28-02-2006
The challenge faced by Renault Sport Technologies’ engineers when first penning
New Clio Renault Sport was to respect the original personality of Clio III while at
the same time highlighting the newcomer’s own intrinsic qualities and dynamism.
The result is an outstanding car which puts the accent firmly on performance,
passion and driving pleasure.
New Clio Renault Sport stands out as a worthy successor to Clio Renault Sport
2.0 16V and features a groundbreaking first in its segment in the form of a rear
air diffuser which uses technology derived directly from Formula 1. In association
with the extractor vents in the front wings, it ensures excellent aerodynamic
performance.
Sportier than ever, New Clio Renault Sport is powered by an evolution of the
normally-aspirated 2.0 16V engine, the power of which has been increased to
197hp. This is equivalent to 100hp/litre, making it the highest specific power
output of its category. This has been achieved partly thanks to an increase in its
volumetric efficiency which has not only improved engine power but has also
taken torque to a best-in-class 215Nm at 5,550rpm.
Coupled with the new six-speed gearbox, this powerful, responsive engine offers
first-class sports performance and driving pleasure.
The double-axis strut system guarantees rigorously precise handling.
New Clio Renault Sport is built at Renault’s Dieppe plant, which specializes in
the production of the brand’s sports models.
Designed for performance
Clio III’s distinctive, original lines have been further
enhanced by the use of more athletic curves, while
New Clio Renault Sport’s specific side design exudes
extra power and energy. The wider front and rear
wings, lowered stance, profiled side skirts and semirigid
under-bumper splitter combine with the extractor
vents and diffuser to assert the new car’s advanced
aerodynamic engineering and sports heritage.
New Clio Renault Sport comes with generouslydimensioned
tyres (215/45) and 17-inch light alloy
wheels which barely conceal the Brembo brake callipers
and big discs that ensure powerful and durable
stopping performance.
Developed jointly by Renault Sport Technologies and
Renault’s Powertrain Engineering Department, the
powerful, normally-aspirated 2.0 16V calls on wide,
bumper-mounted air intakes for additional engine
cooling.
The front and rear bumpers, side protective mouldings
and exterior mirrors are all body-coloured, while
the door handles are in satin-finish chrome. New Clio
Renault Sport will be available in five exclusive
colours: two non-metallic colours (Toro Red and
Dynamo Blue), plus three metallic colours (Monako
Blue, Deep Black and Makaha Grey).
Sporty interior
New Clio Renault Sport’s interior trim echoes the
car’s exterior styling. The “drive it” spirit is immediately
apparent in details such as the aluminium
pedals, footrest* and perforated-leather steering
wheel with red centre-point stitching. For added
comfort and efficiency, the design of the steering
wheel itself assists perfect grip for the hands.
Designed and positioned for optimal clarity, the
instruments feature white data on a black background.
The rev counter incorporates a gear-change
indicator light, while the size of the figures increases
as the needle gets closer to the red zone at 7,500rpm.
The overriding dark charcoal colour scheme is
offset by the chrome-zinc centre console and dashboard
inserts which echo technology and sports
performance.
Specially designed Renault Sport seats ensure outstanding
comfort and effective lateral support which
enable the driver to feel totally at one with his or her
machine, while the metallic grey seatbelts are in
perfect harmony with the new dark charcoal and
metallic black “Entresol” upholstery.
As with all Renault Sport Technologies-developed
models, the exclusive “Renault Sport” logo appears
on the instrument backgrounds, on the door sill and
on the front seats. “Renault Sport” badging is also
visible on the outside; on the hatch and on the satinfinish
chrome side moulding inserts.
Air diffuser: racing technology
Both visually and technologically, New Clio Renault
Sport’s most striking technological innovation lies in
the design of the rear bumper which incorporates an
air diffuser. Derived from Formula 1, this feature has
only ever previously been seen on range-topping,
high-priced sports cars.
The diffuser’s purpose is to prevent rear-end lift and
maintain stability at high speed by channelling air
flow in such a way to increase the suction effect.
The radius of the diffuser’s curve is engineered to
create a zone of low pressure beneath the car.
The downforce generated by the diffuser means
there is no need for a rear spoiler to counter the phenomenon
of lift. For optimal stability, the system
reduces lift by a factor of three and produces the
equivalent of 40kg of rear downforce at very high
speeds (on track) without detracting from the car’s
carefully honed aerodynamics designed to achieve a
low CdA.
