Clio Renault Sport V6 24V

In 1999, Renault will launch a new Circuit Racing Promotion Formula with a new car, the Clio Renault Sport "Trophy" prepared by Renault Sport and based on the Clio II. At the 1998 Paris Motor Show, the manufacturer gives a preview of the Clio Renault Sport V6 24V, a realistic study for a road-going model directly derived from the new Clio Renault Sport "Trophy".
      In 1999 Renault, a pioneer and leader in the area of sports promotion, will launch the Clio Renault Sport "Trophy" destined to replace the Spider Trophy in the European Championship for Renault Promotion Formulas. This new version will be officially presented during the Renault Finals at le Castellet this coming October 24/25.

In the spirit of the Renault 5 Turbo

      Developed through the expertise of the engineers of Renault Sport (chassis, engine) and the designers of Renault Design, the Clio Renault Sport "Trophy" rekindles the spirit of the legendary Renault 5 Turbo. Engineered using the same general layout, this new racing car is developed on the Clio II platform, but with a 3-litre V6 24-valve engine, developing over 280bhp, installed in a mid-rear position. This type of layout optimises weight distribution and favours dynamic performance.

Road-going version shown at the 1998 Paris Motor Show

      From this new model, intended only for racing, Renault Sport has derived a road-going version, of which a preview is given at the 1998 Paris Motor Show in the form of a realistic study. Designated Clio Renault Sport V6 24V, it is a 2-seat Grand Touring version which retains the main technical features of the Clio Renault Sport "Trophy".
      Civilised but not emasculated, the Clio Renault Sport V6 24V sets out to be enjoyable and sporty, while still offering levels of comfort, safety and completeness of equipment normally reserved for top-range models. It is a car which is suitable for any kind of use, equally at home in town or on the open road. Depending on how it is received, Renault Sport could launch a feasibility study with a view to making it available in restricted numbers.

A strong design, full of dynamism and sportiness, evoking the pleasure of driving

      A thoroughbred, the Clio Renault Sport V6 24V expresses its sporting temperament and suggests pleasurable driving. Wider than the standard car, the Clio Renault Sport V6 24V is distinguished by its front and rear appearance and by its different body sides. The wide front spoiler and the extended rear wings are completely integrated into the design, in a way which evokes the Renault 5 Turbo. The body shell, the bonnet, the roof and the rear hatch are those of the Clio II. All the other parts of the body consist of composite panels prepared by the MOC company (part of the FINUCHEM group) whose expertise has already been seen in the Espace F1.
      The cabin receives top-range treatment, with a combination of leather and Alcantara for the seat upholstery and interior trim. Sporting but at the same time civilised, the dashboard is derived from that of the top-range Clio II, but with white-faced dials and a speedometer reading up to 270kph... A stowage compartment for baggage has been provided between the seat backs and the engine compartment.

A special layout and a high level of safety

      The particular layout of the Clio Renault Sport V6 24V, with its engine in the mid-rear position, required a complete reworking of the Clio II chassis. New longerons and cross-members have been installed to support the engine and transmission assembly, and the suspension members.
     The front and rear suspensions are new, though they employ many standard production parts. The increased wheelbase and wider tracks place the wheels at the four corners of the car, an indication of extremely good balance and excellent dynamic behaviour. The selected spring and damper rates ensure comfort while providing the dynamic performance of a top-range sports car. The special 17-inch alloy wheels are equipped with 7.5-inch wide tyres at the front and 8.5-inch at the rear.
      The brakes meet the active safety requirements of a car intended for sporting use. They consist of four ventilated discs of 300mm diameter, with an X-split hydraulic circuit and servo assistance. The system includes ABS complete with EBV electronic brake distribution control.
      Like the Clio II, the Clio Renault Sport V6 24V offers a high level of safety with a new generation of occupant retention systems: twin programmed-restraint airbags with controlled deflation, safety belts with load limiters and pretensioners, and close-contact head restraints. In conjunction with work carried out on the structure, this safety equipment allows the Clio Renault Sport V6 24V to conform with the most severe passive safety requirements.

A V6 3-litre engine of 250bhp

      Generously powered, the Clio Renault Sport V6 24V is equipped with a 3-litre V6 24-valve engine installed in the mid-rear position. Starting with the engine which equips the Laguna V6 24V, Renault Sport developed a special version producing some 250bhp for a car with a total weight of 1,200kg. Power is transmitted to the wheels by way of a manual 5-speed gearbox with cable operation.

(foto & text : Renault)