
The Street-Legal Conversion: What to Expect
So, what does it take to turn this track-exclusive machine into a road warrior? Let’s break it down.
Weight Gain: The Necessary Evil
First off, expect your RB17 to gain some weight. The track version tips the scales at a feather-light 1,984 pounds. But once Lanzante works its magic, it’ll likely bulk up a bit.
Think of it as your hypercar hitting the gym but adding a little muscle. It’s still in peak form, just a bit heftier.
Aerodynamics: The Mirror, Mirror Dilemma
One of the big challenges will be maintaining those crazy aerodynamics. The RB17 promises a mind-boggling 3,747 pounds of downforce in its original form.
Adding side mirrors and other road-legal necessities might mess with that a bit. But let’s be real, if you’re driving this thing on public roads, you’re not exactly gunning for lap records.
The Glorious V10: Unchanged and Unrivaled
Now, let’s talk power. The RB17’s naturally aspirated V10 churns out 1,000 hp, with an additional 200 hp courtesy of an electric motor integrated into the carbon fiber gearbox.
This combo doesn’t just power the rear wheels; it launches them into another dimension. And the best part? Lanzante aims to keep this setup as close to the original as possible.
The RB17 vs. F1 Cars: The Battle for Silverstone
In simulation testing, the RB17 is about a second quicker at Silverstone than an F1 car. That’s right, quicker than an F1 car. Let that sink in. You’re basically driving a street-legal Formula 1 car. How’s that for bragging rights?
The Lanzante Touch: A History of Excellence
Lanzante isn’t new to this game. Their resume is stacked with high-profile conversions, each one a testament to their expertise. Converting the P1 GTR and Pagani Zonda Revolucion for street use wasn’t just about slapping on some mirrors and a license plate.
It involved intricate engineering to ensure these hypercars retained their essence while complying with road regulations.
Timeline and Expectations: Patience, Grasshopper
If you’re one of the fortunate few awaiting your RB17’s conversion, prepare to exercise some patience. Production of the standard hypercar won’t even start until late 2025.
The conversion process? That could take many months. For context, Lanzante took about 18 months to develop and convert two road-legal Porsche 935s. So, sit tight and enjoy the anticipation.
What You Get for Your Money: The Full Package
Okay, so you’ve dropped £5 million on the RB17 and another half a million on the conversion. What do you get? A car that not only looks like it belongs on a racetrack but can also be driven to the grocery store (if you really want to).
You’re getting a hypercar that screams exclusivity, performance, and sheer engineering brilliance.
The Extra Mile: Lanzante’s Dedication to Perfection
Lanzante’s commitment to perfection means they won’t just slap on some parts and call it a day. They meticulously ensure that every modification respects the car’s original design and performance.
It’s about making the RB17 street-legal without diluting its track-bred spirit.
The RB17 Experience: More Than Just a Car
Owning a street-legal RB17 isn’t just about having a fast car. It’s about owning a piece of automotive history, a testament to engineering prowess, and a conversation starter at every car meet.
It’s about experiencing the thrill of a track car on public roads, turning heads, and feeling the raw power of a 1,200 hp V10 every time you hit the accelerator.
The Future of Hypercars: A New Era of Street-Legal Beasts
The RB17 conversion by Lanzante isn’t just a one-off project; it signifies a growing trend.
As hypercars become more advanced and track-focused, the demand for street-legal conversions will likely rise.
Enthusiasts want the best of both worlds: track performance and road usability. Lanzante is at the forefront of this movement, setting new standards for what’s possible.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
So, is converting your RB17 to a street-legal hypercar worth the extra £500,000? Absolutely. If you have the means to own an RB17, the conversion cost is a small price to pay for the convenience and bragging rights.
Plus, you’re getting a car that blends the best of both worlds: unparalleled track performance and the freedom to drive it wherever you please.
In conclusion, the Red Bull RB17 is a testament to what happens when cutting-edge engineering meets passionate car enthusiasts.
With Lanzante’s expertise, this hypercar will not only dominate the track but also rule the roads. So, buckle up, future RB17 owners. You’re in for the ride of a lifetime.
