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[Street Legal Racer: Renaultsport launches entry-level rally-spec Twingo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/street-legal-racer-renaultsport-launches-entry-level-rally-spec/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/street-legal-racer-renaultsport-launches-entry-level-rally-spec/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/street-legal-racer-renaultsport-launches-entry-level-rally-spec/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Renaultsport Twingo R2 - Click above for high-res image gallery

For such a tiny car, Renault's punchy little Twingo RS sure has been getting a lot attention lately. First came the launch of the Twingo Gordini edition, reviving a long-dormant racing nameplate for the French automaker. Then Jeremy Clarkson took it for a ride (and a swim) around (and under) Belfast. Now Renault's motorsport division has released the a pair of entry-level rally machines based on the pint-size hot hatch.

Called the Twingo Renaultsport R1 and R2, these are Renault's latest offerings to aspiring rally drivers getting in at the bottom. They pack 1.6-liter 16-valve four-bangers pumping out a substantial 160 horsepower - 27 over the standard RS - driving the front wheels through a five-speed sequential gearbox with a slip-resistant dog clutch and wheel-mounted shift paddles. There's little to distinguish the rally machines from their street-going counterparts, but inside, the interior has been stripped out and fitted with a roll cage.

Upgrading from the R1 to the R2 (which can be performed at any later point, helpful if your team is dependent on prize cash to re-invest into the car) gains Sabelt buckets with six-point harness and a few more bells and whistles. The best part? They're apparently still street legal (in Europe at least) so you can drive it home after the rally instead of loading it onto a truck. A fully equipped Renaultsport Twingo R2 will set you back €38,980, or the equivalent of $58k in American greenbacks...if only it were actually available here. You know the drill: details in the press release after the jump, high-res photos in the gallery below.


Gallery: Renaultsport Twingo R2


[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Street Legal Racer: Renaultsport launches entry-level rally-spec Twingo

Street Legal Racer: Renaultsport launches entry-level rally-spec Twingo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Renault2010 Renault Twingo2010 Twingo2010Renault2010RenaultTwingo2010Twingor1 rallyR1Rallyr2 rallyR2Rallyrallyrenaultrenault sportrenault sport twingorenault sport twingo r1renault sport twingo r2renault twingo r1renault twingo r2renault twingo rsRenaultSportRenaultSportTwingoRenaultSportTwingoR1RenaultSportTwingoR2RenaultTwingoR1RenaultTwingoR2RenaultTwingoRstwingotwingo r1twingo r2twingo rsTwingoR1TwingoR2TwingoRsTue, 08 Dec 2009 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Snow Drift: Dacia Duster debuts for Trophée Andros with Alain Prost]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/snow-drift-dacia-duster-debuts-for-trophee-andros-with-alain-pr/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/snow-drift-dacia-duster-debuts-for-trophee-andros-with-alain-pr/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/snow-drift-dacia-duster-debuts-for-trophee-andros-with-alain-pr/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Dacia Duster Trophée Andros - Click above for high-res image gallery

Let's set one thing straight here. The retirement of a leading Formula One driver is often portrayed as some sort of tragedy - for the driver himself especially. But the truth of the matter is that for a former World Champion, the world is his oyster. Retired F1 drivers can go on to compete in virtually any racing discipline they wish, with nothing to prove in the process. Of contemporary retired World Champions, Hakkinen and Rosberg went to DTM, Mansell took the Indy title, Lauda's training to become an astronaut and Villeneuve's gone...well, everywhere. But Alain Prost has gone another route entirely.

Having retired from F1 in 1994 after his fourth World Championship, Alain started his own team. Prost Grand Prix eventually folded in 2002, and the following year, the French driver began competing in the Trophée Andros. The most prominent ice racing series in the world, the Andros Trophy is held primarily in France where it draws some big names. World Touring Car Champion Yvan Muller won the Andros Trophy ten times, but in 2006 and 2007, Prost took the title twice in a row, driving a specially prepared Toyota Auris. This year, however, the quadruple F1 champion will be driving this: the new Dacia Duster.

