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Sportier than ever, the 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.

Designing the new vehicle created a challenge for the Renault Sport Technlogies’ engineers to improve on the Clio III’s distinctive, original lines. The new Clio Renault Sport uses more athletic curves and the specific side design exudes extra power and energy. The wider front and rear wings, lowered stance, profiled side skirts and semi rigid under-bumper splitter combine with the extractor vents and diffuser to assert the new car’s advanced aerodynamic engineering and sports heritage.

The interior trim echoes the car’s exterior styling. The spirit of the new Clio Renault Sport 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 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 dark charcoal colour scheme is offset by the chrome-zinc centre console and dashboard inserts which suggests technology and sports performance.

Specially designed Renault Sport seats ensure outstanding comfort and effective lateral support which enables the driver to feel totally at one with their 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 satin finish chrome side moulding inserts.

Both visually and technologically, the new Clio Renault Sport’s most striking 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 flushfitted dual exhausts are housed within the outer channels. Positioned in this way, they do not interfere with the efficiency of the aerodynamics. The front wing extractor vents also have an aerodynamic function by reducing turbulence to optimize the car’s drag coefficient. The extractor vents facilitate the removal of 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 the 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 optimized 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.

The 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 traveling in a straight line.

The system 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.

Derived from the Mégane Renault Sport, the Clio Renault Sport’s braking system ensures effective, durable stopping power, plus progressive, easy-to-dose pedal travel. The system comprises 312mm diameter cross-drilled front discs with Brembo four-pot callipers and 300mm diameter discs at the rear.

Powering the Clio is 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. At low revs and at engine speeds below 5,000rpm, the engine 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 the Clio Renault Sport’s engine are unleashed to reveal the car’s true sports heritage.

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.

Like design and sports performance, active safety played a central role in the development of the Clio Renault Sport. In addition to featuring the latest evolution driver aids, it is equipped as standard with Generation 8 Bosch ABS complete with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). Recognizing that the Clio Renault Sport will be driven enthusiastically – possibly on circuit track days – Brake Assist has been removed.

The 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.

The 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 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 anti-submarining airbags. According to each country’s specifications, the 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), the 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, the 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.

The Renault Sport factory in Dieppe is the only site where Renault Sport models are produced. This plant, which has an annual production capacity of 30,000 cars, already assembles Mégane Renault Sport and will soon begin production of the new Clio Renault Sport.