2017 Renault Clio RS

The new Renault Clio RS 200 EDC, Clio RS Trophy and Clio GT-Line incorporate the advances offered by the new Clio and further enhance that package by drawing on Renault Sport's wealth of knowledge and expertise. "The new Clio RS offers the full spectrum of Renault Sport technology for immediate driving pleasure. At launch, each customer will be able to choose from three types of chassis and two powerplants. The model also inaugurates the highly efficient and innovative RS VISION lighting system, Renault Sport's exclusive lighting signature," announced Patrice Ratti, CEO, Renault Sport Cars.

Exhaust line, power output, chassis: a unique package in its segment

The new Renault Clio RS is available with a choice of two petrol engines (200hp and 220hp) on the Trophy version, mated to six-speed EDC dual-clutch automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifts.

It is the only car in its class to offer three different types of chassis, giving customers the opportunity to 'tailor-build' their own Clio RS The options are a Sport chassis with 17- or 18-inch wheels, emphasising versatility and everyday use; a strengthened Cup chassis with 18-inch wheels, providing the perfect blend of road and circuit driving characteristics; or a Trophy chassis with 18-inch wheels, lowered by 20mm at the front and 10mm at the rear to place the focus firmly on driving pleasure.

Uniquely in its segment, the Trophy version can be specified with an exclusive exhaust system inspired by the Clio R.S 16 concept car and developed in tandem with industry specialist Akrapovič which imbues the engine with an instantly recognisable sound and ensures sprightly acceleration. Patrice Ratti says, "We are working with renowned suppliers committed to motorsport such as Akrapovič to forge ever stronger links between the track and the road".

The 200hp powerplant is available with the Sport and Cup chassis, while the 220hp unit can be selected for the Trophy variants. The 220hp Trophy version is capable of out-performing all other sporty vehicles in its class, taking just 6.6 seconds to sprint from 0-100kph, 14.5 seconds to cover 400m from a standing start and going on to reach a top speed of 235kph.

The Renault Clio RS also innovates with an unprecedented equipment package for the segment, including Launch Control, the RS Drive system which enables a choice of three driving modes (Normal, Sport and Race), the RS Monitor application and hydraulic compression bump stops developed by Renault Sport for rallying.

RS VISION: a world first for additional multi-faceted LED lighting technology

The front end of the new Renault Clio RS is visually broader by virtue of a specific front bumper, and the car is completed by LED multi-faceted lighting in the form of a chequered flag called RS Vision, for a distinctive look and outstanding lighting performance. This exclusive technology, initially seen on the Clio RS 16 concept car, co-ordinates the vehicle's fog lights, cornering lights, side lights and dipped and main beams to enhance night-time visibility.

The new Renault Clio RS also offers new 18-inch wheels and specific sills. At the rear can be found a sporty spoiler, a functional diffuser and a twin exhaust tail pipe, while the rear lights carry over the C-shaped lighting signature. The Renault Sport (RS) logo appears underneath the Renault badge at the front of the car, on the wheels and at the rear.