Renault Sport debuts track-ready Clio Cup

RENAULT has revealed a track-ready competition version of the all-new turbocharged RS Clio Cup ahead of its 2014 motorsport debut.

The fourth-generation RS Clio range breaks the 20-year tradition that has seen the Renault Sport performance sub-brand use normally-aspirated powertrains.

A Cosworth-tuned version of the 1.6-litre four-cylinder direct injection unit from the standard Clio RS 200 boosts power to 164kW at 6000 rpm and 270Nm of torque 2500-5500rpm, up from 149kW/240Nm.

The Clio Cup is based on the Renault Sport 200 Turbo EDC chassis and is fitted with a welded roll cage that Renault says makes for better handling in the tight stuff.

Power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed sequential manual gearbox with the option of paddle shifters as well as the classic gear-stick. The regular road-going version is automatic-only.

Renault claims it has cut the gearshift time to a super-click 100 milliseconds, a time it says is “rarely seen in cars of this class.” It’s also fitted with 17-inch wheels, adjustable ZF Race Engineering shock absorbers that can be tuned specifically for track days and different driving styles, and adjustable axles.

There is a choice of two different tyres including Michelin 20/61-17 for racing in the Eurocup or Dunlop 21/62-17 tyres for the national championships. Front wheels are fitted with high performance Brembo 320mm ventilated disc brakes while the rear discs are 260mm in diameter.

The super-hot hatch weighs in at 1065kg, with Renault shaving 139kg off the standard RS Clio's 1204kg kerb weight. Figures are not public, but expect the track-ready Cup to better the 6.7-second zero to 100km/h sprint time of the forthcoming Clio RS by some margin.

While the road-going Clio RS maintains hot-hatch style thanks to front and rear spoilers, twin-exhaust tail-pipes and a Formula One-style front blade, the Cup sports a more aerodynamic body-kit with Renault Sport decals, white highlights, larger spoiler and a roof-mounted scoop.

The race-spec cabin gets a sports bucket seat with a headrest and six-point harness supplied by Sabelt, a multi-function steering wheel and digital dashboard, while a window net helps keep the driver safe.

Built at the Apline factory in Dieppe, France, the Cup will take part in the 2014 Clio Cup Championship that has been running for 22 years.

Renault has confirmed that 10 orders have already been placed for the 39,900 Euros (AUD$56,800) performance hatch that officially goes on sale there in September.

Buyers keen to enter the Renault Clio Cup racing championships can do so after purchase, but that will set you back an additional £12,500 (AUD$20,720) in registration fees.

The standard Clio range launches in Australia in September with RS models to follow early in the New Year, with pricing and specifications announced closer to launch. It’s less clear if or when this track version will be made available.