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Renault has marked the start of the Formula 1 season with the Australian launch of the new limited-edition Renault Clio R.S.18. Named after Renault Sport Formula One Team’s 2018 challenger, it echoes the black-and-yellow livery of Renault’s F1 cars and is squarely aimed at motorsport enthusiasts and serious collectors.
Derived from the Clio R.S. 220 EDC Trophy – the most potent car of the Clio R.S. range – Renault Sport’s latest offering marks the 40th anniversary of its Formula 1 involvement in 2017.
“Renault Sport customers share our passion for motorsport. With this limited-edition model – which is based on the technical foundations of the Clio R.S. 220 EDC Trophy – we are proud to be able to offer them the very best of our engineering expertise”, said Quentin Audiffren, Clio R.S. Product Manager, Renault Sport Cars.
“Its sporting credentials are expressed by a number of design flourishes drawn directly from the world of Formula 1. The Renault Clio R.S.18 is an eloquent illustration of the close bond that exists between our motorsport activities and our road cars.”
The R.S.18 badging on the front doors, plus the grey decals and new R.S. double-diamond logo on the roof are a direct reference to the Renault Sport Formula One Team and the single-seater it will race in 2018. Meanwhile, hints of Renault Sport’s iconic Liquid Yellow for the F1-style front blade, protective side mouldings and wheel centre caps produce a striking contrast with the Deep Black body colour.
The rear badging, front bumper, Renault diamond and R.S. logo on the bumper are entirely black, a touch that is exclusive to this car. The diffuser’s Deep Black finish adds to the car’s forceful stance.
On the inside, the R.S.-branded door sill is numbered, while the Alcantara®/leather-trimmed steering wheel and carbon fibre-effect air vent surrounds contribute to the cabin’s sporty feel. Renault Sport carpet mats are standard.
The Renault Clio R.S.18 inherits the Clio R.S. 220 EDC Trophy’s turbocharged 1.6-litre engine that develops 168kW (220hp) and 260Nm of torque which can be boosted to 280Nm via a boost function. Meanwhile, its Trophy chassis has been lowered and stiffened, its front dampers incorporate hydraulic compression stops and its steering is even sharper and more direct. Elsewhere, an Akrapovic exhaust is fitted for a more powerful engine sound.
The very first Clio R.S. 18 off the production line will make its debut at the 2018 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix. The Clio R.S. 18 retails for $39,990 plus on-road costs and is limited to just 10 examples locally.
