Paris 2012: Renault Clio RS 200 EDC

Renault has snuck into Paris with an all-new Clio RS 200, based on the fourth-generation Clio. We can’t say we’ve noticed a lot of fanfare for what is one of Renault’s most coveted models. Perhaps that has something to do with the initials EDC (Efficient Double Clutch) which have been added to the end of its model designation.

And so a little piece of the Clio’s famed involvement has been lost—there is no manual transmission offered. But there’s more. Also gone is the free-revving normally aspirated 2.0 litre engine, in favour of a new 1.6 litre turbocharged powerplant. Its key numbers are 200hp at 6000rpm and 240Nm available from 1750rpm. Much like any other hot hatch, really.

On paper, then, this Clio RS has lost some of its character. And while it has always had plenty of character to go around, let’s hope all has not been lost. Thankfully, the Renault Sport engineers haven’t been chucked out and we trust that, in either Sport or Cup chassis trim, the Clio IV RS is still an inviting drive.

World premiere of new Clio R.S. 200 EDC—emotion shifts into sport mode

The announcement of a new sporting version of Clio is always an eagerly anticipated event among the model’s sporting fan-base and those who appreciate beautiful cars. Powered by a 1.6 litre turbocharged engine mated to EDC dual clutch transmission, New Clio R.S. 200 EDC is an innovative response to the highly sophisticated expectations of the compact sports hatchback customer. In addition to being a thrill to drive, it has distinctive style and is poised to be a favourite with the connoisseurs.

“New Clio R.S. 200 EDC proclaims loud and clear the values of Renault Sport: beautiful and fast, it has everything that’s needed to make it the benchmark car in the high-performance sports hatchback class – just like its predecessors. The introduction of a very high performance turbocharged engine, with plenty of torque at low revs and coupled to the EDC dual clutch transmission (Efficient Double Clutch) developed by Renault Sport engineers, results in a car that raises the sporting driving experience to a new level. The expertise of Renault Sport Technologies is reinforced by long-term programmes in the most demanding types of motorsport, including racing and rallying. It is this experience which makes us so passionate about handling feedback, and you can feel this the moment you drive any of the sporting Renault derivatives we have developed. We’re also proud to be producing the R.S. in Dieppe, home of Alpine, and proud to be using the EDC gearbox for an R.S. version for the first time.”
Patrice Ratti, Managing Director, Renault Sport Technologies

Beautiful and effective, with a racing pedigree

There can be no doubt about it: New Clio R.S. 200 EDC is a Renault Sport model through and through. Its F1-style front blade recalls Renault’s success in Formula One, while its diffuser and spoiler generate 80 percent and 20 percent extra downforce respectively. Also exclusive to New Clio R.S. 200 EDC are the unique grille and spoiler, front and rear bumper, wide-set LED daytime running lights, sill extensions and 17-inch wheels, with 18-inch rims available as an option. All these elements combine to make it a genuine attention grabber. A dual-tailpipe exhaust system and a sporty sound signature round off this exclusive package.

Inside, the ambience is sporting, with red the dominant colour. A steering wheel flanked by the two gearshift paddles, a dedicated instrument pack and aluminium-capped pedals all spell performance and passion. Yet Clio R.S. 200 EDC also pays particular attention to the comfort of its occupants. The bucket seats, with leather upholstery optional, provide extra lateral support and it goes without saying that Renault’s Sport’s latest comes with all the equipment expected of a high-end model: multimedia system, touchscreen navigation, Bluetooth® radio with USB connectivity, handsfree entry and starting, driver aids. Automatic climate control and parking sensors are also optionally available.

Special feature: personalisation

New Clio R.S. 200 EDC will be offered with a specific Renault Sport exterior personalisation programme. The starting point for the programme is the choice of four themes which can be combined with different motifs, plus upgrade elements and trim packs with clearly differentiated characters. Now everyone can configure the precise type of sportiness that suits them best.

1.6T Renault Sport 200, a completely new 1.6 turbocharged engine coupled with the EDC dual clutch transmission and paddle gear changes

Coupled with the EDC gearbox, the new 1.6 T Renault Sport 200 engine is exclusive to New Clio R.S. 200 EDC – an indication of another step forward by Renault Sport Technologies in its quest for performance. The aim is to offer even more everyday driving enjoyment thanks to extra verve, but also to reconcile enjoyment and performance improvements with the realistic requirement for improved energy efficiency.

This approach, driven by motorsport and particularly by Formula One where Renault Sport enjoys recognised expertise, has now directly benefited the sporty version of New Clio.

The new 16-valve four-cylinder develops 200 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. Its high torque of 240 Nm (up 25 Nm compared with Clio III R.S.) is developed from just 1,750 rpm for instantaneous driving enjoyment. This maximum torque is then consistently available at higher revs – up to 5,600 rpm – thanks to the turbocharger.

Sparkling with the magic dust of Renault Sport, this Alliance engine includes cutting edge technologies, demonstrated by the DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) cam followers developed from Formula One and Variable Valve Timing (VVT). As always with Renault Sport, the exhaust note has been the object of particular attention.

The other new feature in the sporty philosophy is that the 1.6T Renault Sport 200 engine is available exclusively with the EDC dual clutch, six-speed transmission. The comfort and efficiency of the dual clutch EDC gearbox allows drivers to adopt the driving style they want. The EDC transmission is docile in daily driving and particularly effective in sporty driving, with three different modes including a ‘race’ option.

Inspired by motorsport, the steering column-mounted gear shift paddles – a first for Renault – offer better comfort and speed than a manual gearbox. In ‘race’ mode, gear changes can be made in just 150 milliseconds.

The quality of the R.S. chassis

To cover the varied expectations and usage from sporty customers, New Clio R.S. 200 EDC offers two different chassis:

• Sport chassis for an optimum balance of sportiness and comfort in everyday motoring.
• Cup chassis for technical and track day enthusiasts. These customers will enjoy 15 percent more stiffness relative to the Sport chassis and a
  ride height lowered by 5 mm.

This twin offer is a distinctive feature of Renault Sport models.

In terms of braking, New Clio R.S. 200 EDC offers powerful 320mm-diameter discs at the front (a significant increase of 8mm over its predecessor).
More than ever, Renault Sport is synonymous with excellence in terms of chassis performance and braking.

Thanks to this careful balance between the engine, transmission and chassis, the New Clio R.S. 200 EDC will offer ‘edgy’ performance. Timed performance data will be communicated during media test drives planned in early 2013.

Topped off with exciting innovations

New Renault Clio R.S. 200 EDC combines fun with technology, in the form of a ‘sport’ button named R.S. Drive. Pressing the button modifies the engine and gearbox mapping, ESC settings, steering feeling and throttle pedal response. It works in three modes (‘Normal’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Race’) and gives New Clio R.S. 200 EDC an attractive multi-dimensional sporty character.

In the same spirit, Renault’s engineers have adapted R-Sound Effect for the New Clio R.S. 200 EDC by adding specific engine noises. Using Renault R-Link, this application simulates the noise of one of a range of iconic engines through the car’s speakers, tuning it to the speed and acceleration of the car. It’s a fun and realistic way of choosing the engine noise.

In addition to this bundle of new features, New Clio R.S. 200 EDC offers an enviable range of comfort features such as touchscreen navigation Renault R-Link, a hands-free key card, Bluetooth radio with USB and jack connections. Options include parking sensors with rear camera and automatic climate control. Being sporty doesn’t mean that the wellbeing of occupants cannot be looked after!

Download

• Renault Clio RS 200 EDC—Paris Motor Show press kit (5.4mb PDF)