Although a production version of the budget SUV won't be unveiled until Geneva in March - a year after the concept version debuted there - the Romanian subsidiary of French automaker Renault has given the world a sneak preview with this ice-racing version. Specially built by Renaultsport - the same outfit that fields single-seater formulae and makes all those wonderful hot hatches - the Duster ice racer packs Nissan's highly decorated VQ engine: a 3.0-liter 24-valve V6, mounted in the middle (that is, behind the driver) of a tubular chassis, driving 350 horsepower through a six-speed sequential gearbox to all four wheels via limited slip differential and a mechanical four-wheel-steering system. A fiberglass body helps keep weight down to just 2,100 lbs - the minimum allowed in the series - which should help Prost keep his competition on ice and keep Dacia fans (like Top Gear's James May) cool until the production version hits proper tarmac. Check out the full details in the press release after the jump and photos in our high-res image gallery below.


Gallery: Dacia Duster Trophée Andros


[Source: Dacia]

Continue reading Snow Drift: Dacia Duster debuts for Trophée Andros with Alain Prost

Snow Drift: Dacia Duster debuts for Trophée Andros with Alain Prost originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alain prostAlainProstandrosandros trophyAndrosTrophydaciadacia dusterdacia duster andros trophyDacia Duster Trophée AndrosDaciaDusterDaciaDusterAndrosTrophyDaciaDusterTrophéeAndrosdusterF1F1 world championF1WorldChampionFormula OneFormula One World ChampionFormulaOneFormulaOneWorldChampionice racerice racingIceRacerIceRacingprostrenaultrenault dusterrenault sportRenaultDusterRenaultSportTrophée AndrosTrophéeAndrosWed, 18 Nov 2009 16:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Renault reportedly to expand sub-RS GT range]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/renault-reportedly-to-expand-sub-rs-gt-range/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/renault-reportedly-to-expand-sub-rs-gt-range/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/renault-reportedly-to-expand-sub-rs-gt-range/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2009 Renault Laguna Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

Renaultsport is certainly proving itself a garage full of busy little castors, isn't it? The French automaker's performance division is working on a new Formula Renault car, built in-house to replace its outsourced predecessor, and just announced the launch of the Gordini brand to slot in above its existing RS hatchbacks. Now reports from the Old World indicate that the division is also set to take over the company's GT range, slotting in below the existing Renaultsport lineup.

Among the first new products which Renaultsport could be working on, according to Autocar, is a successor to the short-lived Laguna GT, which was recently withdrawn from the UK market while continuing limited sales in the rest of Europe. The existing car already features a four-wheel-steering system developed by Renaultsport.

Previously, the RS division only worked its magic on the company's hatchbacks - large and small - but with the inclusion of the GT range in its rapidly-expanding portfolio, a Renaultsport-tuned Laguna GT capable of actually tackling Laguna Seca could be looming on the horizon.


Gallery: 2009 Renault Laguna Coupe


[Source: Autocar]

Renault reportedly to expand sub-RS GT range originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>renaultrenault gtrenault lagunarenault laguna gtRenaultGtRenaultLagunaRenaultLagunaGtrenaultsportFri, 13 Nov 2009 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Renaultsport launching new Formula 2.0 car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/renaultsport-launching-new-formula-2-0-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/renaultsport-launching-new-formula-2-0-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/12/renaultsport-launching-new-formula-2-0-car/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Formula Renault 2.0 undergoing testing at Rockingham, UK - Click above for high-res image gallery

No single automaker occupies more steps on the formula racing ladder than Renault. In addition to running their own Formula One team (for the time being, at least) and powering both the GP2 Series and the upcoming GP3, the French automaker's motorsport division organizes the Formula Renault 1.6 and Formula Renault 2.0 championships worldwide, as well as the World Series by Renault (formerly known as Formula Renault 3.5). Its enough to keep the folks over at Renaultsport busy at every turn, and gives aspiring racers a framework through which to advance.

Since taking over in 2000 from the Formula France series founded in 1968, Formula Renault 2.0 has been running chassis made by Tatuus, a racing firm in the same vein as Dallara or Reynard. But Renaultsport is replacing the nine-year-old chassis with a new carbon-fiber unit built in-house.

