Autoblog

REPORT: Renault to relaunch Gordini performance brand in 2010

Chris Paukert — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 18:27:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Renault, Specialty

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.

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

Noah Joseph — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 17:03:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Renault, UK

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.

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Moscow 2008 Preview: Renault Symbol/Thalia

Noah Joseph — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Europe, Misc. Auto Shows, Renault

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.

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Last Clio 197 R27 dedicated to a Renaultsport fan

Noah Joseph — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:56:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Renault

The Brookes of England are dedicated Renault fans. Family patriarch Steve woks at a Renault dealer, son James drives a previous-generation Clio 172 Cup, and his brother Will drove a Clio, too. The family was planning to buy a name-stretching but route-shortening Renault Clio Renaultsport 197 F1 Team R27 until Will unfortunately succumbed to injuries incurred in a road accident last September and sadly passed. A family friend contacted Renault, which has arranged for a special version of the car that will be delivered to the family in Will's memory.

The car will be the last of 500 R27 edition Clios built, and will be finished in a unique Glacier White paint job instead of the standard yellow. The F1 Team R27 edition, which is now finishing its production run, was the first to feature the tightened Cup suspension on the new Renaultsport Clio 197 that is now available on the standard Clio RS.

Press release after the jump.

[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Last Clio 197 R27 dedicated to a Renaultsport fan

Last Clio 197 R27 dedicated to a Renaultsport fan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Renault hearts 24

Noah Joseph — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 15:33:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Wagon, Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, Renault

Jack Bauer is many things to many people. But one thing he is absolutely not is a small French station wagon. In fact, you could make a good case for arguing that he is the very antithesis of a small French station wagon. Although the producers of the popular Fox series 24 announced this past summer that they'd be working towards making the show carbon-neutral in its production, that doesn't mean the show's hero is about to step out of his giant American SUV and into a tiny import econobox. At least, we hope not.

That doesn't seem to have deterred Renault, however, who put together this television advertisement for their new Clio Sport Tourer with a decidedly 24-like flavor. Check out the video after the jump to see what we're rambling about.

[Source: ZerCustoms via YouTube and World Car Fans]

Continue reading VIDEO: Renault hearts 24

VIDEO: Renault hearts 24 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Dec 2007 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt Preview: Renault Clio Estate

Alex Nunez — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Wagon, Europe, Renault

Click image for gallery

When Renault unveiled the 3-door Clio Grand Tour concept at the last Geneva motor show, the car was openly said to be a preview of a future Renault model. That future model will be shown in Frankfurt, and it is the Clio Estate (Clio Sport Tourer in the UK). The production car grows an extra set of doors to maximize utility and is very conventional looking. Renault has released next to nothing in the way of details, so it looks like we're going to have to wait until closer to the show to learn more. What we can say is that the buffet table that is Europe's compact station wagon market just got one plate heavier.

[Source: Renault]

Gallery: Renault Clio Estate

Continue reading Frankfurt Preview: Renault Clio Estate

Frankfurt Preview: Renault Clio Estate originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 Aug 2007 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It must be fast, look at all the stickers

Dan Roth — Sun, 13 May 2007 11:19:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Etc., Renault

From the too much time on his hands file, we bring you this unfortunately customized Renault Clio. The owner of this little French runabout has a serious sticker fetish, and a hankering for knicknacks, too. This car is just bristling with stuff and we're surpised that it passes any kind of safety inspection. The outside is covered in more logos than a race car with actual sponsors, and looking underhood reveals zip-tie mania. There's either a small nuclear plant providing electricity, or lots of little wiring additions to run the various lights, gauges, neon bulbs, Star Wars action figure shrines, whatever. At least we know that the United States is not the only place where people do asinine things to their cars. We can only imagine how all that schnokery rattles around when the big subwoofer's moving air. Yikes. Enough words, check out the gallery and let the images speak for themselves. Hide the children.

Gallery: Horridly customized Renault Clio

[Source: caradisiac]

It must be fast, look at all the stickers originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 May 2007 11:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Classed-up hot hatch: Clio Renault Sport Luxe

Alex Nunez — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Renault

Click image for photo gallery

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.

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Geneva Motor Show: Renaultsport Clio F1 Team R27

Noah Joseph — Sun, 11 Mar 2007 17:52:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Renault

Click on the image above to jump to our gallery of 16 high-resolution images

Enthusiasts and consumers may contend that F1 racing provides only negligible benefit to road cars, but automakers evidently think otherwise, as more and more buy into the top-tier motorsport each year. Each has its own way of bringing its racing success to the road: Ferrari makes nearly-unobtainable supercars; McLaren's even more so. Renault, on the other hand, translates their immense success on the F1 circuit into some of the hottest hatchbacks on the market (even if they're not currently offered stateside).

Renaultsport launched the Clio F1 Team R27 edition to coincide with the racing team's launch of the R27, the Formula One single-seater they'll be fielding in the 2007 season that kicks off in a week. The new hot hatch made its public debut at the Geneva motor show last week. Along with special decals and a "Sirius yellow" finish, Recaro racing buckets, lightweight 17" anthracite rims and a few other special touches, the Clio R27 gets an upgraded "Cup" suspension. The limited series goes on sale this month, and once it's been sold out, the Cup suspension will be made available on the "ordinary" Clio Renaultsport.

The Clio R27 follows on the same formula as last year's Megane Renaulsport F1 Team R26, featuring the same livery and treatment, which was displayed alongside the new Clio R27 and the new F1 car on the Geneva show floor. Check out all the action in our high-resolution image gallery below.

