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[Classed-up hot hatch: Clio Renault Sport Luxe]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/12/classed-up-hot-hatch-clio-renault-sport-luxe/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/12/classed-up-hot-hatch-clio-renault-sport-luxe/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/12/classed-up-hot-hatch-clio-renault-sport-luxe/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


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The Clio Renault Sport is a slick little buzz-bomber, delivering 197 GTI-fighting horses from its 2.0L 16V four-banger. Introduced a little over a year ago, the car is getting a new trim level: Luxe. As you might infer, the Clio RS Luxe is a dressed up affair, but don't worry, underneath all the added niceties, it's still the same sporty hatch it was designed to be.

So, what does the Luxe moniker add? Outside, satin-finish side extractor vents and rearview mirrors are the easy tipoffs. Open the door, and full leather contrast-stitched two-tone seats beckon the driver, along with dressier trim elements on the dashboard and premium accessories such as embroidered floormats. In terms of creature comforts, climate control, rain sensing wipers, and automatic lights also find their way onto the list of standard equipment.

Listen, the Clio Renault Sport is an attractive package as is. The Luxe version serves to pull in the drivers who are attracted to its performance potential, but want a higher level of standard equipment. Mission accomplished. We'd head to out local Renault dealer for a test drive, but there is no such thing as the "local Renault dealer" here in the US. Drat.

[Source: Renault]

Gallery: Clio Renault Sport Luxe

Continue reading Classed-up hot hatch: Clio Renault Sport Luxe

Classed-up hot hatch: Clio Renault Sport Luxe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Apr 2007 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clioclio renault sportclio renault sport luxeClioRenaultSportClioRenaultSportLuxeluxerenault sportRenaultSportThu, 12 Apr 2007 14:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Renault launches new Clio Cup racer]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/05/renault-launches-new-clio-cup-racer/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/05/renault-launches-new-clio-cup-racer/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/05/renault-launches-new-clio-cup-racer/#commentsFiled under: ,



Renault Sport Technologies, the high-performance division of Renault responsible for the Clio Renault Sport, has unveiled the next variant of the new Clio - the Clio Cup. Essentially a racing version of the Clio Renault Sport road car, the Clio Cup is the latest iteration of Renault's popular one-design racecar, first launched in 2001.

For about $37,000, racers get a fully turnkey racecar, complete with rollcage, racing seat, harness, a six-speed sequential gearbox with steering wheel-mounted shifter, digital dash and data acquisition system. (While that may seem like big money for a 2-liter hatchback, for a brand-new, fully-equipped racecar it's a screaming deal.)

The powertrain is basically stock, although a new engine management system, airbox and exhaust system give the normally-aspirated 2-liter powerplant a slight power boost to 205 hp.

The chassis and suspension are suitably stiffened for track use, with solid mounts and bushings replacing more compliant road car units.

To level the playing field for competitors, and to control costs for race teams, the engine, shock absorbers, gearbox, and ECU are sealed when they leave the factory.

Lots of pics after the jump...

[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Renault launches new Clio Cup racer

Renault launches new Clio Cup racer originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Jul 2006 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clioclio cupclio renault sportrenaultrenault sportrenault sport technologiesWed, 05 Jul 2006 17:02:00 EST