As you might have guessed from the name, the series employs 2.0-liter engines, the 16-valve four-cylinder F4R832 sourced from the Clio RS, mated to a seven-speed sequential gearbox. Although the sticker price for the new car has gone up by five grand to 57,000 euros ($85k), significant energies were invested in reducing operational costs, which drop by ten percent for the new car. All the while, the new chassis raises performance to the level of higher formulae and meets the FIA's crash standards laid out for Formula 3. The car has already undergone over 6,000 kilometers (3,700 miles) of testing on nine different circuits across Europe, including most recently at the Rockingham Motor Speedway at the hands of 2007 Formula Renault UK Champion Duncan Tappy (pictured above).

Considering that such noteworthy current F1 drivers as Felipe Massa, Lewis Hamilton and Robert Kubica all passed through Formula Renault on their way up, and that Kimi Raikkonen moved into F1 directly from the series, the new FR2 could be one of the most important unveilings for the future of motorsports. Details in the press releases after the jump and photos in the gallery below.


Gallery: 2010 Formula Renault 2.0


[Source: Renaultsport]

Continue reading Renaultsport launching new Formula 2.0 car

Renaultsport launching new Formula 2.0 car originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>formulaformula renaultformula renault 2.0FormulaRenaultFormulaRenault2.0fr2fr2.0renaultrenaultsportrockinghamtatuusThu, 12 Nov 2009 19:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Renault revives the Gordini name for exclusive line of hot hatches [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/renault-revives-the-gordini-name-for-exclusive-line-of-hot-hatch/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/renault-revives-the-gordini-name-for-exclusive-line-of-hot-hatch/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/renault-revives-the-gordini-name-for-exclusive-line-of-hot-hatch/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Renault Gordini - Click either image for high-res image gallery

If you were one of the French hot hatch enthusiasts who was disappointed by this week's news that Peugeot was getting out of the game, take heart - rival automaker Renault has announced a new line of what it does best, while reviving a long-dormant historic nameplate in the process.

Named after Renault racing engineer extraordinaire Amédée Gordini, the Gordini badge became a symbol of success for the French automaker. The iconic R8 Gordini (pictured at right) dominated rallying in the mid-Sixties and gave birth to its own one-mark series with the Renault 1300 Gordini. Four decades later, Renault is bringing the name back for an exclusive new line of hot hatches.

Positioned above the existing Renaultsport lineup, the Gordini range will be mechanically identical to its RS counterparts, but distinguish themselves with retro styling touches (like French racing blue paint scheme with white stripes) and an extra dose of exclusivity. The first product in the new range, the Twingo Gordini RS (teased above), is slated to be unveiled at L'Atelier Renault - the company's flagship store on the Champs Elysées in Paris - on November 25 before its market launch next spring. Gordini edition Clio and Megane are slated to follow suite, all decked out in the sub-brand's iconic French racing blue with white racing stripes.

Click on the thumbnails below for a mega gallery of Gordini archive photos, or follow the jump to check out a Gordini video chock-full of historic footage. And while you're back there, you can read the full press release, too.


Gallery: Renault Gordini archival photographs


[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Renault revives the Gordini name for exclusive line of hot hatches [w/VIDEO]

Renault revives the Gordini name for exclusive line of hot hatches [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gordinigordini rsGordiniRsrenaultrenault 1300 gordinirenault gordinirenault r8 gordinirenault sportrenault sport gordinirenault twingo gordini rsrenault twingo rsRenault1300GordiniRenaultGordiniRenaultR8GordinirenaultsportRenaultSportGordiniRenaultTwingoGordiniRsRenaultTwingoRsTue, 10 Nov 2009 16:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Renault Mégane Renaultsport 250 drops on unsuspecting Brits]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/renault-megane-renaultsport-250-drops-on-u/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/renault-megane-renaultsport-250-drops-on-u/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/19/renault-megane-renaultsport-250-drops-on-u/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Mégane Renaultsport 250 -- Click above for high-res image gallery

We're not really fans of yellow cars, but every once in a while we come upon a butter-colored coupe and think, "Oh, that's not bad..." The Mégane Renaultsport 250 is just one of those cars, and makes us say again - in case we haven't said it enough - why can't we Americans have one of these?

