Monday, June 24, 2019

Clio Cup, Clio Rally, Clio RX: variations on the same theme


During the Formula 1 French Grand Prix, Renault Sport Racing presented its new customer-competition models derived from its road range. Developed for both its extremely popular single-make cups and open competitions, this new generation offers unprecedented versatility and accessibility for ever-lower costs.

Derived from the New Clio R.S. Line, whose expressive and sporty styling are carried over with its front bumper with F1-styled blade, Renault Sport Racing's latest creation designed for customer competition also inherits its versatile chassis to be available in three versions!

After a year of development where reliability, performance and cost control have been the watchwords, the new competition Clio will offer unparalleled versatility. Despite their bank of common organs, the Clio Cup, Clio Rally and Clio RX will be three proper race cars specifically designed for their specialties.

However, customers will be able to switch categories with the same car thanks to dedicated conversion kits. This economic solution was studied so that customers can discover motorsport or challenge for the win on all types of surfaces or terrains regardless of their experience.

Additionally, this fifth generation will receive all the savoir-faire of the Viry-Châtillon and Dieppe customer competition teams, where the three models will be assembled.

This unrivalled expertise in Europe has been used to optimize each version at all levels. On the technical front for example, the first version of the 1.3 Tce engine for the customer competition car was studied to meet the needs of the different playing grounds the Clio could be entered. At the same time, safety and equity have been preserved and reinforced to make motorsport ever more accessible, especially in the Renault Sport Racing organized single-make cups and feeder series.

Building on its reputation of quality unanimously recognized since the launch of the R8 Gordini in 1966, this new range combines Renault's heritage and the best of its passion while building on New Clio R.S. Line dynamism and efficiency, a reference among compact sports cars.

Revealed to the public, media and competitors during the Formula 1 French Grand Prix weekend at Circuit Paul Ricard, the Clio Cup, Clio Rally and Clio RX will be physically presented after the summer break at events corresponding of each of their specialities. Commercialization will begin in October before the cars are delivered, ready to run - fuel tank included - and to be raced on track and special stages in 2020.






Specification sheet


Chassis
  • Base: Clio RS Line
  • Chassis: steel welded monocoque
  • Front axle: Pseudo McPherson
  • Rear axle: H axle
  • Suspension: Non-adjustable shock absorber Bos Suspension

Engine
  • Type: 1.3 TCe Renault – 4 cylinders – 16 valves
  • Turbocharger: Garrett
  • Cooling: derivative of standard model
  • Fuel delivery: Direct injection
  • Power: 170 - 180 horsepower, according to regulations
  • Torque: 280 - 320 Nm, according to regulations
  • Maximum RPM: 6,500
  • Electronics: Life Racing
  • Fuel: SP98

Dimensions
  • Length – Width – Height (mm): 4050 – 1988 - 1400
  • Track Front-Rear (mm): 1500 - 1490
  • Wheelbase (mm): 2579
  • Unloaded weight: according to regulations

Transmission
  • Sadev sequential five-speed gearbox + reverse
  • Manual gearshift with electric unlocking for reverse
  • ZF limited slip differential
  • Clutch: Sachs

Wheels
  • Wheels: 6x15 (gravel), 6.5x16 (Asphalt), 7x17 (Cup)
  • Tyres: Michelin
  • Front brakes: according to regulations
  • Rear brakes: according to regulations
  • Hydraulic hand brake

Others
  • FIA homologated FT3 fuel cell



Source: Renault Sport