Renault R31
Black-and-gold Lotus Renault with a radical forward-exiting exhaust that its own technical director later called a failed experiment.
- Power
- 750 bhp
About the Renault R31
The R31 was raced in 2011 by the Enstone team as Lotus Renault GP, in a black and gold livery recalling the John Player Special Lotus cars of the 1980s. Robert Kubica was injured in a rally before the season, so Nick Heidfeld partnered Vitaly Petrov until Bruno Senna replaced him mid-year. Its unusual forward-exit exhaust drew attention at launch, and the car started strongly with Petrov third in Australia and Heidfeld third in Malaysia. The layout left the car short of downforce on slow circuits and hard to develop, but the team held on to fifth in the Constructors' Championship.
Renault R31 specs
The Renault R31 produces 750 bhp (559 kW).
| Make | Renault |
|---|---|
| Model | R31 |
| Years | 2011 |
| Type | Race car |
| Body style | Open-wheel single-seater |
| Country | France |
| Engine | 2.4L naturally aspirated V8 (Renault RS27-2011) |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,400 cc (2.4 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 750 bhp (559 kW) at 18,000 rpm |
| Redline | 18,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 7-speed semi-automatic titanium gearbox (Quickshift) |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 640 kg (1,411 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 1172 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
Renault R31 rarity in CarSpot
The Renault R31 is a Unicorn card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 42 out of 100. The rarest tier: hypercars, one-offs and cars built in tiny numbers, typically fewer than about 500. A Unicorn card is worth 320 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Renault R31 fun facts
- For the Malaysian Grand Prix the team fitted parts made of 22-carat gold to the front wings, sidepods and engine cover.
- Martin Brundle said the forward-facing exhaust sounded 'like a bag of nails'.
- During testing at Jerez the engine cover carried a get-well message in Polish for the injured Robert Kubica.