The next evolution in the Mégane Renaultsport line, the 250 has been relentlessly fettled to provide a driver with more thrills. It comes in two versions: a race-ified Cup model, and regular. The former gets just about all the mod-cons as well as the Cup Suspension Pack with a limited slip differential, stiffer springs, dampers and anti-roll bar, grooved discs, red Brembo calipers, and Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires on 18-inch wheels.

If you must have everything, don't check the "Cup" box and you'll get heated leather seats, electrically adjustable driver's seat, Renault Hands Free card, dual-zone climate control, auto lights and wipers, and 18-inch wheels on Dunlop Sport Maxx TT tires, among other things. Best of all, you can get the Cup suspension with this model if you so choose.

Both cars get 250 hp and 250 lb-ft. The Cup runs £21,995 ($35,968 U.S.) on-the-road, the non-Cup goes for £22,995 ($37,604 U.S.). The Zola-length press release after the jump will tell you everything you want to know, or you can just check it out in the gallery of high-res photos below.


Gallery: Mégane Renaultsport 250


[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Renault Mégane Renaultsport 250 drops on unsuspecting Brits

Renault Mégane Renaultsport 250 drops on unsuspecting Brits originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Mégane2010 Mégane Renaultsport 2502010 renault2010 Renaultsport 2502010Mégane2010MéganeRenaultsport2502010Renault2010Renaultsport250coupehot hatchHotHatchMéganeMégane RenaultsportMégane Renaultsport 250MéganeRenaultsportMéganeRenaultsport250performancerenaultRenaultsportRenaultsport 250Renaultsport250ukMon, 19 Oct 2009 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Renaultsport launches hardcore Twingo 133 Cup]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/renaultsport-launches-hardcore-twingo-133-cup/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/renaultsport-launches-hardcore-twingo-133-cup/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/renaultsport-launches-hardcore-twingo-133-cup/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Renault Twingo RS 133 Cup - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hot hatch enthusiasts the world over know that Renault makes some of the best in the business. The Clio Renaultsport, in its various iterations, has a strong following, as does the Megane RS. And with the current iteration of the Twingo, the French automaker has applied its winning formula to a smaller package. Launched a little over a year ago, the Twingo RS packs a 133 horsepower, 1.6-liter 16-valve four-cylinder. And while that may not seem like much, according to accounts from overseas, the little pocket rocket packs quite a punch. Now the boffins at Renaultsport have released an even more hardcore version.

Like the Clio 200 Cup, the Twingo 133 Cup does away with some of the frivolities - stuff like air-con, automatic headlights and independent adjustability for the rear seats - preferring instead to focus on being a tarmac-muncher in a compact package. But the Cup approach doesn't just delete, it also adds: the Cup suspension, already available on the equipped Twingo RS, features 10% stiffer springs, a 4 mm reduced ride height and 17-inch alloys on Continental Sport Contact3 rubber. Black and white trim is also available for a more track-focused look. But the best part about Renaultsport's Cup packages? They actually cost less than the heftier versions: £1,350 (over $2k) less, in this case, than a full-fat Twingo RS with the Cup suspension. Details in the press release after the jump and photos in the gallery below.


Gallery: Renault Twingo RS 133 Cup


Gallery: Renault Twingo Renault Sport


[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Renaultsport launches hardcore Twingo 133 Cup

Renaultsport launches hardcore Twingo 133 Cup originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>renaultrenault sportrenault twingorenault twingo rsrenault twingo rs 133renault twingo rs 133 cupRenaultSportrenaultsport twingo 133 cuprenaultsport twingo cupRenaultsportTwingo133CupRenaultsportTwingoCupRenaultTwingoRenaultTwingoRsRenaultTwingoRs133RenaultTwingoRs133Cuptwingotwingo cuptwingo renault sporttwingo rsTwingoCupTwingoRenaultSportTwingoRsWed, 30 Sep 2009 10:20:00 EST<![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 joins Ferrari with threats to leave Formula 1]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/13/renault-joins-ferrari-with-threats-to-leave-formula-1/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/13/renault-joins-ferrari-with-threats-to-leave-formula-1/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/13/renault-joins-ferrari-with-threats-to-leave-formula-1/#commentsFiled under: ,

Renault R29 F1 - Click above for a high-res image gallery

After hinting at its displeasure, Renault has joined the the threats made by other manufacturer-supported teams (Ferrari chief among them) that they'll quit F1 if the FIA doesn't change its proposed rules for next season. The motorsport governing body put forward a new set of regulations that would effectively create a two-tier system in Formula One, forcing teams to choose between severely capped budgets or even further restricted parameters for building and fielding their cars in the series.

