Formula 1 is one of the most lucrative automotive sports today and it has been at a steady pace of development for quite a while now. Renault R.S. decided to completely change the way we see and feel the sport.
The 2027 Concept was released at the Shanghai Auto Show and it shows the evolution of the traditional open wheel cockpit to a closed cockpit one. This will allow the fans and the crowd to see the driver in the intensive moments of racing. Not only it will be more enticing and engaging for the audience, it will also provide higher safety standards.
The design language is also quite different from the traditional F1 design. Nowadays, small pieces of bodywork are stuck everywhere in different angles and positions to maintain and aerodynamic performance, while the R.S. 2027 Vision features a clean, streamlined look. Using a monocoque chassis with a honeycomb core, the rigidity and strength of the R.S. 2027 is quite impressive. It features active aerodynamics, with a retractable rear wing that will replace the Drag Reduction System. The front also sees active aerodynamic features; with retractable wing flaps that slim down the drag coefficient in high-speed situations. The whole front end is mounted using a single pylon, which also works as a suspension wishbone keel. Renault has also included active suspension with programmable ride height, yaw and pitch. Safety-wise, the canopy is built out of polycarbonate for the driver's protection. It's also low-laying, allowing for easier airflow over the car and minimizing turbulence on the rear wing.
Performance-wise, Renault has chosen to blend two distinct technologies used in F1 and Formula E respectively; creating a hybrid powerplant with a power output of more than 1300bhp. Using a V6 internal combustion engine apparently wasn't enough; so Renault added two 250kW motors as powerful replacements for the KERS. The tires used are the same as the F1 regulation tires of this year, with a lower profile. This allows the car to perform better in curvy situations despite resulting in a slightly bumpier ride; which can be easily fixed using the active suspension system.
While the concept is an ambitious vision of what could be achieved in the future, with today's technological advancements it wouldn't be surprising to see this car come to life within its predicted timeline. It's an impressive expression of what motorsports could be in the future; and Renault has created a truly unique concept that allows for a glimpse into the future of Formula 1 racing.