To maximize the diffuser’s effectiveness, the flushfittd
dual exhausts are housed within the outer
channels. Positioned in this way, they do not interfere
with the efficiency of the aerodynamics.
Extractor vents
for optimized performance
The front wing extractor vents also have an aerodynamic
function by reducing turbulence to optimize
the car’s drag coefficient. The extractor vents facilitate
both the flow and hot air from under the bonnet.
At the same time, the vents direct air flow along the
sides of the car to further enhance performance.
New Clio Renault Sport also comes with a specific
bumper and grille, as well as a semi-rigid aerodynamic
splitter which restricts the amount of air that
passes underneath the car.
For enhanced stability, the wheelbase of New Clio
Renault Sport has been extended by 10mm compared
with Clio III to 2,585mm. At the same time,
grip and cornering performance have been optimied
thanks to the new car’s wider front and rear
track which have been extended by 48 and 50mm
respectively in comparison with Clio III.
Innovative front suspension,
strengthened rear suspension
New Clio Renault Sport comes with a double-axis
strut system, a technology which guarantees precision
and optimal traction in all situations. Driving pleasure
is further enhanced by the car’s frontal grip and an
absence of torque-steer, whether in the middle of a
tight turn or when travelling in a straight line.
New Clio Renault Sport benefits from a new type of
double-axis strut system which comprises aluminium
components for reduced weight compared to the
standard Clio III which was MacPherson strut architecture.
Derived from Clio III, the programmed deflection,
torsion beam rear suspension has been strengthened
to match the potential of the double-axis strut system
and to ensure precise, immediate response when
turning into corners. The stiffness of the sports version’s
rear suspension has been uprated by 25%
thanks to a 30mm anti-roll bar. The new concept,
single-piece stub axles feature reinforced bearings
and have been lengthened in order to widen the rear
track. Their diameter has also been increased by 5mm
to 30mm (instead of 25mm in the case of Clio III).
Glued to the road
The suspension of New Clio Renault Sport ensures a
first-class compromise between efficiency and filtering
performance. Front and rear shock absorbers feature
specific valving developed to optimize body control.
Meanwhile, the stiffness of the front and rear springs
and the use of polyurethane bump stops favour positive
car control on very rough roads.
The subframe is the same as that used for Mégane
Renault Sport and includes transverse strengthening
for improved front-end rigidity. The front subframe
bushes and rear suspension mountings are also stiffer,
as are the upper front shock absorber mountings.
All these features combine to favour feedback to the
driver as well as a heightened sense of precision at
the wheel. The calibration parameters of the electric
power steering are specific to New Clio Renault Sport,
while the model’s Continental Sport Contact 3 tyres
(215/45 R17) also contribute to the suspension’s
excellent directional stability.
Uprated braking
Derived from that of Mégane Renault Sport, New
Clio Renault Sport’s braking system ensures effective,
durable stopping power, plus progressive, easy-todose
pedal travel. The system comprises 312mmdiameter
cross-drilled front discs with Brembo four-pot
callipers and 300mm diameter discs at the rear.
A sporty, responsive
normally-aspirated engine
New Clio Renault Sport is powered by the F4R RS
normally-aspirated 2.0 16V engine which delivers
197hp at 7,250rpm and maximum torque of
215Nm at 5,550rpm. Based on the engine which
forged the reputation of Clio Renault Sport 182 2.0
16V, it boasts a specific power output of 100hp per
litre which ensures exceptional performance for New Clio Renault Sport in the hot hatch segment. The
normally-aspirated engine combines performance,
dynamism, flexibility, immediate response and
excellent re-acceleration from all engine speeds.
It is also easier to adapt for competition use in derivatives
such as the Clio Group N and Clio Cup onemake
race versions.
At low revs and at engine speeds below 5,000rpm,
New Clio Renault Sport ensures a level of response
and driving pleasure adapted to day-to-day motoring.
At higher revs (more than 5,000rpm), the performance
and “bark” of New Clio Renault Sport’s engine are
unleashed to reveal the car’s true sports heritage.
The uprated power and torque figures stem from a
number of modifications and optimizations to the
powertrain:
- as in Formula 1, the inlet acoustics have evolved
to take volumetric efficiency to more than 100%
thanks to the optimization of the sections and
lengths of the intake tracts.