Like the other corporate teams, Renault can afford to sit out the season, objecting that the teams' voices have fallen on deaf ears and that the FIA is governing unilaterally, putting the onus on Max Mosley to rethink his strategy or else watch all the major teams march out. With the deadline for registration rapidly approaching, the controversial FIA chief is set to meet with the Formula One Teams Association sometime this week to see if they can iron out a deal, so stay tuned, or follow the jump to read Renault's statement in full.


Gallery: 2009 Renault R29 F1


[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Renault joins Ferrari with threats to leave Formula 1

Renault joins Ferrari with threats to leave Formula 1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 May 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budget capsBudgetCapsf1f1 budgetf1 budget capsf1 regulationsF1BudgetF1BudgetCapsF1Regulationsfiafia max mosleyFiaMaxMosleyflavio briatoreFlavioBriatoreformula 1formula oneformula one teams associationFormula1FormulaOneFormulaOneTeamsAssociationfotamax mosleyMaxMosleyquit f1QuitF1renaultrenault f1renault quitsrenault threatens to quit f1RenaultF1RenaultQuitsrenaultsportRenaultThreatensToQuitF1Wed, 13 May 2009 14:29:00 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[Renault Sport Experience tours Europe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/13/renault-sport-experience-tours-europe/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/13/renault-sport-experience-tours-europe/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/13/renault-sport-experience-tours-europe/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Renault Twingo Renault Sport - Click above for high-res gallery

If you're a driving enthusiast living in the old world, chances are you're plenty familiar with Renault. The French automaker makes some of the best supercar-slaying hot hatches on the market and organizes a series of events to show drivers how to get the most out of them. Those events are now being organized into a new European tour that aims to demonstrate the best of what Renault Sport has to offer.

The 2009 Renault Sport Experience combines events like the Twingo RS Driving Tuition Days, Renault Sports Enthusiast Days and factory tours into a 28-stop roadshow that hits some of Europe's best racing circuits, including England's Brands Hatch and Cadwell Park, Belgium's Spa-Francorchamps and Zolder, and of course the Circuit La Sarthe in Le Mans, France. Participants will be able to get advanced driving instruction behind the wheel of the hardcore Megane R26.R, hit the track in a Clio Cup for just thirty euros, even drive a Formula Renault racer or tour Renault Sport's factory in Dieppe, France. Special English-speaking and women-only events are also included in the tour, which you can read all about in the press release after the jump.


Gallery: Renault Twingo Renault Sport


[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Renault Sport Experience tours Europe

Renault Sport Experience tours Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Mar 2009 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>driving schoolDrivingSchoolrenaultrenault driving experiencerenault sportrenault sport experienceRenaultDrivingExperienceRenaultSportRenaultSportExperienceFri, 13 Mar 2009 11:03:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Renault to relaunch Gordini performance brand in 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/06/report-renault-to-relaunch-gordini-performance-brand-in-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/06/report-renault-to-relaunch-gordini-performance-brand-in-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/06/report-renault-to-relaunch-gordini-performance-brand-in-2010/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



While it may seem like an inopportune time to exhume a performance marque, that's just what Renault is up to, says Car. According to the U.K. glossy, Renault will relaunch the Gordini brand in Europe next year with a new Twingo variant. You may recall that it was recently revealed that the French automaker's plans to bring back its storied Alpine product line has been axed, but the decades-dormant Gordini is apparently a different matter altogether.

The new lineup of hot hatches will slot in above current Renaultsport offerings, with the aforementioned Twingo reportedly being followed by Clio and Megane Coupe models. Like the Gordini-tuned cars of yore, the new models are tipped to wear blue paint and white stripes along with various performance upgrades that will make them a likely foil to Fiat's reborn Abarth lineup.

