Named after the country’s most famous motor racing circuit and home of the British Grand Prix, both models were specifically created for the UK market, with only 50 of each offered for sale from July 1.
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Along with the rest of the Clio range, Renault also launched the revised the RS (Renaultsport) model in Geneva. Highlights include a more powerful 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine that now delivers 200-horsepower, chassis modifications and of course, the cosmetic upgrades.Like the rest of the range, the hot Clio gets a new fascia featuring Renaultsport's new styling identity cues such as the blacked out centre section of the front bumper, front splitter, and a subtly restyled rear end with new tail lights and a different rear diffuser.
The Clio Renaultsport 200 is powered by an upgraded version of the outgoing model's normally-aspirated 2.0 16V engine. Peak power has been increased by 3hp to 200HP at 7,100rpm and now produces its maximum torque of 215Nm at 5,400rpm (compared with 5,500rpm for Clio Renaultsport 197). The first, second and third gear ratios have all been shortened for punchier acceleration. The new Clio Renaultsport 200 accelerates from standstill to 100km/h or 62 mph in 6.9 seconds while top speed increases by 2mph to 141mph (227km/h).
Another benefit of powertrain upgrades is the fact that its fuel consumption and CO2 emissions have been slightly reduced to 34.5mpg UK in the combined cycle and 195g/km.
Renaultsport engineers also widened the front and rear tracks by 48mm and 50mm respectively while the wheelbase is extended by 10mm to 2,585mm for greater stability. Furthermore, the rear suspension features a stiffened programmed deflection torsion beam.
The new Clio Renaultsport is available in two guises, the basic 200 and the more hardcore 200 Cup which has a stiffer chassis and is 36kg lighter than the standard version.
At next week's 2009 Geneva Motor Show, Renault will perform the public debut of the facelifted Clio range. Up until now, we've only seen a handful of official pictures of the new sporty Clio GT version that has been developed to close the gap between the standard models and the range-topping, Clio RS. However, a member of the French site 'Forum-Auto' uploaded a set of low-quality scoop photos that appear to show the facelifted Clio RS.
Along with the reshaped headlights and tail lamps of the standard Clio, the RenaultSport edition features a newly designed front bumper with a blacked out center section, dark finish alloy wheels and a restyled rear bumper. It remains to be seen if Renault has performed any mechanical updates. The current-generation Clio RS is powered by a 197-horsepower, naturally aspirated 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine.
Via: Forum-Auto
The third-generation Renault Clio has received a subtle facelift for the 2009 MY. To be officially presented at the Geneva Show next month, the Clio features a redesigned front and rear-end while Renault also introduced a new sportier version of the supermini called GT which gets an aerodynamic bodykit and a stiffer suspension set-up. No word yet on what's hiding under the hood, but Renault did release this video of the Clio GT that includes driving and beauty shots. See it after the jump.
The first photos of the facelifted Renault Clio were released today ahead of the French supermini's global debut at the Geneva Motor Show. For 2009, the Clio III gets a mid-life makeover that brings it in line with Renault's latest models and in particular the Megane plus a new GT sport version that promises to close the gap between the standard models and the 197-horsepower Clio RS.Evidently inspired from the latest Megane, the 2009 Clio's styling has been updated with a new front design featuring a slim grille that harks back at the first generation model of the early 1990s, reshaped headlamps and a broad grille in the lower part of the new front bumper. At the rear-end, the facelifted Clio is distinguished by the redesigned tail lamps and the newly styled bumper which now incorporates the reversing lights and foglamps.
Interior changes are limited to the availability of new trims and equipment that include Renault's latest GPS navigation system, the Carminat TomTom that is integrated into the upper part of the centre console.
The Clio GT that is pictured here, is a new sport version that will sit right under the Clio RS in the supermini's range. Renault did not release any engine details, but the GT does get a more aggressive appearance with extended side sills, a glossy black grille, twin exhaust tailpipes and a lip spoiler while it will be available with an exclusive body colour, Malta Blue. Sporty details inside the car include drilled aluminium pedal covers and extra side support for the seats, plus GT-badging for the front seats.
Further details for the new Clio will be announced by Renault at the forthcoming Geneva Motor Show.
It's a busy time at Renault as the French automaker is planning to introduce an collection of new or facelifted models including the 2009 Scenic & Grand Scenic, Megane Coupe RS and the revamped Clio at its Geneva Motor Show stand this March. While Renault has not revealed any details or photos of the facelifted Clio, a member of a Dutch automotive forum scooped an undisguised prototype model in a parking lot.The photo reveals that the mildly-revamped French supermini has received a new snout evidently inspired from the firm's latest creations such as the new Megane and Laguna. The faclifted Clio hatchback will most likely be accompanied in Geneva by the Clio Sport Tourer that will receive the same updates.
Source: Autoweek Forums
