Red Bull X2010
| Company type | Concept car |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive / Video games |
| Founder | Kazunori Yamauchi, Adrian Newey |
| Products | Concept racing car featured in Gran Turismo 5 and 6 |
The Red Bull X2010, originally called the Red Bull X1, is a fictional concept car featured in the PlayStation 3 titles Gran Turismo 5 and Gran Turismo 6. A full-scale, non-operational replica was presented at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the United Kingdom. The vehicle’s digital concept was created by Kazunori Yamauchi, based on the idea of crafting the fastest racing car imaginable without any regulatory constraints.
Conceived by Red Bull Racing CTO Adrian Newey alongside Yamauchi, the X2010 incorporates enclosed wheels and a fan system to enhance downforce at low and medium speeds, drawing inspiration from classic fan-driven cars such as the Chaparral 2J.
Overview
Engineered as an ultimate speed machine, the X2010 was designed to maximize velocity and handling performance without adhering to existing racing rules, theoretically surpassing Formula One vehicles in both acceleration and cornering capabilities.
The initial concept revolved around a sleek, single-seater prototype featuring covered wheels and powered by a forced induction engine generating 1,483 horsepower,[1] targeting speeds beyond 470 km/h (292 mph) and lateral forces up to 6g. Newey incorporated fan car technology to create low pressure underneath the chassis, significantly boosting downforce where traditional aerodynamic methods lose effectiveness during cornering.
With Newey’s refinements, the vehicle reached an estimated maximum velocity of 500 km/h, weighed 545 kg, and could sustain lateral G-forces exceeding 8g due to its aerodynamic features—including a seamless glass canopy, fully enclosed wheels, integrated fan system, aerodynamic wings, and diffuser.[2]
Virtual testing by Red Bull Racing driver Sebastian Vettel demonstrated the X2010’s potential by shattering Formula 1 lap records on GT5's Suzuka circuit simulation by more than 20 seconds.[3]
The extraordinary in-game performance made the X2010 highly coveted among players; digital copies were traded for prices reaching $250 on auction platforms such as eBay.[4]
Later versions
With the release of Version 2.0 for Gran Turismo 5, the X2011 was introduced featuring increased power output, a larger rear wing, and reduced aerodynamic drag. A detuned version lacking fan technology, known as the X2010 5G, was made available exclusively for Japan’s Red Bull 5G competition.[5]
The X2014 model appeared in Gran Turismo 6, Gran Turismo Sport (without fan technology), and Gran Turismo 7, accompanied by a "Junior" variant. A physical replica of this model was displayed at Autosport International in 2014.[6]
Update 1.40 for Gran Turismo Sport introduced the X2019 Competition—a development based on the X2014 Standard—equipped with a naturally aspirated 3-liter V12 engine, replacing the previous turbocharged V6. Created to meet competitive realism standards for the FIA-Certified Gran Turismo Championships, it debuted during the 2019 FIA Gran Turismo Championships and features country-specific liveries for Nations Cup finalists. The X2019 is also included in Gran Turismo 7.
Merchandise
In September 2012, AUTOart revealed plans to manufacture a 1:18 scale replica of the X2010, which debuted in various colors in 2013 and rapidly sold out. Subsequently, in 2016, AUTOart introduced a 1:18 scale model of the X2014, offered in three distinct color options.
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