Renault unveils new Clio Renaultsport 200

[B]NEW CLIO RENAULTSPORT 200[/B]

Since 2000, the successive variants of Clio Renaultsport have made it the best-selling performance hatchback in its class, with worldwide sales totalling more than 70,000 cars.

Clio Renaultsport 200 is aimed at drivers looking for a comfortable, well-equipped, status-enhancing car which places the accent on driving pleasure. New Clio Renaultsport 200 features the sport chassis which, like the car's acoustic performance, has been upgraded with a view to delivering great ride/handling balance. A range of 'Renault i.d.' personalisation options make this new sporting model from the Renaultsport stable truly unique, including a new, wider range of body colours, interior trims, upholsteries (including leather) and alloy wheels.

Clio Renaultsport 200 Cup stands out through its harder character and performance and will appeal to the enthusiasts who are passionate about their driving. Equipped with the stiffer Cup chassis, it is 36kg lighter than the standard 200 version. This version has a lower equipment level than the standard Clio Renaultsport 200.

[B]Exterior styling: a powerful stance[/B]

Clio's original lines have been revised with the accent on more athletic, telltale curves. The more aggressive front end incorporates an F1-style aerodynamic splitter and a generously-sized, low-positioned air intake, to cool the naturally-aspirated 2.0 16V engine.

At the rear, the twin exhaust tailpipes are now more visible and incorporated into the new rear diffuser. Clio Renaultsport 200 sits squarely on the road thanks to its wide tyres (215/45) mounted on 17-inch alloy wheels, through which it is possible to see the Brembo brake callipers and ventilated front discs that deliver powerful, fade-free stopping power.

[B]Aerodynamics derived from Formula 1 technology[/B]

Clio Renaultsport 200's aerodynamic features include a front splitter, front-wing air-extractors and a rear diffuser, a unique feature in this segment. Compared with the new version's predecessor, the CdA has been cut by 0.02 to 0.75.

The extractors visible on the front wings contribute to the car's aerodynamic performance by countering the turbulence produced by the wider wings and play a part in improving the model's aerodynamic performance. They also facilitate the extraction of hot air from underneath the bonnet, while the vents are angled to channel airflow along the sides of the car for enhanced performance.

The most significant single technological innovation is the functioning rear air diffuser, an item normally reserved for supercars. The diffuser's role is to reduce the effect of lift and aid stability at high speed by producing a low pressure zone beneath the car.

[B]Sporty interior design[/B]

Clio Renaultsport 200's pedigree is confirmed by details such as the aluminium pedal covers and footrest, as well as by the perforated leather steering wheel with visible stitching and yellow centre-point marker. The yellow rev-counter includes an audible and visible Formula 1-style gearshift indicator to help optimise gear changes.

Thanks to a choice of three interior trims with Renault i.d., customers can select the colour of the seatbelts, dashboard inserts and/or upholstery. The Renaultsport seats are exceptionally comfortable and ensure a high level of body-hugging lateral support. Optional seats designed and developed in association with Recaro are also available.

As with all the models developed by Renault Sport Technologies, Renaultsport badging is visible inside on the rev-counter background, door sills and front seats.

[B]High performance suspension[/B]

Compared to Clio 2009, Clio Renaultsport 200 offers enhanced handling with the front and rear tracks widened by 48mm and 50mm respectively. The wheelbase is extended by 10mm to 2,585mm for greater stability, while the front suspension's independent steering axis layout is unique in the Clio's segment. This technology uses aluminium components to minimise weight and provides resistance to torque steer.

[B]The 'Cup' chassis: for even greater driving precision[/B]

The Cup chassis has been engineered to deliver uncompromising driving pleasure. The ride height is 7mm lower than that of the sport chassis and the resulting lower centre of gravity ensures improved cornering performance.

This suspension setting is standard on the Clio Renaultsport 200 Cup and optional on the Clio Renaultsport 200.

[B]A sporty, naturally-aspirated engine with a specific power output of 100hp/litre[/B]

Clio Renaultsport 200 is powered by the same normally-aspirated 2.0 16V engine (F4R RS). With a specific power output of 100hp/litre, this powerplant delivers extremely high performance. Peak power has been increased by 3 hp to 200 hp at 7,100rpm and now produces its maximum torque of 215Nm at 5,400rpm. The new Clio Renaultsport 200 accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in just 6.9 seconds. The top speed increases by 3 km/h to 227 km/h.

Another benefit of the work that has gone into this powertrain is the fact that its fuel consumption and CO2 emissions have been slightly reduced to 6.8 liters/100 km in the combined cycle and 195g/km.

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Credits: JRC