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Europe's legendary Renault Clio Williams poised for 2014 return

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 14:05:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Renault, Rumormill

As soon as the Williams Formula 1 team inked an engine supply deal with Renault in 2011, auto journos salivated at the thought of a new Renault Clio Williams. (This was after the return of Gordini, during the rumors of the return of Alpine, before the rumors of the Initiale brand, and long before the new Clio was introduced.) The original Clio Williams arrived in 1993 to celebrate Nigel Mansell's 1992 F1 World Championship in his Williams-Renault. In fact, Williams had nothing to do with the hatchback other than donating its name, but the public couldn't get enough of its performance. There were only supposed to be 3,800, but Renault eventually produced 12,100 Clio Williams' in three series.

Renault hasn't publicly said a word about the possibility of a new version of that legendary hot hatch, but Autocar says "well placed sources" have assured it that a new Clio Williams is on the way. A raunchier take on the Clio RenaultSport 200, the Williams edition is rumored to get 220 horsepower from its 1.6-liter four-cylinder, a bump of 20 hp over the RS 200.

Autocar goes on to say that the Clio Williams is around 18 months away, slated to arrive after the RS 200 completes its run. It's unclear whether Williams will assist with its development - the RenaultSport division created the original on its own - but Autocar suggests that Williams' forays into customer-car applications might give it a way in. An announcement from Renault could come as early as this year.

Europe's legendary Renault Clio Williams poised for 2014 return originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 14 Oct 2012 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renaultsport calls Clio 200 to the matte with special edition

Noah Joseph — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Renault, UK

Renault hot hatches are among the most celebrated on the European market, but that doesn't mean they don't have any room for improvement. Enter the latest special edition Clio Renaultsport 200.

Known as the Raider edition in the UK and the "Ange & Démon" in other European markets, the special edition packs the same 200-horsepower four-cylinder engine as the model on which it's based, but comes with some crucial enhancements. One of those is the matte finish - available in either grey or red (the first we've seen since the original Alfa 4C concept). The exterior treatment contrasts nicely with the gloss black finish on the roof, front and rear spoilers, diffuser, mirrors and up-sized 18" alloys from the previous Megane R26.R, coated in the same Bridgestone rubber as the Nürburgring-conquering Megane RS 265 Trophy.

The special Clio also packs the stiffer Cup chassis as standard, red Brembo calipers, leather-trimmed Recaro buckets and more. You can read more about it in the press releases after the jump, but interested customers had better act fast as only 50 examples will be on offer in the UK out of a total run of 666 devilish units.

Continue reading Renaultsport calls Clio 200 to the matte with special edition

Renaultsport calls Clio 200 to the matte with special edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Oct 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renault unveils updated Clio Renaultsport 200 hot hatch

Noah Joseph — Tue, 05 May 2009 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Renault

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.

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