Renault has unveiled its latest hot hatches in the Clio Renaultsport (RS) 200 and Renaultsport 200 Cup. Both models featuring more power, better suspension, and less weight than their forebears.
While there’s only an extra 2.2kW (3hp) on tap, Renault has also tweaked the little blasters in other areas to improve the experience at the wheel beyond simply adding more power.
The extra horses come courtesy of a revised cylinder head and fine tuning of the engine management for the naturally aspirated 2.0 litre mill. In total, 200hp (149kW) is available at 7100rpm.
These changes also see 20 percent more torque available from below 3000rpm and give the Clio RS 200 a specific power output of more than 100hp/litre (74kW).
Weighing in at only 1204kg, thanks to the use of aluminium suspensions components and the like, the Clio RS 200 has a class-leading power-to-weight ratio of 166hp (123kW) per tonne.
The RS benefits from Renault’s F1 involvement in the aerodynamics department with a blade to direct airflow built into the front bumper.
Combine this with front wing air-extractors and a fully-functioning rear diffuser and the RS should hug the road quite well.
To differentiate itself, the Clio RS comes in a host of eye-catching colour schemes including Glacier White, Ultra Red, Racing Blue and the metallic Albi Blue, Nimbus and Deep Black.
In addition, an Alien Green pearlescent paint finish and the same pearlescent Liquid Yellow as seen on the limited-edition Clio Renaultsport 197 F1 Team R27 are also available.
Inside the cabin there’s a perforated leather steering wheel that includes a centre line, while Recaro racing seats and leather upholstery are also available.
The Clio RS 200 is available in two flavours, with the standard, but more comfortable, variant missing out on the Cup chassis and the firmer suspension settings, specific wheels and red brake calipers as seen on the RS 200 Cup.
While local availability is unlikely, Renault enthusiasts in Europe can begin ordering from May 15th with the first UK deliveries set for the start of June.
The Clio Renaultsport 200 starts at £16,570 (AU$33,637) while the more hard-edged but stripped down Cup version goes for £15,750 (AU$31,972).
