Clio III RS

[Fluffy]

Renault Clio RS from AutoZine

 

 

Today, Renault has announced the new generation Clio RS (Renault Sport).

 

The hot hatch version of Clio family became world famous since the 1993 Clio Williams, which was based on the first generation Clio. It started the idea of "small hatch, big power". In 2000, the RS version of Clio II took this idea to a new level. Thanks to a 172 horsepower 2-litre 16V engine and very lightweight body, it ran neck to neck with Honda Civic Type R, which carried more power but also more weight. In 2004, the engine was upgraded to 182hp. Clio started taking the lead in the European hot hatch market.

 

Now, following the Clio family entered the third generation, the RS is also renewed. First, you must note that like all Clio III, the Clio RS has gained a lot in size and weight. For example, it is 18 cm longer, 13 cm wider, 7 cm taller and runs a 10 cm longer wheelbase, no wonder its kerb weight jumped from 1090 kg to a hefty 1240 kg !

 

To compensate the weight, Renault Sport fettled its 1998 cc 16V engine. Higher valve lift, smoother intake breathing, a continuous VVT system (instead of the old discreet system) and 11.5:1 compression (instead of 11.0:1) increased its maximum output by 15hp to 197 hp. This is now occurred at 7250 rpm. Max rev is raised by 300 rpm to 7500 rpm, proving the new engine is more eager at the top end.

 

With 197 horsepower, the Clio is now just 3 horsepower short of Honda Civic Type R. This is especially impressive considering it generates far superior torque - 159 lbft at 5550 rpm, with at least 147 lbft from 3000 to 7000 rpm ! this is definitely a new record for a naturally aspirated 2-litre four-pot engine. You know, the old Civic Type R achieved only 139 lbft at 6200 rpm, while the old Clio's 147 lbft was already class leading. It is worth praising that the engine achieves superior power and torque simultaneously.

 

Nevertheless, 15 more horsepower and 12 lbft more torque might be not enough to offset 150 kg, so Renault also upgraded the 5-speed gearbox to 6-speed. Now 0-62 mph is claimed to be reduced by 0.2 second (6.9 versus 7.1 sec), although the previous figure was usually found conservative. Strangely, top speed claim is lowered by 4 mph to 135 mph, probably due to the increased frontal area (wider and taller).

 

The new Clio RS is still sold at a bargain price, so it continues to go without a limited slip differential, unlike Civic Type R. However, to reduce torque steer, Renault adopted a similar approach to the Megane RS - a double-axis front suspension geometry which decouples the steering from the engine induced forces. To compensate for the additional suspension components, some of them (e.g. control arms and pivot carriers) were made of cast aluminum. Besides, the front sub-frame and bushings are strengthened.

 

Both front and rear suspensions got stiffer springs and dampers with new valving, along with thicker anti-roll bars. In addition to wider tracks - 48 mm front and 50 mm rear, wider 215/45 tires, handling should be improved. To due with increased weight, braking system got larger discs and, up front, 4-pot Brembo calipers.

 

Outside, the Clio RS has different air intakes compare with the regular car. In particular, it added a hot air extraction outlet at each side, behind the front wheels. This not only improves engine cooling, but also reduce aerodynamic turbulence. At the tail, a racecar-like diffuser is added under the tail to generate up to 40 kg downforce at high speed. To make space for the diffuser, the twin exhaust pipes are separated and located at either side of the diffuser, while the spare wheel has been deleted.

 

From the factory information, the new Clio III RS seems promising, but its increased size and weight may also take some of its nimble character away. We need to wait for the first report to see whether it match its predecessor for the fun factor.

 

The car will be produced at the ex-Alpine Dieppe plant alongside Megane RS. Renault plans to produce 10,000 units annually.

[Potheader]

nice.. Always thought the clio was chio!

[Mtang36]

Nice! Don't suppose they constructed this on a RWD platform you think? *fingers crossed*

I loved the Clio Sport V6 with its mid engine RWD!

[Silver_blade]

Nice...I like

[Tploh]

IS this what the savvy is build upon ?

[Furrynadz]

u wish

[Hicksau]

better not ...

[Hicksau]

chio

 

will go against golf gti