The proof that vans don’t have to be boring
Why It Matters Now:
A F1-powered van is a great option.
1994 was the year. Renault was celebrating its tenth anniversary with Espace. The company with the diamond logo and Matra created a truly amazing and crazy concept to mark the occasion. The Espace F1 van was powered by an engine sourced directly from the 1993 Williams-Renault FW15C Formula 1 vehicle.
The V10’s mid-mounted 3.5-liter V10 was tuned to 700 horsepower to 820 HP. This allowed the carbon-fiber-bodied Espace to reach 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 2.28 seconds, before reaching a respectable 194mph (3212.2 kph). The carbon-ceramic brakes enabled the F1 car to be disguised as a people-carrier and required less than 600m (1,969 ft.). To complete the 0-168-0mph task.
The engineers were able reduce the Espace’s weight by switching to a carbon-fiber body. The chassis was also made of carbon fiber. However, some parts from the MPV’s original components were retained, such as the tailgate, roof panel and hood. To accommodate the Formula 1 engine, the rest of the body was extended to create the fastest soccer mom mobile.
The interior featured four carbon-clad bucket seats with full harnesses, while the V10 engine was mounted in the middle of it.
The Espace F1 was a unique concept and there was no plan to make a production version. It is now a permanent fixture at the Matra Museum in France, and will be remembered as one of Renault’s most remarkable concepts.
