The new Renault Clio Renaultsport stands out as a worthy successor to Clio Renaultsport 182 2.0 16V and features a groundbreaking first in its segment in the form of a rear air diffuser which uses technology derived directly from Formula 1. In association with the extractor vents in the front wings, it ensures excellent aerodynamic performance.
Punchy Looks
New Clio Renaultsport 197 reveals its sports heritage both inside and out. The exterior design features specific body parts which accentuate Clio III's racy, muscular styling.
Clio III's distinctive, original lines have been further enhanced by the use of more athletic curves, while new Clio Renaultsport's specific side design exudes extra power and energy. The wider front and rear wings, lowered stance, profiled side skirts and semi-rigid under-bumper splitter combine with the extractor vents and diffuser to assert the new car's advanced aerodynamic engineering and sports heritage.
New Renault Clio Renaultsport comes with generously-dimensioned tires (215/45) and 17-inch light alloy wheels which barely conceal the Brembo brake calipers and big discs that ensure powerful and durable stopping performance.
Developed jointly by Renault Sport Technologies and Renault's Powertrain Engineering Department, the powerful, normally-aspirated 2.0 16V calls on wide, bumper-mounted air intakes for additional engine cooling.
Sporty Interior
New Renault Clio Renaultsport's interior trim echoes the car's exterior styling. The "drive it" spirit is immediately apparent in details such as the aluminum pedals, footrest and perforated-leather steering wheel with red centre-point stitching. For added comfort and efficiency, the design of the steering wheel itself assists perfect grip for the hands.
Designed and positioned for optimal clarity, the instruments feature white data on a black background. The rev counter incorporates a gear-change indicator light, while the size of the figures increases as the needle gets closer to the red zone at 7,500 rpm.
The overriding dark charcoal color scheme is offset by the chrome-zinc centre console and dashboard inserts which echo technology and sports performance.
Recaro Bucket Seats
From the summer of 2006, new Clio Renaultsport 197 will be available with optional bucket seats designed and developed in association with world-renowned Recaro. Perfectly in keeping with the vehicle's sporty interior ambience, they are trimmed with "Entresol" upholstery in harmony with the rear bench seat. In addition to housing lateral airbags, these seats feature a rigid, polyamide and fiberglass-injected shell for the sort of all-enveloping experience normally associated with competition driving. The seatbelt slots and built-in headrest add the final, distinctive sports touch.
A Specific Power Output of Near 100 bhp/liter
The Clio Renaultsport is powered by the F4R RS normally-aspirated 2.0 16V engine which delivers 197 bhp at 7,250 rpm and maximum torque of 159 lb-ft at 5,550 rpm. Based on the engine which forged the reputation of Clio Renaultsport 182 2.0 16V, it boasts a specific power output of near 100 bhp per liter which ensures exceptional performance for New Clio Renaultsport in the hot hatch segment. The normally-aspirated engine combines performance, dynamism, flexibility, immediate response and excellent re-acceleration from all engine speeds. It is also easier to adapt for competition use in derivatives such as the Clio Group N and Clio Cup one-make race versions.
At low revs and at engine speeds below 5,000 rpm, new Clio Renaultsport ensures a level of response and driving pleasure adapted to day-to-day motoring. At higher revs (more than 5,000 rpm), the performance and "bark" of new Clio Renaultsport's engine are unleashed to reveal the car's true sports heritage.
A Six-speed Gearbox Engineered for Performance
The new Clio Renaultsport comes with an evolution of the TL4 six-speed gearbox, the first Alliance-developed manual transmission which is capable of handling up to 177 lb-ft. This precision, close-ratio gearbox favors acceleration from all intermediate engine speeds.
