Category: Renault

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Renault

Renault Clio Williams set for comeback

Renault Clio Williams rendering

Even before it was confirmed, we were lamenting the loss of soul Renault had stripped from the new Clio RS. Back then it was thought there were no hopes of a Clio Williams revival either. However, that’s since changed and one of the best examples of an F1-inspired hot hatch is back on the agenda.

It’s expected the Clio Williams will go on sale in 2014 with an official confirmation possible later this year. An extra 20hp is predicted to be found lurking inside the Clio’s 1.6 litre turbo four cylinder, for a new peak of 220hp.

Even though the new Clio RS is yet to hit the streets, the addition of a Williams badge should usher in a harder edge to the hot hatch’s handling and general road manner. All of a sudden, the flappy paddle EDC transmission may even begin to make sense.

Interestingly, the original 1993 Clio Williams was created by Renault alone and the Williams stickers were added on the back of Nigel Mansell’s 1992 F1 world championship. Perhaps, this time around, Williams F1 may play an active role in the car’s development in return for a sweeter deal on its Renault F1 engines.

[Source: Autocar]

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2012 Paris Motor Show in pictures – part 2

2012 Paris Motor Show

Here’s part 2 of our 2012 Paris Motor Show in pictures gallery, which brings you manufacturers from M–Z. Join us as we admire the McLaren P1, the Mercedes-Benz Concept Style Coupé, the Peugeot Onyx and the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo.

We’re wavering a little with our admiration of the Mercedes-Benz A Class, but nothing can hide our amusement at the Nissan Terra or Vauxhall Adam, which must be a huge practical joke. We’re also lamenting the fact Seat has lost its styling edge with the new Leon and that Skoda has taken a step back with the incredibly bland looking Rapid.

And, of course, the Volkswagen Golf GTI is the model we’ll probably take home in the future.

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Motor Shows Renault

Paris 2012: Renault Clio RS 200 EDC

2013 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.

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Audi A3, Renault Clio & Volvo V40 among latest five star pupils

Audi A3

In the most recent test results published by Euro NCAP the newest Audi A3, Renault Clio and Volvo V40 models were all awarded the maximim possible five star safety rating.

The A3 scored 95% for adult occupants and was praised for its strong performance in the side barrier test. However, Euro NCAP state the A3’s bonnet design resulted in marginal to poor protection for pedestrians.

Renault’s fourth generation Clio rated best in the safety assist criterion with 99%, but registered only marginal protection against whiplash in the event of a rear-end collision.

A perfect score was recorded by the Volvo V40 for its safety assist systems. With a score of 88% for pedestrian safety the V40 was praised for its under-bonnet airbag.

Pictures and links to the full reports and videos can be found after the break.

[Source: Euro NCAP]

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Renault

Renault Megane RS 265 – Australian pricing

Renault Megane RS 265

As is the case with Renault in Australia fans have been made to wait for the manufacturer’s latest and greatest hot hatch. But now, a year after its European debut, the Megane RS 265 is available down under.

Obviously the 265 refers to the peak horsepower figure within the car’s 2.0 litre turbo four; if you deal in kilowatts the magic number is 195. Coupled with a very handy 360Nm of torque and a good old fashioned 6-speed manual box, the front-wheel drive master can reach 100km/h in six seconds flat.

The Megane RS 250 was launched in Australia in late 2010 and to find the extra 15 horsepower for the RS 265 Renault has turned up the boost on the turbo by 0.2 bar, to a new peak of 2.5 bar. They also upgraded the air intake and tweaked the ECU to suit.

With a steady right foot Renault reckon you’ll use fuel at the rate of 8.2l/100km, but, really, why buy a hot Megane to drive it like a nanna?

Renault has made the RS 265 available in four different specifications. The range starts with the Cup model, which has a manufacturer’s list price of $42,640. There are three Trophy specifications: the regular Trophy is priced from $47,140, the Trophy+ from $51,640 and the limited edition Trophy 8:08 (pictured above) is $49,990.

The Trophy 8:08 is a reference to the car’s Nürburgring lap time, which stands as the current front-wheel drive record for a production vehicle around the famed 20.832km Nordschleife. Only 100 will be heading to Australia and you can have any colour you like so long as it’s liquid yellow or pearl white.

We reckon the RS 265 range is pretty good value for money and in the entry-level Cup model you get things like 18″ alloy wheels, Brembo brakes, LED daytime running lights, rear parking sensors, limited slip diff, dual zone climate control, Bluetooth audio and more as standard equipment. You can read the full list in the detailed Australian press kit, available below.

Over and above the equipment found in the Cup the Trophy adds Recaro seats, 19″ Steev alloy wheels, hands free entry and tyre pressure monitoring. In addition to those features the Trophy+ includes Renault Sport heated leather seats with electric adjustment, integrated sat nav with a 7″ screen, reversing camera, bi-xenon headlights, a fixed glass roof and front/rear parking sensors.

The Trophy 8:08 drops the sat nav and reversing camera from the Trophy+ along with the fixed glass roof, but picks up model specific decals.

A comprehensive range of 50 wallpaper-friendly photos and detailed press information awaits after the break. Once you’ve read all that, don’t be surprised if you find yourself making contact with your local Renault dealer. Actually, it may surprise you to learn that Australia is the world’s third largest market for the Megane RS models.

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Infiniti Lotus Renault

Lotus could build Renault Alpine A110-50

Renault Alpine A110-50

Autocar brings word that the future of the stunning Renault Alpine A110-50 and the Infiniti Emerg-E concept models could rest on their ability to be adapted to the Lotus Evora platform.