[Source: Car]

REPORT: Renault to relaunch Gordini performance brand in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Mar 2009 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AbarthAlpinecar magazineCarMagazinecliofiatGordinihot hatchHotHatchmegane coupeMeganeCoupeRenaultrenault alpineRenaultAlpineRenaultsportTwingoFri, 06 Mar 2009 18:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Geneva 2009: Renault Megane RS - <i>liberté, égalité, velocité</i> [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/04/geneva-2009-renault-megane-rs-liberte-egalite-velocite-w-v/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/04/geneva-2009-renault-megane-rs-liberte-egalite-velocite-w-v/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/04/geneva-2009-renault-megane-rs-liberte-egalite-velocite-w-v/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Renault Megane RS

Renault has earned its place as the pan-European king of the hot hatch. But with new contenders like the MINI JCW and Alfa GTA vying for the throne, Renault knew it would have to up its game to hold on to the title. Fortunately, it brought out a slick new Megane to replace the old pillbox version, leaving Renaultsport enthusiasts frothing at their wine-and-cheese-stuffed mouths for a performance version. Renault finally obliged at the Geneva Motor Show with the highly-anticipated new Megane RS.

Packing a 250-horsepower 2.0-liter 16-valve turbo four, it's the most powerful version yet... 20 horses more than the last ultimate R26.R. Buyers can choose right off the bat between the Sport and Cup chassis (the latter with a limited slip differential) and fully defeatable stability control. Styling cues are borrowed from the Trophy racer concept that debuted at last year's Paris Motor Show, complete with front grille splitter and center-exit exhaust, all of which makes for the most aggression seen out of France since Napoleon. Check it out for yourself in the galleries below, with full details in the press release and video footage after the jump.


Gallery: Geneva 2009: Renault Megane RS


Gallery: Renault Megane RS


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Noah Joseph / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Geneva 2009: Renault Megane RS - liberté, égalité, velocité [w/VIDEO]

Geneva 2009: Renault Megane RS - liberté, égalité, velocité [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>genevageneva 2009geneva motor showGeneva2009GenevaMotorShowrenaultrenault meganerenault megane rsrenault sportRenaultMeganeRenaultMeganeRsRenaultSportrenaultsport meganeRenaultsportMeganeWed, 04 Mar 2009 15:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Congeniality Award? Renault launches new R29]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/20/congeniality-award-renault-launches-new-r29/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/20/congeniality-award-renault-launches-new-r29/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/20/congeniality-award-renault-launches-new-r29/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click on either image to view the new Renault R29 in high resolution

Wow. After seeing a few of this year's Formula One cars unveiled already, we really didn't think that the cars could get much uglier. We were wrong. Enter Renault with its latest R29, decked out in yellow and orange. And white. And red. And blue. Throw in some green and we'd be back at the Benetton team that preceded it.

Of course, it could hardly matter less what the car looks like, so long as it keeps the pace with its field-leading rivals. And in the last half of this past season, Renault showed that it could. But with all the new regulations in place, it's a whole new ballgame, and who's to know if the French team - returning to the grid with Fernando Alonso and Nelson Piquet, Jr. - will be able to ride back up the field to the championship-contending potential it demonstrated just a few years ago with back-to-back titles. We'll just have to wait and see.

Gallery: 2009 Renault R29 F1


[Source: Renault F1]

Congeniality Award? Renault launches new R29 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Jan 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fernando alonsoFernandoAlonsonelsinho piquetNelsinhoPiquetnelson piquetNelsonPiquetrenaultrenault f1renault r29renault sportRenaultF1RenaultR29RenaultSportTue, 20 Jan 2009 19:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Renault to unveil new Megane RS in Geneva]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/07/renault-to-unveil-new-megane-rs-in-geneva/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/07/renault-to-unveil-new-megane-rs-in-geneva/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/07/renault-to-unveil-new-megane-rs-in-geneva/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Renault Megane Trophy concept

Hot hatch enthusiasts know what it means when Renault unveils a new compact car: a new Renaultsport variant will follow. The French automaker's performance division continues to roll out some the hottest compacts in the business, so when the wraps came off the third-generation Megane in Paris this past fall, it was only a matter of time before the tuned-up sport version would follow, and reports now indicate that it'll arrive this March at the Geneva Motor Show.

