28XX  |  Background

Development of the RennSport 8 started in 28XX under the internal codename 'Duke Astaroth', a few months prior to the announcement of the RennSport 7's intended retirement in 28XX+1. While appearing significant, the RennSport 8 had changes that were very incremental when compared to the RennSport 7.

Vytal Technical Director Friedrich Neumann and Apprentice Director Adelaide Neumann would submit the project proposal in Q2 of 28XX, which was approved immediately. This was the last project led by Friedrich Neumann.

The RennSport 8 was largely developed at Vytal's home facility in Erios' Bethean mountain range. Practical testing outside of simulation work was done late into the project by Arctara AG pilots; Alano Ramos and Elsie Inoue.

In its entirety the project took ~10 months to complete, and the RennSport 8 was introduced in the 28XX+1 season.

Engineering changes between generations (vs. RennSport 7)

Improvements made with the RennSport 8 mostly revolved around two issues that had been apparent with the RennSport 7:

1. While the RS7 was still technically legal with the 28XX+1 regulations, outdated bodywork and aero concepts would mean that the racing-craft's performance would be questionable on the field.

2. The engineering methodology behind the RennSport 7 made components cheap, reliable, and effective; but at the cost of mid-season upgradeability.

The team behind the RennSport 8's bodywork was led by Friedrich Neumann, in which the team ended up with a hull that was sleeker and more compressed compared to the aggressive shell of the RennSport 7. The aero team also went with a more traditional airfoil instead of the 'crimp-wing' found on the RennSport 7, which was more effective when combined with the new bodywork.

The components were handled by Adelaide Neumann's team of engineers. Overall, the RennSport 8's component structure and engineering remained mostly identical to the final setup that was in the RennSport 7; however, the new components were now engineered to be modular and easy to replace/upgrade should the need arise.

This philosophy eventually extended to the bodywork of the RennSport 8 when Adelaide took over the LTS project completely in 28XX, after Friedrich Neumann retired from the company.

Practical Testing

Practical testing happened throughout the project, with Alano and Elsie flying RennSport 8 prototypes around Bethea Speedway. Testing would also occur at Research on Demand's Fantasia venue in Mpumalanga, Nea-Africa, Terra.