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Hat-trick for Renaultsport at WHAT CAR Awards !
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Today’s Clio Renaultsport 200 boasts more than twice the power of its distant, 5 Gordini ancestor and, with a two-litre, conventionally aspirated engine developing 200hp at 7,100rpm and 158lb/ft of torque at 5,400rpm, it’s a member of the exclusive 100hp per litre club. Via a new, six-speed manual transmission, performance figures of 0-62 mph in just 6.9 seconds and top speed of 141 mph are exceptional, whilst the Clio Renaultsport 200 still returns a combined fuel consumption figure of 34.5 mpg, and CO2 emissions of just 195g/km.
Renault Sport Technologies’ engineers have paid particular attention to the creation of a signature engine note appropriate to the 200’s pedigree. From a discreet pitch at low revs, the engine note builds through the rev range, ultimately producing its trademark ‘bark’ as the 7,100rpm red line approaches. To prevent boom at certain engine speeds, the steel crankshaft features eight counterweights to improve both rigidity and balance, reducing friction and parasitic vibrations under operation. Soundproofing to the reinforced subframe and specific floor areas further minimises boom and underfloor exhaust noise, whilst the 3Y-type exhaust manifold itself offers an excellent compromise between acoustic performance, power and low emissions.
Riding on 17” light alloy Renaultsport wheels, the 200 further benefits from a substantial brake upgrade, employing massive 312mm diameter ventilated front discs with powerful Brembo four-pot calipers, and large, 300mm discs to the rear.
The Clio Renaultsport 200 features comprehensive styling modifications to Clio III’s distinctive, original lines, with wider front and rear wings, a lowered stance, profiled side skirts, new front and rear bumpers and an F1-inspried front blade. Renault’s Formula One aerodynamics expertise has also provided input into the front wing, engine bay extractor vents that both enhance engine cooling efficiency and reduce side body turbulence, as well as -unique to this class - the air diffuser integrated within the rear bumper.
Two versions are available: Clio Renaultsport 200 Cup and Clio Renaultsport. The Cup version features a different chassis setting for an even more focused driving experience, while the standard 200 features more equipment with the Cup chassis available as an option.
The Cup chassis offers a ride height lowered by a further 7mm, springs stiffened by 27% at the front and 30% to the rear and dampers stiffened by 45%. The steering ratio is quicker by 7.5%. With a 10% increase in rigidity and more flexible bump-stops, the PerfoHub front double-axis strut suspension system offers greater stability under braking and enhanced steering precision during cornering. The chassis is identifiable externally by the anthracite finish to the Renaultsport wheels and red brake calipers.
Clio III’s distinctive, original lines have been further enhanced on 200 by specific bodywork modifications in key areas. To the front, a redesigned bumper with enhanced air intake capacity and a front splitter flows smoothly into front wings widened by 30mm to house the 200’s 48mm wider track and generously dimensioned 215/45 tyres. The rear wings have also been increased by 28mm on each side, to accommodate modifications to the rear suspension and 50mm wider rear track.
Behind the front wheel arches, the front wings feature large extractor vents which fulfil two functions: not only do they maximise the flow of cooling air through the engine bay and around the front brakes, but they also direct the heated air smoothly along the flanks of the 200 to reduce turbulence, enhance performance and improve high speed stability.
Previously only seen in range-topping, ultra-expensive sports cars and one of the most significant features of modern Formula One aerodynamics technology, the air diffuser employs the ‘Venturi effect’ familiar to motorsport aficionados to exploit the speed of the air passing underneath the car and draw the chassis towards the ground. Airflow passing beneath the 200’s flat floor is channelled to the finned diffuser, the 28 degree angle and specific radius of which has been engineered to create a zone of low pressure beneath the rear of the car, effectively sucking it downwards. For maximum high-speed stability, the system reduces lift by a factor of three and produces the equivalent of up to 40kg of rear down force, and up to 70kg on a race circuit, without detracting from the car’s carefully honed aerodynamics.
The 200’s Renaultsport seats have been designed to offer outstanding comfort combined with the highly effective lateral support appropriate to the car’s dynamic abilities. For those wishing to adopt an even more focused driving position, optional seats are available designed and developed by Renaultsport in association with the world-renowned manufacturer, Recaro. They incorporate integral side airbag protection, competition harness seatbelt slots and a built-in headrest, with a six kilogram weight saving, and feature a rigid, polyamide and fibreglass-injected shell for the quality of seating fit and comfort more normally associated with competition driving.
Renault i.d. enables customers to personalise the interior of their Clio Renaultsport. As standard, the Clio Renaultsport 200 Cup and 200 come with black/grey upholstery. As an option, customers can select black/yellow upholstery with yellow fascia inserts and yellow seat belts. The Clio Renaultsport 200 is available with the additional choice of carbon centre console and fascia inserts or a leather interior.
Carminat TomTom® is the first fully-integrated affordable GPS navigation system. This is Renault`s latest GPS navigation system and is the fruit of an exclusive partnership between Renault and TomTom. Ready to run in an instant and easy to use, it gives the Clio 2009 range an advantage over the competition.
Since 1999, more than 70,000 Clio Renaultsport models have been sold in Western Europe. The overwhelming majority have been sold in the UK, France and Switzerland, representing nearly two thirds of total sales, whilst the UK market alone accounts for some 35% of that figure.
The famous Gordini stripes with a modern twist are now available on Clio with the introduction in the UK of the Gordini 200.
* Clio Gordini 200 priced £19,650 on the road* Available to order now with first deliveries in July
* Limited to 500 examples for the UK
Following in the recent slipstream of the Twingo Gordini 133, Clio Gordini 200 will appeal to the ever-growing number of drivers who are looking for a luxurious and sporting small car with an unmistakable French flair, Click Here to see more on the exciting new Limited edition.
The Clio Renaultsport 200 is built at the famous Renaultsport Alpine factory in Dieppe.