The “Luxe” version (name may differ according to market)is a comfortable, well-equipped, status-enhancing car which places the accent on driving pleasure. New Clio Renault Sport Luxe features the 'Sport' chassis which, like the car's acoustic performance, has been upgraded to deliver an even higher standard of comfort (15% more supple). With a new selection of body colours, interior trims, upholsteries (including leather) and aluminium alloy wheels and the Carminat TomTom® navigation system, New Clio Renault Sport does its best to seduce you.
The “Cup” version stands out through its efficiency and performance. Fitted with the 'Cup' chassis and lighter equipments, it is 36kg lighter than New Clio Renault Sport Luxe ('Sport' chassis). It boasts the best weight-to-power ratio of its class (6kg/hp) to satisfy the experts.
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 performance 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 sporting cars. The diffuser's role is to prevent the rear of the car from lifting and guarantee stability at high speed by channelling 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 aluminium pedal covers and footrest, as well as by the perforated leather steering wheel with visible stitching and yellow centrepoint marker. The yellow rev-counter includes an audible and visible Formula 1-style gearshift indicator to help optimize gear changes. Thanks to a range of three trims (Argenté Grey, Yellow, Dark Charcoal), customers can select the colour of the seatbelts, dashboard trimming and/or upholstery. The specific Renault Sport seats are exceptionally comfortable and ensure a high level of body-hugging lateral support. 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-fibre/polyamide-injected shell which provides the sort of all-enveloping experience normally 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.
A sporty, normally-aspirated engine with a specific power output of more than 100hp/litre
With a specific power output of more than 100hp/litre, the normally-aspirated 2.0 16V engine (F4R RS) 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 torque boasted by New Clio Renault Sport 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
driving in built-up areas. This engine drives through a manual six-speed gearbox (TL4) and claims maximum torque of 215Nm at 5,400rpm (compared with 5,500rpm for Clio III Renault Sport). New Clio Renault Sport 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. An eloquent illustration of the high standard of work that has gone into this powertrain is the fact that its fuel consumption has been reduced by 0.7 litres/100km (equivalent to 14g of CO2/km).
Exterior styling: a powerful stance
The more aggressive front end incorporates an F1-type aerodynamic splitter and a generously-sized, low-positioned air intake to cool down 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 which features Renault Sport's new styling identity cues with the Renault Sport Design Pack's two-tone colour scheme based on a choice of Gloss Black or Cold Metal Grey for the front bumper mouldings, exterior mirror housings and diffuser. At the rear, the twin exhaust tailpipes have been incorporated into the diffuser. New Clio Renault Sport marks the introduction of the brand new exclusive Alien Green metallic paint finish.
The 'Sport' chassis: efficiency and comfort (standard on New Clio Renault Sport Luxe)
The development of the Sport chassis was guided by a bid to strike the ideal balance between
performance and comfort. New Clio Renault Sport marks an improvement in comfort over its predecessor thanks to the switch to double-effect damper technology. The energy which needs to be dissipated is partly absorbed by an additional level of valving. The performance of these new dampers is particularly appreciable on longer journeys and motorway drives. Specifically-developed Continental Sport Contact 3 tyres (215/45 R17) ensure swifter, more precise steering response, while their rolling resistance is five per cent lower compared with Clio III Renault Sport's tyres. The aluminium alloy wheels are each 1kg lighter and the gain in terms of inertia further contributes to the enhanced steering response and crisp acceleration.
The 'Cup' chassis: glued to the road (standard on New Clio Renault Sport Cup)
New Clio Renault Sport is alternatively available with the Cup chassis which has been engineered to deliver an exacting ride and 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 because of reduced weight transfer. Its ability to corner flat is further enhanced by uprated damper calibration compared with the Sport chassis (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 compared with the Sport chassis) which, combined with specific development, favours feedback to the driver in conditions of varying grip.
New Clio sales will start this spring (schedules and versions names will be country specific).
