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The RenaultSport Clio 200 Turbo has bowed in at the 2012 Paris Motor Show. As the name suggests, the naturally aspirated engine of the outgoing model has been replaced with a turbocharged unit.
The new 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces the same 147kW (197hp/200PS) as the old unit, but torque has been boosted by 25Nm to 240Nm. Crucially, that torque is accessible all the way from 1750rpm to 5600rpm.
The engine continues to drive the front wheels via Renault’s first twin-clutch transmission that the company calls EDC, for Efficient Double Clutch.
Renault won’t be revealing the hot hatch’s performance times until the car’s media launch in early 2013. They have however said that fuel consumption is markedly improved.
Like its big brother, the Megane RS265, the Clio 200 Turbo will be offered in two chassis set-ups – Sport and Cup, with the Sport being the ‘softer’ chassis for a balance of sportiness and comfort. The Cup chassis is 15 percent stiffer and sits 5mm lower and is targeted at enthusiasts.
An RS Drive button also enables drivers to alter the car’s characteristics. It is available with three modes – Normal, Sport and Race. Each setting offers different throttle, gearbox and steering responses, as well as the stability control threshold.
On top of that, owners could also choose the car’s ‘soundtrack’ via the R Sound Effect. According to Renault, it allows owners to pipe a choice of iconic engine sounds through the Clio’s sound system’s speakers.
The Clio 200 Turbo sports styling inspired from Formula One, such as the front blade, rear diffuser and roof spoiler that the company says generate 80 and 20 per cent down-force respectively. It rides on standard 17-inch alloy wheels, while 18s are available as an option.
Feature list in the new RenaultSport Clio 200 Turbo is extensive. There will be the expected climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, hands-free key card, touch-screen satellite navigation and sports bucket seats. An optional parking sensors with rear-view camera is also available.
