More details: New Renault Clio RS 200

We’ve already checked out the RS 200 before two months ago when it made its Geneva debut but here comes the full details. The Clio RS 197 is now the Clio RS 200 and is available in two forms – the Clio Renaultsport 200 Cup and the Clio Renaultsport 200.

The 2.0 litre 16 valve F4R RS engine now puts out 200 horses and 215Nm of torque, up 3 horses from the previous 197 number. Peak torque is also achieved at a lower rpm of 5,400rpm, which is lower by 100rpm. Pre-3,000rpm torque is now 20% higher. The first 3 gears of the manual gearbox have been shortened for better acceleration, which means 0 to 100km/h takes only 6.9 seconds, on to a top speed of 227km/h.

The front end takes after a similiar look to the new Megane, and like the Clios before it, it does without any kind of spoiler, instead relying on a fully functional rear diffuser to help with the aerodynamics. The diffuser reduces lift at 130km/h by as much as 40kg.

The front wings are 30.5mm wider than a standard Clio to accomodate the wider tracks, which are extended by 48mm at the front and 50mm at the rear. Wheelbase is up by 10mm to the new 2,585mm number.

The suspension dampers on the new RS 200 are actually about 15% softer than the RS 197. These dampers are of a hydraulic double-effect type, which uses an additional level of valving to help dissipate energy better. The front antirollbar is now 21mm in diameter which is 1mm thicker.

As for the “Cup” spec level, the dampers are 15% stiffer than the RS 197 Cup. These dampers can also be specified on the non-Cup RS 200. The steering ratio for the Cup is also 7.5% quicker, also standard on the Cup and optional on the regular RS 200. A weight of 1,204kg give it one of the best power to weight ratios in its class – approximately 166 horses per tonne of weight.

Look after the jump for more pix of the new RS 200.

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