Renault created a wild one-off 193mph Espace F1 people carrier

Renault once released a special one-off version of its popular Espace people carrier fitted with an F1 engine that was capable of a top speed of 193mph (310km/h). 

The Espace was launched back in 1984 as a multi-purpose vehicle until the sixth generation model was released as a crossover SUV in 2015. 

While you’re more than likely familiar with the car, you’re probably less aware of the somewhat bizarre Renault Espace F1 concept that was created to mark the vehicle’s 10th birthday. 

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Renault built the Espace F1 to mark 10 years of the popular family car

Let’s be honest, when it comes to concept cars, the wilder the better, right?

Such as this Mercedes Benz concept that is inspired by the harp and even has a musical instrument built into its exterior. 

There’s also this very cool-looking GM-X Stiletto that was hailed as the car of the future in the 1960s before quietly slipping away never to be seen again.  

Or, the Renault Espace that was fitted with a mid-mounted V10 F1 engine taken from Alain Prost’s FW15C title-winning car. 

Yep, while all of this may sound a bit like a fever dream – we can assure you it really did happen. 

Renault commissioned its production partner Matra to make the one-off vehicle to mark 10 years of the popular family vehicle. 

How did the car stack up?

Under the hood, there was a 3.5-litre V10 motor that produced 789 horsepower and could rev up to 13,800rpm. 

It had a top speed of 193mph (310km/h) and could do 0-62mph (0-100km/h) in 2.8 seconds and 0-124mph (0-200km/h) in 6.9 seconds, according to Renault.

Thanks to its carbon ceramic brakes, the Espace F1 had an equally impressive deceleration time. 

It could accelerate from 0-168mph (0-270km/h) and brake to a complete halt in under 600 meters (1,969ft).

Of course, as it was an F1 vehicle – of sorts – it also had substantial changes made to its bodywork. 

The Espace’s usual fiberglass bodywork was switched out for a lightweight carbon fiber F1 style chassis, alongside a carbon fiber reinforced Espace J63 series body.

Oh and because it was an Espace, it could still seat four people.

It will probably come as no surprise at all to learn that the Espace F1 didn’t go into mass production. 

The only working example is currently housed at the Matra Museum in France. If you ever fancied going to take a look.