For this latest generation of Megane, Renault continues to differentiate the sporty three-door from the more utilitarian five-door model, but the RS version promises to raise the bar yet again. Taking cues from the Megane Trophy racer (pictured above) also unveiled at the Paris show, the new Megane RS is tipped to feature a wider track, flared wheel arches, a wing bisecting the front air dam, and a center-exit exhaust. Power is expected to come from the company's 2.0-liter turbo, but tuned to produce 250 horsepower. The requisite chassis tuning, optional limited slip differential and beefy Brembo brakes promise to round out the package.

[Source: Autocar via WCF]

Renault to unveil new Megane RS in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>meganemegane trophyMeganeTrophyrenault meganerenault megane rsRenaultMeganeRenaultMeganeRsrenaultsportrenaultsport meganeRenaultsportMeganetrophyWed, 07 Jan 2009 16:27:00 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[Renault rolls out F1 edition Dacias in Brazil]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/24/renault-rolls-out-f1-edition-dacias-in-brazil/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/24/renault-rolls-out-f1-edition-dacias-in-brazil/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/24/renault-rolls-out-f1-edition-dacias-in-brazil/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above to view more of the Dacia Sandero F1 edition

Oh, this is just precious. We have no problem with Renaultsport rolling out F1-themed versions of its hot hatches because, well, they're pretty hot. Some of the hottest hatches around, actually, it's worth re-iterating. But we can't help but feel this is pushing things a little too far.

Renault's Dacia division is supposed to be a budget-oriented, no frills sub-brand. And while F1 may be working on the budget orientation, spec'ing out some low-cost econo-boxes with go-fast bits is a little much. But that's what they're doing at the Sao Paulo auto show soon to kick off in Brazil. To compound the issue, the pair of F1 Team editions of the Dacia Sandero and Dacia Logan receive no mechanical upgrades whatsoever, just a fresh coat of paint and some decals. So while American driving enthusiasts may look longingly at F1 Team editions of the Clio and Megane, this is one we can do without.

Gallery: Dacia Logan and Sandero F1 editions

[Source: Argentina Auto Blog (no relation)]

Renault rolls out F1 edition Dacias in Brazil originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Oct 2008 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daciadacia brazildacia f1dacia logandacia sanderoDaciaBrazilDaciaF1DaciaLoganDaciaSanderorenaultrenault brazilrenault f1renault loganrenault sanderorenault sportRenaultBrazilRenaultF1RenaultLoganRenaultSanderoRenaultSportsao pauloSaoPauloFri, 24 Oct 2008 10:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Spied? Renaultsport Megane III]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/26/spied-renaultsport-megane-iii/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/26/spied-renaultsport-megane-iii/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/26/spied-renaultsport-megane-iii/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

This image has been circulating the French motoring sites, showing what could be the new Renaultsport version of the automaker's new Megane which is set to debut next week at the Paris Motor Show. Although indications are that this is a Photoshop-manipulated image, it could give a fairly accurate preview of what the new hot hatch could look like.

Renault has gone to great lengths to differentiate the different body-styles in the Megane range, and the RS version would of course be based on the three-door hatch variant. The image shows a single exhaust exiting from the center of the rear diffuser, with jumbo 18-inch anthracite multi-spoke wheels and some extra aerodynamic body elements. We'll all want to know what will reside under the hood, likely to be a derivation of the current model's 2.0-liter four. The most recent evolution of the engine produces some 230 horsepower in the latest Megane R26.R track-hatch, but only time (and assuredly plenty of speculation) will tell how much power the first performance version of the Megane III will be putting down on European roads.

