2012 Renault Clio R.S. EDC - Images, Specifications and Information

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The announcement of a new performance version of Clio is always an eagerly anticipated event among the model's fanbase and those who appreciate beautiful cars. Powered by a 1.6 litre turbocharged engine mated to EDC dual clutch transmission, New Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo is an innovative response to the highly sophisticated expectations of the compact sports hatchback customer. In addition to being thrilling to drive, it has distinctive style and is poised to be a favourite with the connoisseurs.

"New Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo proclaims loud and clear the values of Renault Sport: beautiful and fast, it has everything that's needed to make it the benchmark car in the high-performance sports hatchback class - just like its predecessors. The introduction of a very high performance turbocharged engine, with plenty of torque at low revs and coupled to the EDC dual clutch transmission (Efficient Double Clutch) developed by Renault Sport engineers, results in a car that raises the performance driving experience to a new level. The expertise of Renault Sport Technologies is reinforced by long-term programmes in the most demanding types of motorsport, including racing and rallying. It is this experience which makes us so passionate about handling feedback, and you can feel this the moment you drive any of the Renault performance derivatives we have developed. We're also proud to be producing the Renaultsport in Dieppe, home of Alpine, and delighted to be using the EDC gearbox in a Renaultsport version for the first time." Patrice Ratti Managing Director, Renault Sport Technologies.

There can be no doubt about it: New Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo is a Renault Sport model through and through. Its F1-style front blade recalls Renault's success in Formula One, while its diffuser and spoiler generate 80 per cent and 20 per cent extra downforce respectively. Also exclusive to New Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo are the unique grille and spoiler, front and rear bumper, wide-set LED daytime running lights, sill extensions and 17-inch wheels, with 18- inch rims available as an option. All these elements combine to make it a genuine attention grabber. A dual-tailpipe exhaust system and a sporty sound signature round off this exclusive package.

Inside, the ambience is sporting, with red the dominant colour. A steering wheel flanked by two gearshift paddles, a dedicated instrument pack and aluminium-capped pedals all spell performance and passion. Yet, Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo also pays particular attention to the comfort of its occupants. The bucket seats, with leather upholstery optional, provide extra lateral support and it goes without saying that Renaultsport's latest comes with all the equipment expected of a flagship model: multimedia system, touchscreen navigation, Bluetooth radio with USB connectivity, hands-free entry and starting, driver aids. Climate control and parking sensors are also available as options.

New Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo will be offered with a specific Renault Sport exterior personalisation programme. The starting point for it is the choice of four themes which can be combined with different motifs, plus upgrade elements and trim packs, with clearly differentiated characters. Now everyone can configure the precise type of sportiness that suits them best.

Coupled with the EDC gearbox, the new 1.6 Turbo Renaultsport 200 engine is exclusive to the New Clio flagship - an indication of another step forward by Renault Sport Technologies in its quest for performance. The aim is to offer even more everyday driving enjoyment thanks to extra verve, but also to reconcile enjoyment and performance improvements with the realistic requirement for improved energy efficiency.

This approach, driven by motorsport and particularly by Formula One where Renault Sport enjoys recognised expertise, has now directly benefited the sporty version of New Clio.

The new 16-valve four-cylinder develops 200 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. Its high torque of 240 Nm (up 25 Nm compared with Clio III Renaultsport) is developed from just 1,750 rpm for instantaneous driving enjoyment. This maximum torque is then consistently available at higher revs - up to 5,600 rpm - thanks to the turbocharger.

Sprinkled with the magic dust of Renault Sport, this Alliance engine includes cutting edge technologies, demonstrated by the DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) cam followers developed from Formula One and Variable Valve Timing (VVT). As always with Renault Sport, the exhaust note has been the object of particular attention.

The other new feature in the sporty philosophy is that the 1.6 Turbo Renault Sport 200 engine is available exclusively with the EDC dual clutch, six-speed transmission. The comfort and efficiency of the dual clutch EDC gearbox allows drivers to adopt the driving style they want. The EDC transmission is docile in daily driving and particularly effective in sporty driving, with three different modes including a 'race' option.

Inspired by motorsport, the steering column-mounted gear shift paddles - a first for Renault - offer better comfort and speed than a manual gearbox. In 'race' mode, gear changes can be made in just 150 milliseconds.

To cover the varied expectations and usage from sporty customers, New Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo offers two different chassis:

Sport chassis for an optimum balance of sportiness and comfort in everyday motoring.
Cup chassis for technical and track day enthusiasts. These customers will enjoy 15 per cent more stiffness relative to the Sport chassis and a ride height lowered by 5 mm.

In terms of braking, New Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo offers powerful 320mm-diameter discs at the front (a significant increase of 8mm over its predecessor). More than ever, Renault Sport is synonymous with excellence in terms of chassis performance and braking.

Thanks to this careful balance between the engine, transmission and chassis, the New Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo will offer 'edgy' performance. Timed performance data will be communicated during media test drives planned in early 2013.

New Renault Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo combines fun with technology, in the form of a 'sport' button named R.S. Drive. Pressing the button modifies the engine and gearbox mapping, ESC settings, steering feeling and throttle pedal response. It works in three modes ('Normal', 'Sport' and 'Race') and gives the new model an attractive, multi-dimensional sporty character.

In the same spirit, Renault's engineers have adapted R-Sound Effect for the New Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo by adding specific engine noises. Using Renault R-Link, this application simulates the noise of one of a range of iconic engines through the car's speakers, tuning it to the speed and acceleration of the car. It's a fun and realistic way of choosing the engine noise.

In addition to this bundle of new features, New Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo offers an enviable range of comfort features such as touchscreen navigation Renault R-Link, a hands-free key card, Bluetooth radio with USB and jack connections. Options include parking sensors with rear camera and climate control. Being sporty doesn't mean that the wellbeing of occupants cannot be looked after.

New Clio R.S. 200 Turbo will also significantly reduce its impact on the environment thanks to new technologies which stem from the ongoing quest for energy efficiency seen in motorsport.

In concrete terms, Renault Sport's application of the downsizing principle to performance engines means that the 1.6 Turbo Renault Sport 200 engine will use two litres/100km less fuel for an equivalent power output, plus 25Nm of extra torque compared with Clio III Renaultsport's naturally-aspirated 2.0 (F4R) powerplant.

Although the new turbocharged 1.6-litre engine uses less fuel, it also delivers higher performance and extra enjoyment than its predecessor.

The technologies employed for New Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo underline the talent of Renault's engine specialists: direct fuel-injection, DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) cam followers (a technology derived from F1), braking energy recovery (ESM), reduced friction, Variable Valve Timing.