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RENAULTSPORT CLIO 200 OFFERS
Original Press Release For The Renaultsport
Clio 200
For several years, the Renaultsport version of
the brand's best-selling hatchback has been
unanimously acclaimed by enthusiasts as one of
the best performance hatches in its class, and
definitely one of the most fun to drive.
Building on this success, Renault has chosen the
2009 Geneva Motor Show to reveal the New Clio
Renaultsport 200.
In the UK, this pedigree Renaultsport model
comes in a choice of two versions in order to
meet the demands of two distinct types of
customer:
- Clio Renaultsport 200 is equipped with
the sport chassis and targets customers looking
for a comfortable, well-equipped sporting
hatchback;
- Clio Renaultsport 200 Cup is for
enthusiasts looking for a fusion of performance
and a sporty ride. This version is 36kg lighter
than the 200 version and boasts the best
weight-to-power ratio of its class
(166hp/tonne).
New Clio Renaultsport 200 boasts the same
ingredients that have forged the success of its
predecessors, such as:
-Formula 1-derived aerodynamics, including
front-wing air-extractors, a functioning rear
diffuser and a front splitter, all of which are
unique in its class,
-independent steering axis front suspension for
precise handling and traction in all conditions,
unique in the segment,
-durable braking performance, thanks notably to
the fitment of Brembo front callipers,
-a new specification of the 2.0 16V engine:
enhanced power and responsiveness combined with
reduction in CO2.
New Clio Renaultsport 200 is manufactured at the
Alpine factory in Dieppe, France and will be launched in the
UK in May.
NEW CLIO RENAULTSPORT 200
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.
The strengths of the chassis, brakes and
steering of the Clio Renaultsport 197 combined
with the precision of its gearbox have resulted
in the model being widely praised as the class
leader, by the media and demanding owners alike.
To provide a match that is more closely tailored
still to the demands and needs of its customers,
Renaultsport unveils today the 200 and 200 Cup
versions.
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. A long list of equipment from the
Clio 2009 range is available, too, including the
new Carminat TomTom® navigation
system, a hands-free card, cruise control and
speed limiter.
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.
-Exterior styling: a powerful stance
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. The
sills, extractors and wider front and rear wings
all serve to highlight the sporty calling of
Clio Renaultsport 200 which features
Renaultsport's new styling identity cues with
the Renault i.d. colour scheme based on a choice
of Gloss Black or Anthracite for the centre
section of the front bumper, front splitter,
exterior mirror housings and rear diffuser.
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.
Renaultsport badging is visible on the tailgate,
on the side protective mouldings' satin-finish
chrome inserts, as well as on the intake
manifold. Clio Renaultsport 200 also sees the
introduction of Mercury, the return of the
pearlescent Liquid Yellow and the brand new,
exclusive Renault i.d. Alien Green paint finish.
-Aerodynamics derived from Formula 1 technology
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.
Sporty interior design
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 (Silver Grey, Yellow, Dark
Anthracite). 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. 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.
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.
High
performance suspension
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. Based on
that of Clio 2009, the rear suspension features
a stiffened programmed deflection torsion beam
which has been design to work with and
compliment the front end's independent steering
axis system to ensure precise, immediate
turn-in.
The
sport chassis: efficiency and comfort
The development of the sport chassis on the Clio
Renaultsport 200 is designed to offer the ideal
balance between performance and comfort. The
stub axles have been lengthened to increase the
rear track, and Clio Renaultsport 200 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. Meanwhile, body roll is kept in
check thanks to the larger diameter of the front
anti-roll bar which has been raised from 20mm to
21 mm. Compared with the rest of the Clio range,
the stiffness of the rear suspension has been
uprated by 25% thanks to the fitment of a
30mm-diameter anti-roll bar.
Specifically-developed Continental Sport Contact
3 tyres (215/45 R17) ensure swift, precise
steering response,
The 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: for even greater driving
precision
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. Its ability to
corner flat is further enhanced by stiffer
damper calibration compared with the previous
Cup chassis on Clio Renaultsport 197. Last but
not least, the
Cup chassis
comes with revised steering (7.5 per cent
quicker compared with the sport chassis) which
enhances driver feedback.
This suspension setting is standard on the Clio
Renaultsport 200 Cup and optional on the Clio
Renaultsport 200.
A sporty, naturally-aspirated engine with a
specific power
output of 100hp/litre
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 3hp to 200hp at
7,100rpm and now produces its maximum torque of
215Nm at 5,400rpm (compared with 5,500rpm for
Clio Renaultsport 197). The first, second and
third gear ratios have all been shortened for
punchier acceleration. The new Clio
Renaultsport 200 accelerates from standstill to
62 mph in just 6.9 seconds. The top speed
increases by 2mph to 141mph.
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 34.5mpg in the combined cycle and
195g/km.
Genes shared with the other members of the Clio
2009
A long list of safety and travelling comfort
equipment has been carried over from Clio 2009
to the Clio Renaultsport 200 range, including:
-Carminat TomTom®, the first
integrated sat nav system for less than £500,
-hands-free card,
-Two stereo upgrades: Sound Pack and Bluetooth®
Sound Pack
-electric sunroof,
-cruise control with speed limiter,
-automatic
climate control,
-automatic lights and wipers.
In day-to-day use, occupants will particularly
appreciate the spacious cabin and generous boot
space, two hallmarks of Clio 2009.
Clio Renaultsport 200 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 Euro NCAP crash test rating
in 2005, it is engineered to provide
uncompromising protection for all occupants.
