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[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 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[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 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[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[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[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: , , ,


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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clioclio renault sportclio renault sport luxeClioRenaultSportClioRenaultSportLuxeluxerenault sportRenaultSportThu, 12 Apr 2007 14:28:00 EST<![CDATA[The Fast and the Frugal: Megane Renault Sport dCi launches]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/12/the-fast-and-the-frugal-megane-renault-sport-dci-launches/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/12/the-fast-and-the-frugal-megane-renault-sport-dci-launches/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/12/the-fast-and-the-frugal-megane-renault-sport-dci-launches/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


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It's safe to say that most (if not all) of us here at Autoblog have not driven any Renault automobiles lately. This writer remembers when such awesomeness (sarcasm alert) as the mighty Alliance and Fuego were available at local dealerships. The fact that you're probably more likely to see an Enzo over a running Alliance driving down the street nowadays tells you pretty much all you need to know about the fine nature of that era's Renaults.

The 80s ended a long time ago, however, and we admit that there are some modern Renaults out there that we'd love to get our grubby little mitts on for an extended test drive. One of those cars launched just this week in the Megane Renault Sport dCI. Sporting a 175 horsepower 2.0L turbodiesel that generates 266 lb-ft of torque from 2000 rpm, the hot hatch combines its inherent fun factor with fuel economy in the neighborhood of 36 mpg. It's available in both three and five-door body styles with either a standard Sport or more aggressive Cup chassis. Sport chassis cars, as shown above, have body-colored mirrors. The Cup chassis rides have darker wheels and metallic mirrors, which you can see in the gallery below. The only visual difference between the gasoline and diesel-powered Megane Renault Sport models is the lack of a roof-mounted rear spoiler on the dCi. Other than that, it sounds like it's just as enjoyable to own and drive. Details in full can be found in the press release after the jump.
[Source: Renault]

Gallery: Megane Renault Sport dCi

Continue reading The Fast and the Frugal: Megane Renault Sport dCi launches

The Fast and the Frugal: Megane Renault Sport dCi launches originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Apr 2007 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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<![CDATA[Renault plans diesel for Megane RenaultSport in '07]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/26/renault-plans-diesel-for-megane-renaultsport-in-07/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/26/renault-plans-diesel-for-megane-renaultsport-in-07/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/26/renault-plans-diesel-for-megane-renaultsport-in-07/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Renault Megane RenaultSport
Renault will be incorporating the 2.0L diesel powerplant from the Laguna in the Megane RenaultSport. The turbodiesel will be good for around 180 horsepower, a top speed of roughly 139 mph, and a 0-62 time of 7.5 seconds. According to Auto Motor und Sport, the oil-burning sport model should hit the European market in March 2007.

The primary marketplace competitor for the diesel Megane RenaultSport is said to be Volkswagen's Golf GT TDI. Sounds like a recipe for some fun comparos in the big Euro mags once those cars are both in showrooms. Of course, we North Americans would welcome any RenaultSport product on these shores...

Note: Megane RenaultSport depicted above is the most recent gasoline-powered model.

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport (translated)]

Renault plans diesel for Megane RenaultSport in '07 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Jun 2006 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>megane dieselmegane renault sport dieselMeganeDieselMeganeRenaultSportDieselrenaultrenault meganerenault megane renaultsportrenault sportrenault sport dieselRenaultMeganeRenaultMeganeRenaultsportrenaultsportRenaultSportDieselMon, 26 Jun 2006 09:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Renault R26 F1 car meets the new Clio RenaultSport]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/22/renault-r26-f1-car-meets-the-new-clio-renaultsport/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/22/renault-r26-f1-car-meets-the-new-clio-renaultsport/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/22/renault-r26-f1-car-meets-the-new-clio-renaultsport/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Clio 197 RenaultSport

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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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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