1/12 Big Scale Series limited re-release of ITEM 12026 with Photo-Etched Parts included! Winner of the Brazilian, South African and Austrian F-1 Grand Prixs in 1980, the Renault RE-20 Turbo proved the worth of Renaults turbo engine beyond a shadow of a doubt. Renaults first turbo-engined F-1 racer, the RE-01 appeared, to wide acclaim, in 1977. The first victory for the new engine was scored in 1979, when the RS-10 won 1st and 3rd place at the French GrandPrix. A series of improvements and refinements produced the RE-20, which was nearly 30kg lighter than its predecessor, and featured a V-6, 1.5 liter, twin turbocharged engine capable of an amazing 520BHP (approx.) output. The RE-20 is also a fine example of a winged, ground effect race car, with inverted airfoil rear wing and side skirts to reduce lateral air movement.

Here Comes a Turbo

Three wins in 1980 for the Renault RE-20 Turbo were a great reward for the French company's work on the turbocharged engine, and proved to the world that turbo technology had the potential to win races. Renault was the first manufacturer to enter a turbo engine car in the top class of racing, in 1977: the RS-01, and by 1979 they had developed it further into a twin turbo design, employed in the ground effect RS-10, which scored the first ever turbo engine car victory. The following year, it was the turn of the RE-20, which weighed in 30kg lighter than the RS-10 and employed a 1.5-liter twin turbo V6 DOHC engine; limited by regulations to half of the capacity of naturally aspirated rivals, it nonetheless provided around 520hp. The car featured a ground effect design with a slimline central monocoque flanked by side pontoons, and its success arguably paved the way for the turbo era of top class racing.

About the Model

★This is a 1/12 scale plastic model assembly kit. Length: 389mm, width: 184mm.
★Front and rear suspension setups feature internal coil springs and mirror the mechanism of the full size car.
★A highly detailed recreation of the V6 turbo engine features renderings of turbocharger and intercooler details, and even has cables and tubing depicted.
★Body and nose cowlings are removable, and internal features such as frame and side pontoon cooling systems can be admired after completion.
★Front wheels are steered via the wheel in the cockpit.
★Side pontoons can be moved up and down.
★Realistic synthetic rubber tires also feature sidewall detailing.
★Cockpit details such as seatbelt, shifter and pedals add an extra layer of authenticity.
★Photo-etched parts are included to recreate radiators, intercoolers, oil coolers, and brake discs.