Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[World Series edition Renault Clio and Megane aren't exactly home runs]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/27/world-series-edition-renault-clio-and-megane-arent-exactly-home/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/27/world-series-edition-renault-clio-and-megane-arent-exactly-home/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/27/world-series-edition-renault-clio-and-megane-arent-exactly-home/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


World Series by Renault Clio and Megane - Click above for high-res image gallery

With nearly every automaker launching special editions by the boatload, it's hard to point a finger and claim one is really bilking it more than the others. Especially not at Renault, which typically applies the special badge treatment to limited editions of its rippin' Renaultsport hot hatches. So you'd figure that if the French automaker were to launch a special line to honor its own one-marque formula racing series, it'd bring the goods, right? Unfortunately that doesn't appear to be the case with the World Series special edition Clio and Megane.

Not to be confused with baseball's championship, the World Series by Renault is a racing class started over a decade ago by sister company Nissan and functions as a stepping stone for aspiring racers with an eye toward F1. Current grand prix drivers Fernando Alonso, Heikki Kovalainen and Robert Kubica have all won the championship in their formative years. But while the World Series by Renault runs identical Dallara chassis with 3.5-liter 425hp Renault V6 engines, the lackluster WSR edition Clios and Meganes run engines producing between 75 and 110 hp. With a handful of minor cosmetic tweaks like spoilers and alloy wheels, the WSR specials amount to little more than an options package adding £1650 (~$2700) of equipment to otherwise ordinary cars for a £500 (~$800) premium. Not a bad deal, but not quite what we've come to expect from Renault.


Gallery: Renault Clio and Megane World Series editions


[Source: Renault]

World Series edition Renault Clio and Megane aren't exactly home runs originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 27 Jun 2009 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>renaultrenault cliorenault clio wsrrenault meganerenault megane wsrrenault sportRenaultClioRenaultClioWsrRenaultMeganeRenaultMeganeWsrRenaultSportworld seriesworld series by renaultWorldSeriesWorldSeriesByRenaultwsrSat, 27 Jun 2009 12:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Renault unveils updated Clio Renaultsport 200 hot hatch]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/05/renault-unveils-updated-clio-renaultsport-200-hot-hatch/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/05/renault-unveils-updated-clio-renaultsport-200-hot-hatch/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/05/renault-unveils-updated-clio-renaultsport-200-hot-hatch/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Renault Clio RS 200 - Click above for high-res image gallery

200. That's a mighty big number for such a tiny car, but it's the horsepower figure that Renaultsport's latest hot hatch packs beneath its bonnet. And while it may be only three measley horses more than the 197 version on which it's based and replaces, Renault's performance and motorsport division has worked to improve the aerodynamics and cut weight to make each one count more.

Complimenting the mid-cycle revised styling of the entire Clio range, the Clio RS 200 and 200 Cup benefit from Renault's Formula One program, with which the French automaker attributes the aerodynamic expertise implemented on its latest hot hatch. Air passes over the front splitter to feed the the revised 200-hp, 2.0-liter 16-valve four-cylinder engine, but it also goes underneath to the flat rear bottom and exits the fully functional rear diffuser. The design also pushes air around the wider front fenders, past the side vents and around the widened track to give the new Clio RS its performance edge. The aerodynamic enhancements gives the car an even meaner look, while customers can choose from a wider variety of look-at-me colors, contrasting with either black or anthracite-finish trim.

Inside it's all business: the compact steering wheel has perforated leather trim with a yellow strip to show when it's centered, and Recaro racing buckets are available along with leather upholstery. Unfortunately the car isn't available Stateside, but across the pond the new Clio Renaultsport 200 starts selling next month at £16,570, while hardcore enthusiasts can save a bit and get the even more focused, stripped-down Cup version for £15,750. Follow the jump for all the details in the press release, and check out the images in the gallery below.


