Skip advert
Advertisement

How to build a race car: Renault details RS.01 genesis

Renault designers and engineers talk through the RS.01 racing car project from start to finish

After a decade in the doldrums Renault’s range of vehicles is finally regaining some visual appeal, but there’s a limit to how much concept car style you can get away with on the streets.

Luckily, racing presents an outlet for designers to expand that remit, and the Renault RS.01 is one such example.

Advertisement - Article continues below

In the words of design director Anthony Lo, the team wanted to create ‘the most beautiful race car we have seen’, and the car’s designer, Shimizu Akio, took inspiration from the company’s DeZir concept when penning the race car.

At the same time, the vehicle is advanced, with a carbon chassis, weighs under 1100kg and its 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V6 – cribbed from Renault’s partners at Nismo – develops around 500bhp.

The car has been designed and built for the Renault World Series, a stepping-stone towards GT and Endurance championships. To find out more – and to see just how the car RS.01 went from concept, to model, to race car, watch Renault’s video above.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Renault 4 2025 review – retro crossover takes aim at the MG4
Renault 4 front
Reviews

Renault 4 2025 review – retro crossover takes aim at the MG4

The revived Renault 4 hopes to continue the success of its smaller 5 sibling, and on first impressions it seems well placed to do just that
11 Aug 2025
'Renault Sport set the bar for 21st-century hot hatchbacks'
Renaultsport Megane R26.R 24
Opinion

'Renault Sport set the bar for 21st-century hot hatchbacks'

Richard Meaden reflects on the golden age of Renault Sport hot hatches, and what the future might hold for Alpine EVs
27 Oct 2024
New Renault 4 is an electric reboot of a '60s icon
Renault 4
News

New Renault 4 is an electric reboot of a '60s icon

Renault's latest retro EV is a compact crossover inspired by the 4 from 1961
14 Oct 2024
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

£200k is a lot for a new 911 Turbo so here are some used options
Used Porsche 911 Turbo
News

£200k is a lot for a new 911 Turbo so here are some used options

The new 992.2 Turbo S has supercar-slaying performance and a bona fide supercar price. Pay less for a used one and get very nearly as much performance…
11 Sep 2025
Audi R8 V8 (2007 - 2015) review – the Porsche 911’s equal is a bargain super sports car
Audi R8 V8
Reviews

Audi R8 V8 (2007 - 2015) review – the Porsche 911’s equal is a bargain super sports car

The Audi R8’s launch was perhaps one of the biggest moments in 2000s performance motoring. It’s as sweet today as back then
9 Sep 2025
Toyota GR Yaris Aero Performance pack detailed – Japan has all the fun yet again
Toyota GR Yaris with aero pack
News

Toyota GR Yaris Aero Performance pack detailed – Japan has all the fun yet again

We’re not getting the option of an Aero Performance pack in the UK. We’re still poring over the details, though
12 Sep 2025