No, sadly this is not a new sports car from Renault, but rather a full-on LMP1-eligible race car.
The carbon-fibre monocoque, which meets LMP1 regulations, has been designed and developed by Dallara in Italy. Tipping the scales at 1 100 kg, the R.S. 0.1 is powered by Nissan’s GT-R engine. Developed by NISMO, the 3,8-litre, V6 twin-turbo petrol engine develops (more than) 373 kW and 600 N.m. Sending torque to only the rear axle, is a seven-speed Sadev sequential transmission. Stopping power is provided by carbon brakes.
According to Renault this will enable the Renault R.S. 0.1 to reach a top speed of over 300 km/h. Renault also confirmed that the lift coefficient and drag coefficient are similar to that of a Formula Renault 3.5. In terms of performance, Renault claims the R.S. 0.1 slots in between a GT3 and a DTM race car.
Needless to say, the body has been designed for optimal airflow, and in our opinion, this is one of the prettiest race cars in recent memory.
The car will be raced in Renault’s new Sport Trophy series. It certainly seems like Renault (which owns Nissan) is enlarging its motorsport footprint, as Nissan also supplies engines for the LMP2 class and will be returning to LMP1 racing next year.
Full technical specifications:
| CHASSIS | |
| Type | Dallara carbon monocoque chassis and steel roll cage |
| Safety | Monocoque chassis, roll cage and crashboxes compliant with FIA LMP1 2014 standards, collapsible steering column, Sabelt seat FIA 8862/2009 standard |
| Bodywork | Composites |
| Aerodynamic features | Front blade and splitter, stepped flat bottom, rear diffuser and rear wing |
| ENGINE | |
| Type | Nismo V6 – 24 valves – 3 799 cm3 |
| Layout | Longitudinal central rear |
| Feed | Injection – 2 turbochargers |
| Max power | > 500 hp |
| Max torque | > 600 N.m |
| Max engine speed | 6 800 rpm |
| Electronic management | Pectel SQ6M with traction control |
| Data acquisition | Cosworth ICD Pro |
| TRANSMISSION | |
| Type | Rear wheel drive |
| Gearbox | Sadev sequential, 7 speed+ reverse |
| Control | XAP semi-automatic with steering-wheel paddles |
| Differential | Limited slip |
| Clutch | ZF Race Engineering, long service life with anti-stall function |
| RUNNING GEAR AND SUSPENSION | |
| Suspension | Double wishbone + pushrods |
| Dampers | Öhlins 2-way adjustable |
| Brakes | PFC Brakes 380 mm carbon discs, 6-piston calipers, Bosch ABS system |
| Steering | Hydraulic power steering |
| WHEELS | |
| Wheels | Braid wheels, central mounting |
| Tires | Michelin 30/68 R18 (front) and 31/71 R18 (rear) |
| DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES | |
| Length | 4 710 mm |
| Width | 2 000 mm |
| Height | 1 116 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 744 mm |
| Front/rear track | 1 675 / 1 624 mm |
| Fuel tank | 150 liters |
| Weight | < 1 100 kg |
