Renault Clio RS 200 Australian Grand Prix Limited Edition

Last week Mark Webber took time out of his busy schedule to launch the Renault Clio RS 200 Australian Grand Prix Limited Edition. Bit of a mouthful, hey!

There’ll be just 30 of these little pocket rockets sold, all in the Liquid Yellow paint shown here. At $39,990 the Limited Edition model carryies a $1000 premium over the regular Trophée version.

For the asking price you get a black painted roof and spoiler, Renault Sport Recaro front seats, Renault Sport monitor (for the first time on Clio), black Speedline Cup wheels, and shiny black exterior details. Interior trim is “Carbone” spec, as found on the Trophée.

Engine spec from the peaky naturally aspirated 2.0 litre remains 147kW/215Nm. Enough to get you to the ton in 6.9 seconds.

Mark Webber Reveals Clio R.S. 200 Australian Grand Prix Limited Edition

Renault-powered F1 star Mark Webber has unveiled a road-going Renault Australian Grand Prix car anyone can own.

The Red Bull F1 team driver was on the Yellow Carpet at Government House on Thursday night at the launch of the new Clio R.S. 200 Australian Grand Prix Limited Edition, of which there will only be 30 examples offered for sale exclusively in Australia.

All cars are finished in the Renault heritage Formula 1 racing colours of Liquid Yellow and black paint, complete with sporty, shiny black painted alloy wheels.

All cars carry a special plaque commemorating the 2011 Formula 1 QANTAS Australian Grand Prix event.

The full specification comprises a black painted roof and roof spoiler, Liquid Yellow body paint, Renault Sport Recaro front sport seats, Renault Sport monitor (for the first time on Clio) , black Speedline Cup wheels, and shiny black exterior décor – as on the Clio Renault Sport Cup model and “Carbone” interior trim as seen on the Trophée model.

The Clio R.S. 200 Australian Grand Prix Limited Edition has a Recommended Retail Price of $39,990 (not including dealer delivery or statutory charges). It is $1000 more expensive than the standard Trophée model and is identified by an additional roof spoiler, black roof, Liquid Yellow paint (special RS paint), and a numbered plaque (1-30) affixed to the interior.

At the reveal of the car on the special Yellow carpet at the Official Welcome for the 2011 Formula 1 QANTAS Australian Grand Prix at Government House, Renault Australia Managing Director Justin Hocevar warmly welcomed the latest member of the popular and feisty Clio Renault Sport family.

“Renault has long been associated with success in Formula 1 and has been very popular at the Australian Grand Prix in particular,” he said.

“Enthusiasm for Renault has also grown as a result of Mark Webber being powered by our Formula 1 engines over the past few seasons, and of course Renault powered Red Bull to the World Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships in 2010. In 2011 Renault is powering a full 25 percent of all entries in the Formula 1 Championship.

“I am confident the new Clio R.S. 200 Australian Grand Prix Limited Edition car will become an instant classic. Especially in Renault Sport’s signature Liquid Yellow and black paint scheme and I am sure die-hard Renault Sport fans will find it hard to resist.

“We wish Mark all the best for his campaign this weekend in the Australian Grand Prix and hope that his 2011 season gets off to a strong start,” Justin said.

The Clio R.S. 200 Australian Grand Prix Limited Edition will arrive at Renault Dealers across Australia in April.

Like all Clio Renault Sport models, the Australian Grand Prix Limited Edition is powered by a 147.5 kW (200 hp) four-cylinder 2.0-litre engine producing 215 Nm of torque at 5,400 rpm. Max power is delivered at a zesty 7,100 rpm.

The engine is coupled to a close ratio six-speed manual gearbox and the lithe 1281 kg kerb weight allows the Clio R.S. 200 Australian Grand Prix Limited Edition to hit the 100 km/h mark from rest in just 6.9 seconds, and achieve a top speed of 225 km/h (where legal). Brembo brakes with red callipers, a quick steering rack, and Renault Sport Recaro seats enhance the race-ready credentials of this hotshot hatch.

The Clio Renault Sport is very well equipped featuring as standard ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) Sports-tuned and switchable ESP (Electronic Stability Program), front, lateral and curtain airbags, height adjustable three-point front seatbelts with pretensioner and load limiter, cruise control with speed limiter and automatic headlights and wipers.

Exterior details include front shield with F1 derived aerodynamic spoiler and large air intakes, front edge/rear view mirrors/rear diffuser in gloss black with twin chrome exhaust outlets, tinted windows and privacy rear windows and height-adjustable headlights.

Interior refinements include Renault Sport Recaro seats (height adjustable driver seat), height and reach adjustable Renault Sport leather steering wheel with yellow centre band, leather gear knob, drilled aluminium pedals, multi-function trip computer with digital display, multimedia Connection Box (Aux input & USB support), 80W AM/FM stereo (4 speakers, 2 tweeters) with CD player (MP3 compatible) and fingertip controls, Bluetooth® connectivity, climate control air conditioning, electric front windows with anti-pinch function and one touch control.

The centre console features carbon fibre effect and satin chrome detail on the dashboard and the electrically adjustable door mirrors may also be folded against the doors when parked.