- to permit the intake of additional air and to optimize
gas flow, extensive work has also gone into the valve
seat aerodynamics. The calibration of the camshaft
has also been modified with a view to producing a
longer and bigger aperture of the valves (11.5mm of
valve lift instead of an average 9mm).
- the design of the combustion chamber and the
piston has resulted in a high compression ratio of
11.5:1 for enhanced combustion and performance,
plus lower emissions.
- continuously variable valve timing improves performance
at all engine speeds by varying the
camshaft angle to optimize the opening and closing
of the valves.
Driving pleasure
and acoustic comfort
Renault Sport Technologies’ engineers have sought
to achieve a signature engine sound in keeping with
New Clio Renault Sport’s sports pedigree. From a
discreet pitch at low revs, the engine begins to give
a glimpse of its promise at mid engine speeds before
producing a hallmark bark when pushed to the limit.
Meanwhile, the reinforced subframe and specific
floor minimize boom thanks to special surface
soundproofing treatment that reduces the radiation
of noise from the exhaust. The 3Y-type exhaust manifold
also offers an excellent compromise between
acoustic performance, power and low emissions.
To prevent boom at certain engine speeds, the crankshaft
has evolved too. Made from steel, it features
eight counterweights which improve its rigidity and
balance in a bid to reduce parasitic vibrations and
friction in the camshafts.
A six-speed gearbox
engineered for performance
New Clio Renault Sport comes with an evolution of
the TL4 six-speed gearbox, the first Alliance-developed
manual transmission which is capable of handling
up to 240Nm (24.5mkg). This precision, close-ratio
gearbox favours acceleration from all intermediate
engine speeds.
Acceleration from standstill to 100kph requires a
mere 6.9 seconds, while the kilometre standing start
is covered in just 27.5 seconds. Top speed is 215kph.
With a combined cycle fuel consumption of
8.9l/100km (209g of CO2/km), New Clio Renault
Sport's fuel consumption is amongst the lowest of
the hot hatch
Active safety: a development priority
Like design and sports performance, active safety
played a central role in the development of New
Clio Renault Sport. In addition to featuring the latestevolution
driver aids, it is equipped as standard
with Generation 8 Bosch ABS complete with
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD).
Recognizing that the New Clio Renault Sport will be
driven enthusiastically – possibly on circuit track
days – Brake Assist has been removed.
New Clio Renault Sport also comes with ESP which
has been reprogrammed to higher limits and can be
disconnected. Its operation is adapted to the sort of
dynamic driving style associated with this type of
car, while at the same time contributing to a high
degree of active safety. The ESP system comes
complete with ASR traction control to assist starting
and accelerating when grip is at a premium
Passive safety: uncompromising
protection for all passengers
New Clio Renault Sport features the third-generation
Renault System for Restraint and Protection which
guarantees optimal protection for all occupants
wherever they are sitting. The extremely rigid cabin
acts as a survival cell for passengers and combats against the intrusion of front-end components.
These,
in turn, are designed to stack up under impact.
Both front seatbelts of New Clio Renault Sport are
equipped with pyrotechnic pretensioners for optimal
body restraint under impact, plus built-in load limiters
calibrated at 400daN for enhanced thorax protection.
To protect the pelvic region and to combat submarining,
the front seat cushions come with built-in antisubmarining
airbags. According to country, New Clio
Renault Sport is equipped with up to eight airbags
as standard: two controlled-deflation adaptive front
airbags, four lateral airbags and two anti-submarining
airbags (fitted in the base of the front seats).
In the event of side impact, and in addition to the
lateral airbags (thorax airbags built into the front
seats, plus curtain airbags to protect the heads of
front and rear passengers), New Clio Renault Sport
comes with spacers and padding in the door panels.
It also features an aluminium bar (a first inaugurated
on Clio III) that adapts the load exerted upon
impact to ensure that occupants are afforded the
most effective protection possible.
In the event of rear impact, New Clio Renault Sport
is equipped with rear impact energy-absorbing front
seats and headrests. This new technology marks a
significant breakthrough when it comes to protecting
the neck against the effects of whiplash. When
adjusting its height, it’s the headrest itself which
slides inside the seat back and not the rods. Since
the latter no longer form a rigid element inside the
seatback, the occupant’s back can, under impact,
push further back into the seat until his or her head
comes into contact with the headrest. The rear bench
seat comes with three integrated headrests, while the
seat itself and its anchorage points are reinforced
with a view to limiting reclining of the seat back
under impact.
Text and photos courtesy of Renault
