Formula 1 has often been accused of being short-sighted, particularly under the influence of its former commercial boss Bernie Ecclestone. F1 decision making has rarely looked beyond the next season or two with consequences of those changes reacted to in a knee-jerk manner. However, with the change in ownership, there seems to be a desire to build towards a shared vision for the future.
Although, plans for doing so are unlikely to be really set in motion until 2021, when the present Concorde Agreement will expire, Renault Sport F1 seems eager to share its vision for what could be the future of the most popular motorsport championship in the world.
By showing photos as well as sharing video on its various social media portals, Renault has revealed a truly stunning car in the R.S. 2027 Vision Concept. Both in terms of its visuals as well as its specifications.
With a maximum weight limit of 600kg, the car will have a twin-turbo V-6 that is mated to a two stage Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) with a motor at the front and rear-axle. This makes the Vision Concept a four-wheel drive car when the KERS boost kicks in, totaling to a maximum power output of 1,341 bhp (1 megawatt).
That amounts to a power-to-weight ratio of 2,235bhp per ton!
In addition to this Renault has even suggested changes to a Grand Prix weekend format with a 255km long race, followed by a shorter sprint race and also a night rookie race on the Friday of a weekend.
The car is to be built with mostly recycled components in order to reduce its carbon-footprint.
Renault has stressed, however, that F1 should always remain driver-focussed with better access for the fans.
Here are some of the salient points from the press release. The concept will be shown in the flesh at this November's Shanghai Motor Show.
- A more human-centric championship with drivers at the heart of the sport, as illustrated by a transparent cockpit and a transparent helmet that allow the drivers to be seen in the heat of the action.
- A more spectacular show, with active LED lighting incorporated into the wheels and moving aerodynamic parts such as the car’s active wings.
- Safer racing thanks to an autonomous mode that can be activated in the case of an accident, along with an ultra-resistant polycarbonate cockpit canopy to protect against impact.
- More extensive interaction between the cars and greater connection with spectators. Fans will be able to view the telemetry data of their favourite driver for example.
- Ultra-high-performance racing that benefits from Groupe Renault’s expertise in the realms of four-wheel drive, four-wheel steering and very high-energy density batteries.
- An even more environmentally-respectful form of Formula 1, with the fuel tank capacity halved in the space of 10 years, plus a full-electric mode for use along the pit lane.
- The R.S. 2027 Vision also features the C-shaped lighting signature that has become a familiar hallmark of Renault’s road vehicles.
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