Gallery: Renault R27 F1 at Geneva 07

Related posts:

Geneva Motor Show: Renaultsport Clio F1 Team R27 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Mar 2007 17:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Surf's Up! Renault makes waves with Clio Rip Curl edition

Alex Nunez — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 19:55:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Renault

Click for photo gallery

Renault and surf/snowboard company Rip Curl have teamed up to produce a Rip Curl-branded Renault Clio. The car, which wears Rip Curl logos at the leading edge of the rubstrips, as well as on the hatchback, doorsills and interior, comes only in Iceberg Blue. Motivation comes from either a 100HP gasoline engine or a 95HP diesel, whose power rotates the 16" alloys in front.

Inside, red trim and the Rip Curl logo on the center stack remind occupants that this is not a standard Clio, and in a nod to the car's target audience, it's equipped with heavy-duty floormats as well as a rigid storage tray for the cargo area. The installed stereo has a glovebox-mounted Audio Connection Box that lets occupants hook up their iPods (and other digital players) for playback through the audio system. The car itself is 95% recyclable by weight -- something Renault points to as evidence that it takes its environmental responsibility seriously.

Press release after the jump.

[Source: Renault]

Gallery: Renault Clio Rip Curl edition

Continue reading Surf's Up! Renault makes waves with Clio Rip Curl edition

Surf's Up! Renault makes waves with Clio Rip Curl edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Feb 2007 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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That's Special: Renaultsport hatches Clio Renault F1 Team R27

Noah Joseph — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 20:16:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Renault

Click image for hi-res photo gallery

Ferrari wins world championships and it applies the knowledge to building a beast like the 599 GTB Fiorano. Renault wins the championship and they make... a supermini. But that's cool, we remind ourselves, because everyone does what they do best, and nobody makes hot hatches like Renaultsport, the performance division that builds the F1 cars and the hottest of pocket rockets.

So to coincide with the launch of the new R27 Formula One race car, Renaultsport has taken the wraps off their latest offering: the Clio Renault F1 Team R27, complete with checkered-flag decals, special "Sirius" yellow paint, red brake calipers and a numbered plate. With all that frivolous fluff, what more could you ask for? Inside, this special Clio is outfitted with Recaro racing seats, but the only real "meat" of this special edition is the Cup-based suspension, lowered with new shocks and springs, plus 17" Anthracite wheels at all four corners.

The Renault Sport Clio Renault F1 Team R27 will be officially launched at the Geneva show in March, but somehow we're just not all that excited. After producing special edition after special edition, we're left wondering when Renault will actually build something really special, worthy of its on-track achievements.

[Source: Renault]

Continue reading That's Special: Renaultsport hatches Clio Renault F1 Team R27

That's Special: Renaultsport hatches Clio Renault F1 Team R27 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Jan 2007 20:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Renaultsport Clio and R26

Noah Joseph — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Videos, Hatchback, Renault

Although it still lacks a range-topping sportscar that can capitalize on its racing success, Renault makes the best F1 cars and the best hot hatches, a fact with which it's hard to argue. The latest Renaultsport Clio might very well be the most direct and affordable beneficiary of trickle-down technology from F1 to the street.

This video, released by their performance division Renault Sport (in charge of both programs) makes the correlation, showing its F1 test driver Heikki Kovalainen driving bother cars. Comparing a hatchback to a formula one race car? Only the French....

[Source: RenaultSport]

VIDEO: Renaultsport Clio and R26 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Nov 2006 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renault launches new Clio Cup racer

Stuart Waterman — Wed, 05 Jul 2006 17:02:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hatchback

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.

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Renault R26 F1 car meets the new Clio RenaultSport

Alex Nunez — Thu, 22 Jun 2006 07:56:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Etc., Europe, Hatchback

With the new Clio RenaultSport set to take Europe by storm, the French automaker is working overtime to associate the new hot hatch with its enormously successful Formula One program. The 197-horsepower Clio is a car that should give the VW GTI fits, with comparable performance and styling that is equally eye-catching. Most remarkably, the F1 associations are not totally outlandish, as the Clio RS uses aerodymamics inspired by Renault's world-beating race program, including a completely functional rear diffuser and extractor vents in the front fenders.

The Clio RenaultSport goes on sale this Friday and starts at 23,000 Euros. If you're on the continent, you can satisfy your inner Fernando to the tune of 100hp/liter.

North Americans, as usual, get to sit back and be jealous. Sigh.

(Many, many more pictures after the jump)

[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Renault R26 F1 car meets the new Clio RenaultSport

Renault R26 F1 car meets the new Clio RenaultSport originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Jun 2006 07:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renault launches new Clio Renault Sport

Stuart Waterman — Tue, 30 May 2006 15:03:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback

The European market is blessed with a host of hot hatchbacks, and this latest addition ratchets the competition up a notch. Renault's new Clio Renault Sport is distinguished by "Formula 1-inspired" aerodynamics, notably front fender extractor vents and a first-in-class functional rear diffuser. The latter generates about 88 pounds of downforce at highway speeds, maxing out at more than 150 pounds at high speed.

Power comes from an uprated version of Renault's 2-liter, 16 valve engine, redlined at over 7,500 rpm. The normally-aspirated powerplant produces 197 hp and about 159 foot pounds of torque. A close-ratio 6-speed gearbox is new for this year's model, and in combination, the revamped drivetrain is good for the 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint in 6.9 seconds.

Broader fenders are stretched over 215/45 tires running on 17-inch alloys. Brembo brakes on cross-drilled discs provide the stopping power.

New chassis upgrades include a 2-inch wider track front and rear, and a new-design "double axis" front strut suspension, which Renault claims is immune to the torque steer that plagues many high-performance MacPherson strut-type FWD cars. The new RS also gets a stiffer rear torsion beam suspension.

Deliveries will start this summer, but order books are open now. More photos after the jump.

[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Renault launches new Clio Renault Sport

Renault launches new Clio Renault Sport originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 May 2006 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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