2013 Renault Clio RS 200 EDC

(from Renault Press Release)  NEW RENAULT CLIO R.S. 200 EDC

EVERYDAY ENJOYMENT AND PERFORMANCE

New Clio R.S. 200 EDC takes the appeal of performance motoring to a new level thanks to the introduction of EDC dual clutch transmission and the new Renault Sport-developed 200hp 1.6 Turbo engine. The car benefits from Renault’s very latest thinking when it comes to comfort and versatility, while Renault Sport Technologies brings the expertise it has forged in motor sport to the table. The result of this unique combination is an easy, enjoyable drive in everyday use. However, should the driver wish, New Renault Clio R.S. 200 EDC is equally capable of morphing into a genuine performance car with exceptional credentials. Meanwhile, in addition to its warm, sensuous lines which express its performance mission, New Renault Clio R.S. 200 EDC combines benchmark dynamics with carefully optimised fuel consumption. Designed by Renault Sport Technologies, New
Renault Clio R.S. 200 EDC is made in Dieppe, Normandy, France, and targets those who
appreciate beautiful cars and exacting purists alike.

SPORTING CUES REVISITED BY RENAULT SPORT TECHNOLOGIES

New Clio R.S. 200 EDC boasts simple, yet warm, sensuous lines which place the accent on emotion,
underpinned by several details readily associated with high performance and F1.

The latest creation from Renault Sport Technologies stands out through the authenticity of its sporting
hallmarks which include specific bumpers and sills, twin exhaust tail-pipes and large-diameter wheels. While the five-door architecture and coupé stance contribute to its outstanding versatility, the sporting cues championed by Renault Sport are both forceful and simple.

AN ELEGANT YET HIGH-TECH EXTERIOR

The styling details of Renault Sport cars also play a technical role. The diffuser and rear lip spoiler, for
example, were conceived as a whole – just as they are in the case of a single-seater race car – for maximum aerodynamic efficiency. Indeed, the diffuser contributes 80 per cent of the extra downforce generated at the rear, while the other 20 percent is accounted for by the specifically designed lip spoiler. Like the front F1 blade, the diffuser and rear lip spoiler are hallmark features
across the R.S. range and serve as a reminder of the success enjoyed by Renault in motor racing’s premier series, Formula 1.

At the front, the grille incorporates R.S. badging beneath the Renault logo, while the LED daytime running lights in the lower part of the bumper form a visual signature that is recognisable day or night. The exhaust tail pipes form a fully integrated part of the diffuser and are further highlighted by their tell-tale rectangular surround. New Renault Clio R.S. 200 EDC is available in a choice of five body colours, including the exclusive, emblematic Liquid Yellow.
Non-metallic finish : Glacier White
Metallic finishes : Flamme Red, Profond Black, Platine Grey, Sirius Yellow* (* specific R.S. colour)

A COMFORTABLE YET VIBRANT INTERIOR

In contrast to the elegance of the dominant black trim, a number of red details irresistibly draw the eye and structure the shape of the cabin. The choice of red for New Clio, a colour readily associated with the notion of passion’, is also evocative of the sporty additions introduced by Renault Sport, with the seat belts and instrument needles being two striking examples. Red has also been used for the visible stitching, the sports steering wheel’s ‘straight ahead’ position marker, the airvent surrounds and door panel beading. The gear lever knob, too, comes with red touches which are echoed by the visible stitching of the gear lever gaiter.

The Dark Metal gear shift paddles are fixed behind the steering wheel, while the grey instrument backgrounds are specific to Clio R.S. When the engine is fired up, the rev-counter and fuel gauge needles come to life with a fun display.  A long-standing strength of Renault Sport models, the
bucket seats come with additional lateral support in order to provide the high level of seating comfort and stability expected of Clio R.S. They can also be upholstered in black leather with visible red stitching. The black lacquer centre console houses the multimedia unit which are finished with a chrome surround.

A COMFORTABLE, EVERYDAY DRIVE THAT COULD BE QUITE HARD TO CATCH…

New Renault Clio R.S. 200 EDC can be adapted on demand to suit its driver’s moods and desires,
according to the type of journey required: calm or downright sporty, urban or motorway, a family
outing or something purely hedonistic. New Clio R.S. 200 EDC adapts instantly by adjusting the
response and parameters of the engine, EDC (efficient dual clutch) transmission, steering, throttle
inputs and ESC. Its traditionally dynamic Renault Sport chassis combines with a degree of
suspension comfort that is rare for a car of such sporting character. Unbeatable against the
stopwatch, New Clio R.S. 200 EDC generates a wide range of emotions. In any situation, its
adaptability enables it to satisfy the whims of every driver... irrespective of temperament. It has a
multi-faceted sporting personality developed by Renault Sport Technologies.

A CHASSIS DEVELOPED BY THE EXPERTS OF RENAULT SPORT

At the heart of Renault Sport’s expertise, engineers have focused on the chassis performance. Their goal was to improve the comfort, handling, road holding and braking expected of a Renault Sport model.

