Newtechfresh | Consumer Electronics Guide: RENAULT CLIO

Renaultsport has revealed the all-new Clio Cup race car which replaces the previous model in use since 2006. Based on the latest gen Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo EDC, the Clio Cup comes with a welded roll cage, a strong monocoque chassis and an aerodynamic package that helps it handle better at high speeds.

For instance, the new rear spoiler generates nearly 40 kg (88 lbs) at 120 mph (193 km/h), while the roof scoop helps improve ventilation in the driver compartment. For the first time in Clio Cup’s history, the rollcage is welded not bolted, with Renaultsport saying this provides additional strength and, consequently, better handling on corners.

The new Clio Cup is powered by a 1.6-liter direct-injected turbo engine tuned by Oreca Magny-Cours that produces 220 hp and a constant torque of 270 Nm (199 lb-ft). The unit is mated to a Sadev six-speed sequential transmission that shifts gears in just 100 milliseconds. Renaultsport offers steering-wheel paddle shifters as an option, along with the classic gearstick.

The car features adjustable shock absorbers and adjustable axles, allowing teams to set up the car according to different track conditions and driving styles. Braking power is assured by AP Racing 320mm ventilated discs fitted with 4-piston Brembo callipers at the front and 260mm solid discs at the rear.

On the inside, the Clio Cup features a dashboard designed by Cosworth Electronics, with a color display screen showing all the diagnostics in real time as well as essential data for the driver, such as fastest lap, gap, track layout and others. There’s also a multi-functional steering wheel with seven buttons that operate a wide variety of functions, including headlights, windscreen wipers and the display screen scroll.

The new Clio Cup is built at the Renault's Alpine factory in Dieppe and is delivered ready to race.

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Renault is offering an interesting stepping-stone between their regular cars, and their special range of RS-badged models with their GT-Line variants. The fourth-generation Clio is the latest car to get the treatment, and it offers a lot for the UK market, which is packed with lovers of hot hatches.

However, some may prefer lower running, insurance and purchase costs, but still want a sportier than normal drive and unique styling, which is what the GT delivers.

Priced from £17,395 in the UK, the Clio GT-Line comes packing a 1.2-liter TCe 120 engine, with 118 hp and 140 lb-ft (190 Nm) of torque, all of which is sent to the road through its dual-clutch gearbox which it shares with the more powerful RS model. Still, it returns 54.3 mpg UK, which is better than the bigger brother’s 44.8 mpg UK claimed figure, so it should also be cheaper to tax (free in the first year, and £30 per year after that).

Sure its 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time of 9.9 seconds is nothing to write home about, but with the relatively high torque figure, paddle shifters and chassis which is 40 percent stiffer than the regular car’s, it should prove entertaining to drive. There’s even a button to choose one of two driving modes.

Styling has been tweaked too, and especially if the car is finished in the Malta Blue colourRenault advertises the car in, then I'd say it looks good, with its dual offset exhaust pipes completing the look nicely, along with the unique 17-inch alloys.

The car was also revealed as an estate, but the official press release doesn’t mention it – it may be made available at a later date with its afferent price hike.

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