09-08-2005
Clio Renaultsport Concept is the ultimate development of the dynamic new
Clio III. Assertive lines, a powerful character and an exclusive interior make
this a show car that blends refinement with high performance. A demonstration
of Renault Sport Technologies expertise, it is set to become a worthy
successor to the Clio Renault Sport 2.0 16V and it brings a first to this market
segment: an underfloor air diffuser. Like the extractor vents in the front wings,
it is derived directly from Formula 1. The independent mountings for the front
suspension guarantee that the handling will be precise and sporting. Clio
Renaultsport Concept heralds the production model which is due to go on sale
in the first half of 2006.
Retain the original spirit of the Clio III while enhancing
its intrinsic qualities and dynamic capabilities:
this was the challenge Renault Sport Technologies’
engineers were asked to rise to with Clio Renaultsport
Concept, an exceptional car combining performance,
excitement and driving pleasure.
Sports styling
The exclusive red of the Clio Renaultsport Concept
is wholly in keeping with its character. Although easily
recognizable, the original lines are emphasized
by more pronounced curves. The specific styling of
the side bodywork accentuates the power and energy
of the car’s silhouette. Enlarged front and rear
wings, the lowered stance and the profiled side
skirts combine with the extractor vents and diffuser
to enhance its aerodynamics and high-performance
pedigree. Seven-spoke, 18-inch wheels with bodycoloured
highlights reveal massive brake discs and
calipers. A large, chrome-zinc-coloured air intake
grille in the front bumper hints at the potential of the 2.0 16V’s naturally-aspirated engine developed
by Renault Sport Technologies. The radiator grille
and the fog light surrounds are also chromed, along
with the door mirrors which add a high-tech touch.
At the rear, the diffuser follows the chrome-zinc
theme and the twin exhausts stress its competition
heritage.
Aerodynamics honed in competition
The Clio Renaultsport Concept benefits from
exceptional aerodynamics. The key innovation, both technologically and visually, is the incorporation of a
diffuser within the rear bumper. Currently available
only on the most expensive sports cars, it channels
and accelerates air to create a low-pressure area and
hence downforce. The result negates the need for a
rear spoiler. To maximize the diffuser’s effectiveness,
the exhausts are fitted within the side channels
to optimize its efficiency.
The extractor vents in the front wings also have an
aerodynamic function, reducing turbulence, while
also improving hot-air extraction from the engine
bay. The grilles are positioned to direct air along the
sides of the car, thereby optimizing performance.
Handling: safe and fun
Renault Sport Technologies’ new-generation front
suspension design features independent mountings
and aluminium components. Clio Renaultsport
Concept thus enjoys the highest standards of traction
and road holding, with a superb ride and precise
handling. The 1520mm track and 2585mm
wheelbase ensure that the Clio Renaultsport
Concept’s cornering is efficient, safe and sporting.
This layout, along with the choice of high-performance
tyres (215/40 R18) have naturally involved
extended bodywork.
Renault Sport Technologies’ engineers have worked
just as diligently on the brakes, the latest system
offering exceptional stopping power and resistance
to heat. At the front, red-painted calipers have four
aluminium pistons and cross-drilled 330mm
Brembo discs (280mm at the rear).
The Clio Renaultsport Concept has been bred for
performance, its dynamic qualities fully exploiting
Renault Sport Technologies’ 2.0 16V naturally-aspirated
engine. The engine is both powerful and flexible,
delivering sports response and exemplary
refinement via a six-speed gearbox.
Sports character through and through
Clio Renaultsport Concept’s interior confirms that this
is no ordinary car. The chosen materials, chiefly chrome
and leather, emphasize its finely honed design.
A generous, panoramic sunroof accentuates Clio III’s
innate qualities and enhances the sense of space and
comfort. The four individual bucket seats are separated
by an integral, chrome-zinc centre console. A
body-coloured strip underlines the purity of the design.
Upholstered in red and grey leather with built-in headrests,
the seats are comfortable yet supportive, while
the leather-covered dashboard’s fluid forms echo the
Clio III style. White-faced instruments deliver essential
information with optimum clarity and include a
gear ratio indicator within the rev-counter. Covered in
red and black leather with a flattened lower section,
the steering wheel falls perfectly to hand. A new
ergonomically efficient handbrake design is integrated
into the centre console. Competition-style
aluminium pedals and foot rest complete the sports
character of Clio Renaultsport Concept’s interior.
Text and photos courtesy of Renault
