The automotive world is abuzz with the announcement that Lanzante, the renowned vehicle specialist known for transforming track-focused machines into road-going marvels, is set to convert the Red Bull RB17 hypercar into a street-legal version. This ambitious project aims to bring Adrian Newey’s V-10 beast from the racetrack to the public roads, and while the challenge is daunting, Lanzante's track record suggests they are up for it. The Red Bull RB17, designed by the legendary Adrian Newey, is a testament to cutting-edge engineering and performance. The track-only version of the hypercar weighs a mere 1,984 pounds, making it lighter than a Mazda MX-5 Miata ND. Yet, despite its featherweight design, it boasts a staggering 1,200 horsepower. This immense power allows it to lap Silverstone a second quicker than a Formula 1 car, according to recent simulations.
At the heart of the RB17 is a naturally aspirated 4.5-liter V-10 engine that churns out 1,000 horsepower, complemented by a 200-horsepower electric motor integrated into the carbon fiber gearbox. This setup delivers a top speed of 217 mph. The hypercar’s aerodynamic prowess is equally impressive, with a downforce figure of 3,747 pounds—an essential element of its track performance.
Transforming such a high-performance machine into a street-legal vehicle presents significant hurdles. Lanzante’s goal is to maintain as much of the RB17’s original character as possible, but the transition to road use will inevitably involve compromises. The addition of features like side mirrors, necessary for street legality, will likely affect the car’s aerodynamic efficiency. As a result, the downforce might drop from the track-spec figure, potentially impacting the car’s handling and performance.
In addition, the street-legal version will likely see an increase in weight compared to its track-only counterpart. While the exact figure remains uncertain, it is expected that the car’s overall mass will rise, although it will still be significantly lighter than many of its peers.
Lanzante is no stranger to such transformations. The company’s impressive portfolio includes the conversion of the McLaren P1 GTR and a Pagani Zonda Revolucion into road-legal versions. The latter, in fact, made an appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed last year, showcasing Lanzante’s ability to balance performance with road usability.
The process for the RB17 is anticipated to be time-consuming. For instance, Lanzante’s conversion of two road-legal Porsche 935s took about 18 months of development. Given the complexity and performance of the RB17, a similar timeline might be expected.
With the production of the standard RB17 set to commence in late 2025, the street-legal version will not be available immediately. However, the anticipation surrounding this project highlights the growing demand for road-legal hypercars that retain the essence of their track-focused origins.
As Lanzante begins the conversion process, enthusiasts and potential buyers will be eagerly awaiting updates. If history is any indicator, the street-legal RB17 is poised to become a rare and coveted gem in the hypercar realm, blending unparalleled track performance with the thrill of everyday driving. In the coming years, the RB17’s transformation will serve as a testament to Lanzante’s engineering prowess and their commitment to bringing the extraordinary to the road.
Wael is an automotive content writer specializes in creating written content for Motor 283. Producing a wide range of content, including blog posts, articles, product descriptions, reviews, and technical guides related to cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles, with an unprecedented passion for cars, and motorcycles.
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