Geneva 2009: Renault Clio RenaultSport 200

Apart from unveiling the Renault Megane RenaultSport 250 in Geneva, the French auto maker also revealed the Renault Clio RenaultSport 200 which also belongs in the performance segment. Offered in two forms, the Clio RenaultSport 200 and the Clio RenaultSport 200 Cup, both models receive power from a naturally aspirated 200HP at 7,100 revs 2.0 liter 16-valve engine, that is also capable of 215Nm of torque at 5,400 revs.

Design wise, the Clio RenaultSport 200 is treated to an aerodynamic splitter, large air intakes, wider front and rear wings, twin exhaust tailpipes which are more visible now and a new rear diffuser, as well as RenaultSport badging on the tailgate, on the side protective moldings’ satin-finish chrome inserts, as well as on the intake manifold. Buyers can also opt for the centre section of the front bumper, front splitter, exterior mirror housings and rear diffuser to be finished in either Gloss Black or Anthracite. The above mentioned aerodynamic upgrades account for an improvement in drag coefficient of 0.02.

On the inside, the driver is surrounded by aluminium pedal covers and footrest, perforated leather steering wheel with visible stitching and yellow centre-point marker, yellow rev-counter that includes an audible and visible Formula 1-style gearshift indicator, body-hugging RenaultSport seats, as well as Renaultsport badging on the rev-counter background, door sills and front seats. With three trim options available including Silver Grey, Yellow and Dark Anthracite, buyers can also opt for Recaro seats which are equipped with lateral airbags, plus a rigid and glass-fiber / polyamide-injected shell.

Improvements were also made to the suspension with wider front and rear tracks (by 48 mm and 50 mm respectively), extended wheelbase (by 10 mm), independent steering axis layout on the front suspension that minimizes weight and provides resistance to torque steer and a stiffened programmed deflection torsion beam which is fine tuned to offer immediate turn-in. Other upgrades include; Brembo front brake callipers, double-effect damper technology, front anti-roll bar with larger diameters (by 1 mm) as well as alloy wheels that are 1 kilogram lighter and wrapped with Continental Sport Contact 3 tires (215/45 R17).

Overall, the Clio RenaultSport 200 is able to sprint to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds, all the way to a top speed of 226 km/h. The Clio RenaultSport 200 Cup model features a ride height that is 7 mm lower, stiffer damper calibration and a revised steering system. Overall, the stiffer 200 Cup is also lighter by 36 kilograms. Renault also revealed that buyers of the RenaultSport 200 can also opt for the stiffer suspension with an extra charge.

Other fitments available in the Clio RenaultSport 200 include; Carminat TomTom navigation system (optional for GBR 500), hands-free card, two stereo upgrades including the Sound Pack and the Bluetooth Sound Pack, electric sunroof, cruise control with speed limiter, automatic climate control and automatic lights and wipers. Sales will initiate in the U.K by May this year. Continue reading to view an image gallery.