Tamiya Renault RE-20 Turbo – 1/12 Scale Model Kit

The Renault RE-20 Turbo – A Landmark in Formula 1 History

Reissued from the original Tamiya reference 12033, first released in 2006, this iconic 1/12 scale Renault RE-20 Turbo returns with newly produced Cartograf decals and an updated decoration guide.

The Renault RE-20 occupies a special place in Formula 1 history. Renault introduced the first turbocharged Formula 1 car, the RS-01, in competition in 1977. The technology continued to evolve, and in 1979 the RS-10 secured Renault's first Formula 1 victory at the French Grand Prix.

For the 1980 season, Renault developed the RE-20, an extensively modified evolution of the RS-10. The car was approximately 30 kg lighter and powered by a 1.5-litre DOHC V6 twin-turbo engine producing around 520 hp.

The RE-20 immediately demonstrated its potential. French driver Jean-Pierre Jabouille secured pole position at the Brazilian and South African Grands Prix, while his teammate René Arnoux went on to win both races. Jabouille finally claimed his own victory at the Austrian Grand Prix later in the season.

Although Renault narrowly missed out on the 1980 Constructors' Championship, the RE-20 proved that turbocharged technology had become a serious force in Formula 1 and helped pave the way for the turbo era that would dominate Grand Prix racing.

A True 1/12 Scale Engineering Model

This large-scale kit has been designed with the level of detail expected from a premium Tamiya Formula 1 model.

At 389 mm long and 184 mm wide, the RE-20 offers an impressive presence while allowing the modeller to reproduce the intricate mechanical details of Renault's pioneering turbocharged racer.

The bodywork faithfully recreates the distinctive shapes and aerodynamic lines of the original car, while removable body panels allow the finished model to reveal its internal structure and cooling systems.

Detailed Renault Turbo V6 Engine

The highly detailed 1.5-litre V6 engine is faithfully reproduced, including the complex components that made Renault's turbocharged power unit such an important milestone in Formula 1 development.

The detailed engine bay provides an excellent focal point for a carefully built and painted model.

Functional Suspension & Steering

The RE-20 is not simply a static representation. The model incorporates several functional features that enhance both its realism and construction experience:

• Functional front and rear suspension
• Coil spring suspension units
• Fully functional steering
• Front wheels steer through the model's steering wheel
• Movable side skirts
• Synthetic rubber tires

These features give the completed model an authentic mechanical character rarely found in smaller-scale Formula 1 kits.

Removable Bodywork

The body panels are secured using removable screws, allowing the modeller to display the internal chassis structure and cooling system even after the model is completed.

This is particularly effective on a 1/12 scale model, where the mechanical details can be appreciated properly rather than hidden beneath the bodywork.

Photo-Etched & Metal Details

To reproduce the intricate engineering of the original RE-20, the kit includes a selection of precision components and metal parts, including:

• Photo-etched parts for the radiators
• Photo-etched parts for the intercooler
• Photo-etched oil cooler components
• Photo-etched brake discs
• Chrome-plated aerodynamic surfaces and air intakes
• New metal transfers for the mirrors
• New metal transfers for the dashboard

These details add considerable depth and realism to the finished model.

Cartograf Decals – Jabouille & Arnoux

The reissue features newly produced Cartograf decals, renowned among scale modellers for their fine printing quality and accuracy.

Markings are provided for the Renault RE-20s driven by both Jean-Pierre Jabouille and René Arnoux, giving you the possibility to recreate two of the team's iconic 1980 race cars.

A dedicated decoration guide is also included to assist with painting and decal placement.

Key Features

• 1/12 scale Renault RE-20 Turbo
• Reissue of Tamiya kit reference 12033
• Originally released in 2006
• New Cartograf decals
• New decoration guide
• Markings for Jean-Pierre Jabouille and René Arnoux
• Highly accurate body shape
• Detailed Renault V6 twin-turbo engine
• Functional front and rear suspension
• Coil springs
• Functional steering system
• Movable side skirts
• Synthetic rubber tires
• Removable body panels
• Detailed internal cooling system
• Chrome-plated aerodynamic and intake components
• Photo-etched metal parts
• New metal transfers for mirrors and dashboard

Specifications

At Aerobertics

At Aerobertics, we particularly appreciate models that combine motorsport history with serious modelling detail — and the Renault RE-20 is a perfect example.

The 1/12 scale gives this legendary turbocharged Formula 1 car the presence it deserves, while the detailed engine, functional suspension, removable bodywork and photo-etched components make it a rewarding project for experienced modellers.

A fascinating piece of Formula 1 history, a superb display model, and a fitting tribute to the pioneering Renault turbo era.