Gallery: Renault Clio RS 200


[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Renault unveils updated Clio Renaultsport 200 hot hatch

Renault unveils updated Clio Renaultsport 200 hot hatch originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 May 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clio 200 cupclio cupclio renaultsportclio rsclio rs 200clio rs 200 cupclio rs cupClio200CupClioCupClioRenaultsportClioRsClioRs200ClioRs200CupClioRsCuphatchhot hatchHotHatchrenaultrenault cliorenault clio renaultsport 200renault clio renaultsport 200 cuprenault clio rsrenault clio rs 200renault clio rs 200 cuprenault hot hatchrenault sportRenaultClioRenaultClioRenaultsport200RenaultClioRenaultsport200CupRenaultClioRsRenaultClioRs200RenaultClioRs200CupRenaultHotHatchrenaultsportrenaultsport cliorenaultsport clio 200 cupRenaultsportClioRenaultsportClio200CupTue, 05 May 2009 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: Is this the 2011 Renault Clio?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/26/rendered-speculation-is-this-the-2011-renault-clio/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/26/rendered-speculation-is-this-the-2011-renault-clio/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/26/rendered-speculation-is-this-the-2011-renault-clio/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for what could be renderings of the 2011 Renault Clio

Is this the next Renault Clio? A spy shot forum has posted grainy black-and-white renderings of what could be the basis of the 2011 hatchback. While the protruding nostrils raise eyebrows, from the front and rear 3/4-view the car has an engaging line, the Mazda-like upswept creases moving nicely from stem to stern, wavelike. From the side, however, it looks a little stretched out, less like a wave, more like taffy. We'll have to wait and see if these shots have anything to do with the actual Clio, but regardless, there are some interesting elements we wouldn't mind on the real car. You can check out the rest of the renderings and weigh in below.


Gallery: Rendered Speculation - 2011 Renault Clio



[Source: Car Spy Shots]

Rendered Speculation: Is this the 2011 Renault Clio? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 26 Apr 2009 13:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20112011 renault clio2011RenaultClioeconomyhatchbackrenaultrenault clioRenaultCliorendered speculationRenderedSpeculationSun, 26 Apr 2009 13:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Geneva Preview: Updated Renault Clio]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/06/geneva-preview-updated-renault-clio/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/06/geneva-preview-updated-renault-clio/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/06/geneva-preview-updated-renault-clio/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the updated Renault Clio

With Europe's other major international car show alternating to Frankfurt in 2009, the upcoming Geneva Motor Show is as close to home turf as the French automakers will get this year. Along with the new concept its Romanian budget brand Dacia is tipped to unveil at the show, Renault will be descending on the lakeside Swiss city with an updated version of its bread-and-butter Clio. The modest facelift draws on cues from the larger and newer Megane and Laguna models, with a small air inlet on the nose and a larger one integrated into the front bumper. The rear bumper as also bee mildly revised, while the updated cabin features a new sat-nav unit which Renault has developed together with TomTom to offer the cost-effective and web-upgradeable benefits of a standalone aftermarket GPS with the integration of a factory nav unit.

The updated Clio will debut with a new GT trim level that slots in below the hot Renaultsport version, with some of the aggressive cues but without the go-fast bits that make Renault's hot hatches the king of the hill. Renault has released a slew of photos of the new Clio ahead of its debut, which you can check out in the gallery below, along with the details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Geneva 2009: updated Renault Clio


[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Geneva Preview: Updated Renault Clio

Geneva Preview: Updated Renault Clio originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facelift renault clioFaceliftRenaultCliogenevageneva auto salongeneva motor showGenevaAutoSalonGenevaMotorShownew renault clioNewRenaultCliorenaultrenault cliorenault genevaRenaultClioRenaultGenevaupdated renault clioUpdatedRenaultClioFri, 06 Feb 2009 08:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Luxe Redux: Renault gives Clio RS the premium touch...again]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/22/luxe-redux-renault-gives-clio-rs-the-premium-touch-again/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/22/luxe-redux-renault-gives-clio-rs-the-premium-touch-again/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/22/luxe-redux-renault-gives-clio-rs-the-premium-touch-again/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above to view the Renaultsport Clio Lux in high resolution

Renault makes a hot hatch for every taste. Some burn gas, some burn diesel. Some are track-biased, some are great for hauling around the family. Some are flyweights, and some are luxurious. The latest version is the latter, upgrading the Clio Renaulsport 197 with a host of luxury amenities for those who want it all.

