NEW CLIO RENAULT SPORT 200 CUP:
For several years, the Renault Sport-badged version of the brand's best-selling hatchback has been unanimously acclaimed by enthusiasts as one of the best performance hatches of its segment, and definitely one of the most fun to drive.
This pedigree Renault Sport model is not only well equipped with the Cup chassis that targets customers that are looking for a comfortable, well-equipped sporting hatchback. But it is also designed for enthusiasts who are looking for a cocktail of performance and a sporty ride. The new Clio Renault Sport 200 Cup boasts the best weight to-power ratio of its class (6kg/hp).
The new Clio Renault Sport 200 Cup boasts the same ingredients that have forged the success of its predecessors, such as:
- Formula 1-derived aerodynamics, including front-wing air-extractors, a rear diffuser and a front splitter, all of which are unique to the performance hatch-back class.
- Independent steering axis front suspension for advanced handling precision and traction performance in all conditions, unique to the B segment.
- Durable braking performance, thanks notably to the fitment of Brembo front calipers.
- And a new specification of the 2.0 16V engine: Renault Sport-level response and power (147.5kW/203hp) combined with moderate fuel consumption.
Since 2000, the successive variants of Clio Renault Sport have led to it becoming the best-selling performance hatchback of its class, with worldwide sales totaling more than 70,000 cars. The strengths of Clio III Renault Sport's chassis, brakes and steering com-bined with the precision of its gearbox have resulted in the model being widely praised as the most efficient of its class, by the media and exacting owners alike.
Exterior styling: a powerful stance
New Clio Renault Sport's original lines have been revised with the accent on more athletic, telltale curves. The more aggressive front end incorporates an F1-type aerody- namic splitter and a generously-sized, low-positioned air intake, the mission of which is to cool the naturally-aspirated 2.0 16V engine (147.5kW/203hp). The sills, extractors and wider front and rear wings all serve to highlight the sporty calling of New Clio Renault Sport 200 Cup which features Renault Sport's new styling identity cues with the Renault Sport Design Pack's two-tone color scheme adopting Gloss Black for the front bumper moldings, exterior mirror housings and diffuser. At the rear, the twin exhaust tailpipes have been incorporated into the diffuser. The New Clio Renault Sport 200 Cup sits squarely on the road thanks to its wide tyres (215/45) mounted on 17-inch aluminum alloy rims, through which it is possible to see the Brembo brake calipers and big brakes that deliver powerful, durable stopping power. Renault Sport badging is visible on the tailgate, on the side protective mouldings' satin-finish chrome inserts, as well as on the intake manifold.
Aerodynamics derived from Formula 1 technology
New Clio Renault Sport'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 perfor- mance by neutralizing the turbulence produced by the wider wings and play a part in improving the model's CdA. 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 air diffuser. This aerodynamic feature carried over from F1 is only fitted as standard equipment to range-topping sport- ing cars. The diffuser's role is to prevent the rear of the car from lifting and guarantee stability at high speed by channeling airflow in such a way that it increases ground effect by producing a low pressure zone beneath the car.
Sporty interior appointments
The model's sporting pedigree is confirmed by details such as the aluminum pedal covers and footrest, as well as by the perforated leather steering wheel with visible stitching and yellow center point marker. The yellow rev-counter includes an audible and visible Formula 1-style gearshift indicator to help optimize gear changes.
Bucket seats designed and developed in association with Recaro are also available for New Clio Renault Sport. They are equipped with lateral airbags, plus a rigid, glass- fiber/polyamide-injected shell which provides the sort of all-enveloping experience nor- mally associated with motor sport. The slots for the harness belts and the integrated headrest add a further sporty note, while at the same time serving to hold occupants firmly in place.
As with all the models developed by Renault Sport Technologies, Renault Sport badging is visible inside the cabin on the rev-counter background, sills and front seats.
High performance suspension
Compared with Renault Clio III, the New Clio Renault Sport 200 Cup's grip and corner- ing potential have been upgraded, with the front and rear tracks widened by 48mm and 50mm respectively. The wheelbase has been extended by 10mm to 2,585mm for greater stability, while the front suspension's independent steering axis layout is unique to the B segment. To minimize weight, this technology employs aluminum components and guarantees precise handling and outstanding traction whatever the conditions. Driving pleasure is further enhanced by the responsive front end which is insensitive to torque steer, both through tight corners and along straights. The rear suspension features a reinforced programmed deflection torsion beam which complements the efficiency of the front end's independent steering axis system to ensure precise, immediate turn-in response.