[Source: L'Auto Journal via Le Blog Auto]

Spied? Renaultsport Megane III originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Sep 2008 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>renaultrenault meganerenault megane 3renault megane IIIrenault megane rsrenault sportrenault sport meganeRenaultMeganeRenaultMegane3RenaultMeganeIiiRenaultMeganeRsrenaultsportrenaultsport meganeRenaultSportMeganeFri, 26 Sep 2008 09:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Pics & Details Aplenty: Renault Twingo RS]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/pics-and-details-aplenty-renault-twingo-rs/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/pics-and-details-aplenty-renault-twingo-rs/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/pics-and-details-aplenty-renault-twingo-rs/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for hi-res gallery of the Twingo Renault Sport

After its initial unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show this past March, Renault has finally released full details - including pricing, equipment, and a whole $h!tload of new photos - of the new Twingo Renault Sport. Following the great line of eminently chuckable sport hatches from the French automaker - including the current Clio and Megane Renault Sport models - the Twingo Renault Sport upgrades the existing range-topping Twingo GT with a host of performance-oriented equipment inside, outside and underneath. Power comes from a 133-hp 1.6-liter 16-valve four-banger, and the Twingo RS comes right out of the gate with a choice of two chassis set-ups: Sport and Cup. The latter tightens up the suspension, cuts out 17 kg of weight and offers 17-inch dark anthracite wheels.

You'll recall that while its on-track rivals like Ferrari and McLaren turn their F1 know-how into six-figure supercars, Renault transfers its into sport hatches like this one. Renault Sport's latest offering will sell for just €15,601 in its home market, but includes a special bonus usually reserved for cars ten times its price. For a nominal fee of €1, Renault Sport Technologies is throwing in tutelage in its advanced driving course to show each new owner how to get the most out of their finely-tuned little chassis.

Follow the jump to get the full skinny on the little hatchback that could, and check out the hundred new images joining our live shots in the gallery below.

Gallery: Renault Twingo Renault Sport

[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Pics & Details Aplenty: Renault Twingo RS

Pics & Details Aplenty: Renault Twingo RS originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Aug 2008 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>renaultrenault sportrenault sport twingorenault twingorenault twingo renault sportrenault twingo rsRenaultSportRenaultSportTwingoRenaultTwingoRenaultTwingoRenaultSportRenaultTwingoRsrstwingotwingo renault sporttwingo rsTwingoRenaultSportTwingoRsMon, 25 Aug 2008 15:01:00 EST<![CDATA[London 2008: Renaultsport Megane R26.R]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/22/london-2008-renaultsport-megane-r26-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/22/london-2008-renaultsport-megane-r26-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/22/london-2008-renaultsport-megane-r26-r/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



While most of our recent hot hatch affection has been aimed at the Ford Focus RS, Renault brought its own racy three-door to the London Motor Show party, and now we're torn. Admittedly, the Focus RS is easily the more suitable day-to-day driver - it's got a full interior and air conditioning -- but the Renaultsport Megane R26.R has all the kit for a serious track-day assault. Hell, it even has two Rs in its name.

With the new Megane slated to appear at this year's Paris Motor Show, Renault wanted to give the current model a fitting send off. To that end, it took the existing Megane F1 Team R26, left the engine, gearbox and limited slip differential intact, modified the suspension and hacked off 271 pounds from its curb weight. The diet included the removal of the rear seats, passenger side airbag, climate control, fog lamps, headlight washers, rear windscreen wiper and the majority of the soundproofing material. In exchange, the R26.R received a carbon fiber hood, polycarbonate quarter and rear windows and a titanium exhaust.

Inside, the Renaultsport hatch makes the RS look positively pedestrian, with a set of carbon fiber Sabelt seats, six-point harnesses, leather and suede swathed steering wheel and gear knob, and an optional four-point roll cage. While output remains the same, at 230 hp and 229 lb.-ft. of torque, the stripped R26.R lapped the Nurburgring in 8:17 - a new lap record for a front wheel drive production car.

Only 450 examples will be made available when sales begin in the UK, France, Germany, Switzerland and Spain this October. And unlike the Chevy Camaro, Renault released a video of the R.26R doing it's thing around the 'Ring... three seconds faster. Check it, along with the press release, below the fold.

Gallery: Renaultsport Megane R26.R

Continue reading London 2008: Renaultsport Megane R26.R

London 2008: Renaultsport Megane R26.R originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>londonlondon motor showLondonMotorShowmeganer26.rrenaulltrenaultsportRenaultsport Megane R26.RRenaultsportMeganeR26.rTue, 22 Jul 2008 19:29:00 EST