Called the Lux, the new package is being offered to British customers from the beginning of the new year, packed with £2,000 of equipement for only £1,000 over the standard price. Included among those amenities are leather upholstery, automatic lights and wipers, cornering lamps, black tinted rear windows, an upgraded 60W MP3/CD sound system, brushed alloys and satin-chrome trim touches. Electric folding mirrors, electric panorama sunroof, xenon headlamps, Speedline rims in white or black and tightened-up Cup suspension are also available as optional extras. But if this is all sounding a little familiar, you're not experiencing deja vu: Renault introduced a similar package, called "Luxe" (the extra is for "Europe") to continental customers a year and a half ago. Details in the pess release after the jump.

[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Luxe Redux: Renault gives Clio RS the premium touch...again

Luxe Redux: Renault gives Clio RS the premium touch...again originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 22 Nov 2008 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cliorenaultrenault cliorenault clio 197renault clio rsrenault clio rs 197 luxrenault sportRenaultClioRenaultClio197RenaultClioRsRenaultClioRs197LuxRenaultSportrenaultsport clio luxrenaultsport clio luxeRenaultsportClioLuxRenaultsportClioLuxeSat, 22 Nov 2008 17:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Moscow 2008 Preview: Renault Symbol/Thalia]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/moscow-2008-preview-renault-symbol-thalia/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/moscow-2008-preview-renault-symbol-thalia/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/moscow-2008-preview-renault-symbol-thalia/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click for a hi-res gallery of the Renault Symbol/Thesis

As Russia develops into an increasingly important market for many Asian and European carmakers, the Moscow Motor Show is becoming a more important venue. Alongside such new launches as the Lexus LS460 AWD, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Audi RS6 sedan, Renault will be unveiling a new version of its simple Symbol sedan. The car will be sold in such markets as Eastern and Central Europe, Russia, Turkey and North Africa, labeled alternatively as the Symbol or Thalia. The styling is rather uninspired, and the mechanics are nothing to write home about, with power anticipated to come from the same range as found in the new Dacia Logan unveiled by Renault's budget subsidiary just last month. Hard to believe we almost didn't notice this one.

You know the drill: Follow the jump to read the press release, and click on the thumbnails below to view the images in our high-resolution gallery.

Gallery: 2009 Renault Symbol

[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Moscow 2008 Preview: Renault Symbol/Thalia

Moscow 2008 Preview: Renault Symbol/Thalia originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clioclio sedanClioSedandaciadacia russiaDaciaRussiamoscowmoscow auto showmoscow motor showmoscow showMoscowAutoShowMoscowMotorShowMoscowShowrenaultrenault cliorenault clio sedanrenault moscow motor showrenault russiarenault symbolrenault thaliaRenaultClioRenaultClioSedanRenaultMoscowMotorShowRenaultRussiaRenaultSymbolRenaultThaliasymbolthaliaThu, 21 Aug 2008 19:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: Renault Clio facelift]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/11/rendered-speculation-renault-clio-facelift/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/11/rendered-speculation-renault-clio-facelift/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/11/rendered-speculation-renault-clio-facelift/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The third-generation Renault Clio has only been on the market for about two years, but this artist's rendering of a facelifted version is already floating around cyberspace. The conceptual drawing shows a front end with an all but completely eliminated grille and taller headlights, which more closely resemble the face of its kid brother Twingo.

More likely, though, is that this rendering resurfaced from before 2005, as it seems to bear more in common with the second-generation Clio than the current one. Besides, Renault has had its hands full enough with an electric car project, its dual-clutch transmission, new Koleos crossover, Twingo RS and bringing its F1 team back up to form.

[Source: The Hollywood Extra]

Rendered Speculation: Renault Clio facelift originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Feb 2008 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>renault cliorenault clio faceliftrenault clio IVrenault clio replacementRenaultClioRenaultClioFaceliftRenaultClioIvRenaultClioReplacementrendering renault clioRenderingRenaultClioMon, 11 Feb 2008 19:03:00 EST