The 'Cup' chassis: glued to the road
The new Clio RS 200 Cup comes with the Cup chassis which has been engineered to deliver an exacting ride and uncompromising driving pleasure. The ride height is 7mm lower and the resulting lower center of gravity ensures improved cornering performance. Its ability to corner flat is further enhanced by uprated damper calibration (plus 27 per cent at the front, plus 30 per cent at the rear). Torsional rigidity has also been increased by 10 per cent, enabling the independent steering axis front suspension to reveal its full potential. Last but not least, the Cup chassis comes with closer ratio steering (7.5 per cent quicker) which, combined with specific development, favors feedback to the driver in conditions of varying grip.
Engine with a specific power output of more than 100hp/litre
The new Clio RS 200 Cup is powered by 2.0 16V engine (F4R RS). With a specific power output of more than 100hp/liter, this powerplant delivers an extremely high standard of performance for the hot hatch segment. In addition to the gains achieved at low revs, peak power has been increased by 2.5kW to 147.5kW (203hp) at 7,100rpm. Meanwhile, the low-end torque (below 3,000rpm) boasted by the New Renault Sport Clio 200 Cup has been upped 20 per cent thanks to a new cylinder head, continuously variable intake valve timing and fine-tuning of the engine mapping.
The first, second and third gear ratios have all been shortened for punchier acceleration and for motoring in built-up areas. This engine drives through a manual six-speed gear- box (TL4) and claims maximum torque of 215Nm at 5,400rpm (compared with 5,500rpm for Clio III Renault Sport). New Clio RS 200 Cup accelerates from standstill to 100kph in just 6.9 seconds and covers the 1,000m standing start in 27.3s. The top speed of 225kph is 10kph higher compared with that of the former version.
An eloquent illustration of the high standard of work that has gone into this powertrain is the fact that as compared with Renault Sport Clio III, its fuel consumption has been reduced by 0.7 litres/100km (equivalent to 14g of CO2/km). Combined cycle fuel con- sumption stands at a reasonable 8.2 litres/100km, equivalent to 195g of CO2/km.
Genes shared with the other members of the New Renault Clio family
A long list of safety and travelling comfort equipment has been carried over from Renault Clio to New Clio RS 200 Cup, including:
- Hands-free card,
- Plug & Music (to connect an MP3 player or an iPod®)
- cruise control with speed limiter,
- automatic climate control,
- combined rain/light sensor.
In day-to-day use, occupants will particularly appreciate the spacious cabin and gener- ous boot space.
The new Clio RS 200 Cup is built on the same platform and is equipped with the third- generation Renault System for Restraint and Protection (SRP3). Like Clio III, which obtained a five-star EuroNCAP crash test rating in 2005, it is engineered to provide uncompromising protection for all occupants.
NEW CLIO RENAULT SPORT 200 CUP:
DIMENSIONS AND TECHNICAL DATA
| DIMENSIONS | As compared with its predecessor | |
| Overall length(mm) | 4,017 | (+26mm) |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2,585 | (unchanged) |
| Front overhang (mm) | 826 | (+26mm) |
| Rear overhang (mm) | 606 | (unchanged) |
| ENGINE | ||
| Cubic capacity (cc) | 1,998 | (unchanged) |
| Max power kW CEE (hp DIN) | 147.5(203) | +2.5kW (+3hp) |
| At | 7,100rpm | -150rpm |
| Max Torque Nm CEE (m.kg) | 215 (21.9) | (unchanged) |
| At | 5,400rpm | -150rpm |
| SUSPENSION | ||
| Front | Independent steering axis front suspension |
(unchanged) |
| Rear | Programmed deflection torsion beam |
(unchanged) |
| STEERING | Electrical variable power steering |
Revised calibration |
| TYRES | 215 / 45 R17 | (unchanged) |
*The new Renault Clio RS 200 Cup is expected to be tiered at RM199, 000