For the Emerg-E it’s a no brainer, as the concept model is already based on the Lotus archictecture, including its drivetrain. But modifcations may be required to the A110-50 if it is to have a future as a low-volume production model.

If the A110-50 is to have any credibility it needs to feature a mid or rear-engined layout, so the Evora seems a good place to start. Renault’s marketing head, Steve Norman, has suggested a third party would be required to get the project over the line and has been quoted as saying it “probably needs more than the Renault-Nissan Alliance on its own”.

On paper, at least, this arrangement could shape as a win-win scenario for all concerned. Let’s hope all this theory becomes reality.

[Source: Autocar]

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Renault

There’s something fishy going on here

Renault Twingo RS

Today we bring you one of the more bizarre promo videos we’ve come across. Race driver Margot Laffite (yes, she is the daughter of Jacques) was given the keys to a Renault Twingo RS Red Bull RB7 edition and sent out on the Nordschleife with a cute blonde and a goldfish.

It’s all part of Renault’s Challenge us if you can promotion. It’s mostly entertaining viewing, but we do think the closing sequence is very fishy.

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Renault

VIDEO: New Renault Clio explained

Renault Clio IV

Laurens van den Acker, Senior Vice-President, Renault Corporate Design used the following words to describe the fourth-generation Clio: “New Renault Clio was conceived as a piece of sensuous sculpture which stimulates desire. Like muscles, its curves express the dynamism radiated by the DeZir concept car. No acute or aggressive angles, just voluptuous curves that make you want to go up to it and caress it.”

In the video below you can hear Laurens and his mates, Antony Villain and Yann Jarsalle, explain in further detail the passion and emotion behind the Clio IV.

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Renault

Next-gen Renault Clio RS loses its soul

Renault Clio IV RS at Goodwood Festival of Speed

According to evo, the rumours suggesting the new Clio RS will exclusively feature a dual clutch transmission have been confirmed by Renault.

Compounding the loss is word the Clio hot hatch will be powered by a 1.6 litre turbocharged four cylinder (with around 150kW). Gone is the free-revving normally aspirated four-pot, swapped for a default turbo solution. Gone is the slick shifting manual box, swapped for a granny-friendly twin clutch transmission.

On the plus side, the Clio IV should tip the scales around 100kg lighter than the Clio III. We’re sure Renault Sport won’t forget how to make the Clio a cracking drive, we just think it’s a shame that, on paper, it is taking something of a cookie cutter approach.

Oh, if you’d already put one and one together regarding Renault reuniting with Williams, well, don’t. There’s no plans to revive the iconic Clio Williams badge.

[Source: evo]

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Renault

2013 Renault Clio IV revealed

Renault Clio IV

It’s actually not that bad. Quite smart, even.

Right on schedule, this is the new Renault Clio IV. There’s good news for Australian buyers, too, because Renault will be bringing a comprehensive range of Clio models down under. The all-new Clio will launch here in mid-2013 with the iconic RS hot hatch to follow around six months later.

After a closer look, and save for the curved insert on the lower part of the doors, we think it looks pretty good. Inside, we’re not quite as convinced, but true to its core values, Renault hasn’t followed convention with the interior and for that they should be applauded.

The Clio IV represents a new shift in Renault’s visual language as Laurens van den Acker, Senior Vice-President, Corporate Design explains: “New Renault Clio was conceived as a piece of sensuous sculpture which stimulates desire.

“Like muscles, its curves express the dynamism radiated by the DeZir concept car. No acute or aggressive angles, just voluptuous curves that make you want to go up to it and caress it.”

Renault is saving the finer details for the car’s first public debut, set to take place at the Paris Motor Show in September. However, they are giving us a preview of the new R-Link infotainment technology. Its 7” touchscreen has been clearly inspired by the iPad, even down to a special Renault R-Link Store where owners can purchase new apps.

The R-Link’s customisation possibilities are part of a key personalisation component for the new Clio. Indeed, buyers will be able to tailor several external features to their taste through a range of options for the wing mirrors, grille bars, rear panel skirts, lower door protectors and wheel finishes. As seen on the MINI, a choice of roof graphics can also be selected.

That theme will continue inside the Clio IV as well, with a wide range of choices for the dashboard, door panels, steering wheel, grab handles, gear lever surround, air vent surrounds, upholstery materials and more.

For the first time in a Clio a 6-speed Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) transmission will be available. Word is the EDC will be the only choice for the RS hot hatch, which may upset a few traditionalists. So too the Clio IV’s five door layout.

As a new direction, though, we think Renault has made a good start, despite our earlier reservations. There’s a heap of pictures for you after the break, complemented by three videos and Renault’s introductory press text.

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Renault

Renault Clio IV looks better when camouflaged

Renault Clio IV

This is the new Renault Clio, the fourth generation of the feisty French hatch. A heavily disguised Clio IV RS was seen at the Goodwood Fesitval of Speed on the weekend, and we liked what we saw. Now that we’ve seen this undisguised image we’ve had second thoughts.

It’s a bit fussy, a bit over designed, don’t you think? We’ll be able to make a better judgement soon with official details due to be released inside 24 hours.

The image you see here was published to a Renault website before it was quickly removed. But not quick enough for a Carscoop reader who managed to get a screen grab to share with the world.

[Source: Carscoop]

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Renault

Renault Alpine A110-50: Old v new

Renault-Alpine A110-50

A few weeks ago Renault gave us the stunning 3.5 litre V6 powered A110-50, a 50th birthday present to honour the original Alpine A110. Now they’ve pointed both to the European alps and told a young chap and an old chap to have some fun—and it looks like they did!

[Thanks to Chris for the tip]

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