Under development for a few years now, the Techrules Ren was successfully tested in 2017 and put into production for 2018. Built by the Chinese but designed by Fabrizio and Giorgetto Giugiaro and L.M. Gianetti, the Ren is a work of art aerodynamics-wise and packs a unique turbine engine and electric motor setup that delivers outstanding power. Having launched the street-legal model, Techrules is now upping the ante with the Ren RS, a track-only version of its only supercar to date. It was put on display at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show.

The final production design of the track beast, the Ren RS, features a host of design modifications for improved aerodynamics and cooling efficiency. And, it looks pretty wild too - almost as menacing as the LMP1 prototypes seen at Le Mans. Actually, I could see it charge up the mountain at the Pikes Peak International Hillclimb with that massive splitter up front and the big wing around back. The louvered fenders, the aggressive nose, and the sculpted side skirts contribute to its aggressive yet purposeful styling.

A bigger change lies inside the cockpit. While the Ren had a more conventional setup for two people, the race-spec model sports a single cockpit layout. This means that the Ren RS doesn't qualify for most FIA-ruled motorsport events, but it does comply with some of the regulations. The carbon-fiber seat made by OMP is manufactured to FIA-approved standards, while the six-point harness and the fire extinguisher follow the same rulebook.

To further enhance driver safety, the Ren RS is fitted with an innovative Safety Canopy Ejection system inspired by aerospace engineering. How does it work? Six actuators are mounted under the cockpit bubble and controlled by the ECU through accelerometers, to automatically open the roof in case of impact or unusual yaw or pitch rate. Well, this is something you don't see every day.

Under the shell, there's a carbon-fiber monococque chassis that has been strengthened compared to the road-going Ren. The hybrid drivetrain comprising micro-turbine technology and electric motors has also been revised for track use. Two powertrain options are available, and both deliver a whole lot of power. The entry-level model has two motors powering the front wheels and two more at the rear, delivering a combined output of 846 horsepower and 1,150 pound-feet of torque.

The flagship version has no fewer than six motors, four of which spin the rear axle. This model benefits from 1,287 horsepower and 1,725 pound-feet of twist, both tremendous figures for a vehicle that tips the scale at 1,854 kg (4,087 pounds). Techrules says that charging from 0 to 62 mph takes three seconds. Not exactly astounding given the output, but race cars need to be fast around corners and not in a straight line. Top speed is rated at 205 mph. The race car has a range of 1,170 km (727 miles) with 80 liters of diesel powering the turbines.

The suspension setup was modified for racing and now features unequal length wishbone designs in the front and rear and three-way adjustable coil-over shocks. The wishbones are designed to withstand the level of forces that would be experienced by GT3 racing cars. Stopping power comes from carbon-ceramic brake discs.

References

Read our full review on the 2018 Techrules Ren.

Read more Geneva Motor Show news.