Front suspension: a pseudo-MacPherson strut layout has been retained with sturdier elements to increase stiffness in the unit incorporating wheel, upright, bearings and damper. A larger damper improves hydraulic performance and offers a better compromise in terms of comfort and body roll. Similarly, the front brakes rely on proven technology with generous dimensions (320mm discs, like the Laguna V6)... Rear suspension: the thicker anti-roll bar is 10 per cent stiffer than that on Clio III R.S.... and 60 per cent more so than that on New Clio. Brake discs measure 260mm.

HYDRAULIC COMPRESSION CONTROL

Irrespective of conditions, New Clio R.S. 200 EDC blends sharp road holding with an unusually high degree of comfort that’s rare in a car of such performance.

Hydraulic compression control plays a direct part.

The principle hinges on the incorporation of a secondary damper within the main damper’s body.  It’s a solution that yields spectacular results in terms of progressivity, comfort and performance. Yet while the idea looks simple on paper, the technical reality is a little less so and required all Renault Sport Technologies’ engineering know-how.  New Clio R.S. 200 EDC embraces an innovation that Renault Sport has developed for about 15 years in rallying and is now ready for showroom models.

R.S. DIFF: THE ELECTRONIC DIFFERENTIAL BY RENAULT SPORT TECHNOLOGIES

Patented by Renault Sport Technologies, the electronic differential significantly improves New Clio R.S. 200 EDC’s accelerative performance and cornering grip.  It also limits the onset of understeer (the tendency for a car to push straight ahead during hard cornering). To achieve this, the system constantly monitors the difference in rotational speed between the (driven) front wheels and compares this with any difference between the two unpowered wheels at the rear. The latter is always a valuable barometer, because the rear wheels are independent and each corners at an ideal rotational speed in relation to the other.

As soon as there is too great a speed difference between the front wheels, it means one is about to break traction. The system detects as much and the R.S. Diff deploys micro braking on whichever front wheel threatens to lose grip, although engine torque is not reduced. Note that this feature intervenes before the ESC traction control. The R.S. Diff has a number of advantages, not least that drivers do not become frustrated by sudden torque restrictions. The system is very progressive and is barely perceptible during deployment.

TWO CHASSIS OPTIONS: SPORT OR CUP

As with all Renault Sport models, the New Renault Clio R.S. EDC is available with a choice of two chassis. The optional Cup version is tailored for even greater sporting performance: it is 3mm lower, 15 per cent stiffer and benefits from a quicker steering rack.

PACKED WITH INNOVATIONS DEVELOPED FOR THE
SOLE PURPOSE OF DRIVING ENJOYMENT

As two cars in one, New Clio R.S. 200 EDC boasts a package of unprecedented innovations for its
segment. For everyday use, in ‘Normal’ mode, New Clio R.S. delivers all the qualities expected of a
Clio, namely a quiet ride, a high level of travelling comfort and low running costs. But switch to the
more dynamic ‘Sport’ or ‘Race’ modes, and its unmistakable sporty characteristics become apparent
at once.

R.S. DRIVE: ‘A LA CARTE’ SPORTS PERFORMANCE

Pressing the ‘R.S. Drive’ button modifies the mapping of both the transmission (gear shift programming and shift time) and engine (response to pedal position and engine pitch). It also alters the way the ESC and ASR traction control intervene, as well as the feel of the power steering.

This system is based on a choice of three very different modes (‘Normal’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Race’) which modify New Clio R.S. 200 EDC’s performance characteristics as a function of the driver’s wishes, needs or usage. As a result, New Clio R.S. 200 EDC is truly several cars in
one.

The gear shift programming depends on a number of vehicle-related parameters (accelerator pedal position, pressure on the brake pedal, steering wheel angle), as well as on road conditions (slope, available grip, etc.). Gear shift speeds are also dependent on the load demanded by the accelerator pedal.

PERFECTLY OPTIMISED STARTS THANKS TO
LAUNCH CONTROL

Thanks to Launch Control, which is unprecedented equipment for a hot hatch, New Clio R.S. 200 EDC fully automates the management of standing starts when the car is used at a circuit. Smart electronics guarantee the fastest possible getaway, in complete safety. With this function selected, and by optimising all the different parameters involved, New Clio R.S. 200 EDC is capable
of leaping off the start line far more efficiently than even the most talented driver could ever do.

Extremely simple to use

The Launch Control system is primed by pressing on the brake with the left foot while at the same time pulling on the two gear shift paddles situated behind the steering wheel. The system’s activation is confirmed by a message on the dashboard (“Launch Control On”) and an orange flashing ‘ambilight’ (if function ‘authorised’).  When the accelerator is fully depressed with the car at a standstill, the engine revs to 2,500rpm.

‘Sport’ mode: When the brake is released, the system optimises New Clio R.S. 200 EDC’s acceleration while wheel spin is controlled by the ASR traction control. Gears shifts are also optimised.

‘Race’ mode: the ASR traction control is disconnected and gear shifts are entirely manual. This ‘expert’ mode is efficient when grip is optimal, but it is also much more demanding in terms of car control.

In order to protect the mechanicals, the Launch Control system is constantly monitored by the car’s electronics which may temporarily prevent it from triggering.