The Renaultsport RS 01 Is A GT-R-Engined LMP1 Racer In The Most Gorgeous One Make Series Ever

It might look like a concept car, but this gorgeous creation will actually go racing. The Renaultsport RS 01 has been built to LMP1 specifications for the new Renaultsport Trophy one-make series, which will kick off in 2015.

It’s not just a pretty face, either. Propulsion comes in the from of a mid/rear-mounted 3.8-litre V6 twin-turbo engine derived from the Nissan GT-R’s lump. Prepped by Nismo, it makes 493bhp and 443lb ft and has a dry sump system to prevent oil surges in long corners. The gearbox is a seven-speed sequential unit supplied by Sadev, controlled by wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

The RS 01’s face retains the familiar Renault design, with air sucked in below the prominent badge towards two water coolers, before being expelled through the huge bonnet vents. This also creates negative pressure to increase downforce at the front, working with the front splitter.

The splitter also works to channel air behind the front wheels and along the doors towards intercooler scoops at the rear, which provides cooling for the turbochargers. A rear spoiler pushes the car into the track, and increases rear downforce in tandem with the rear diffuser, which channels the air flowing under the car.

The carbon monocoque built by Dallara contributes to a low weight - under 1100kg - with a steel roll-cage and 150-litre fuel tank. The car has an adjustable double wishbone suspension, positioned either side of the body at the front and longitudinally above the gearbox at the rear. The 18-inch wheels house 380mm carbon discs with six-piston calipers for serious stopping power.

Although the RS 01 is due to appear only in the one-make Renaultspot Trophy series at present, the fact it’s built to LMP1 specifications makes it a serious contender for an entry into the Le Mans 24hr race. With a claimed top speed in excess of 186mph, coupled with the concept car looks, it’d be a fantastic addition to the grid.