Renault Espace F1

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Renault Espace F1

As it was approaching the Renault Espace MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle) 10th anniversary, Renault wanted to celebrate the short but successful history of the Espace name and how an MPV transformed the mobility of large families. To celebrate, they merged two successful Renault endeavors, with the Renault Espace now getting a mid-mounted 3.5L V10 from F1. This was the same engine that won Williams F1 the constructors' title, along with Alain Prost his fourth and final drivers' championship in the same year. The same engine that was so successful was put between the back bucket seats, where you can see the headers sticking out next to them. It produces 798 bhp and 520 lb/ft of torque, all while revving up to a redline of 13,800 rpm. This was all in an MPV that weighed only 1300 kg (2860 lbs), had a top speed of 310 kph (193 mph), and could do 0-100 kph (0-62 mph) in 2.8s. This was all sent to the rear wheels through a 6-speed semi-automatic sequential gearbox.

As outlandish as this car sounds, it still manages to be somewhat reasonable. The Renault Espace F1 still retains a somewhat sensible cabin with a radio and four seats. While there are no traditional seatbelts, there are six-point harnesses to keep you planted and even keep the LSD and traction control system. The suspension was changed to a rock-hard track setup, and they added a wing on the back to keep it planted. The car was used for demo runs with people like Alain Prost and David Coulthard having the chance to drive it.

There were two models made, with this one being the running model and the other being a static version. While the static version still has the 3.5L V10, it was never connected and was used for photo shoots or showings. The main difference, other than it doesn't drive, is the rims and the front bumper; this model is still kept in Renault's collection. The post this is on is the running version, which is kept at the Matra Museum in the Loire Valley in central France. It was even featured in Gran Turismo 2, which is the closest to driving it that most people get.