Even hotter Clio screams in

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Source: AutoCar

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The rumours were true; Renault has today released information and pictures of a new, even harder Renaultsport Clio – the Clio Renault F1 Team R27. Contrary to expectations though, it will be no more powerful than the standard car.

The Clio R27 was unveiled in Amsterdam at the launch of Renault's R27 F1 car. It'll feature a special Sirius Yellow paint job, red brake callipers and Renault F1 Team badging.

Inside each limited edition Clio R27 will get a numbered plate and Recaro seats. Where it differs most from the standard Clio 197 is in its chassis. The Clio R27 sits on the same basic chassis components as the new Clio Cup race car; it has a lower ride height than the 197, and custom springs and dampers. At each corner are special 17in dark anthracite alloy wheels.

The combined effect of all the tweaks should be a Clio with a more hardcore temperament than the 'ordinary' 197, but no more straight line speed. For that, we'll have to wait until later in the car's life, say company insiders, when the drivetrain from the larger Megane R26, complete with turbocharger and limited slip differential, could find its way into the Clio's engine compartment; if it does, it could result in the fastest and most compelling Renault hot hatch since the Renault 5 Turbo.
 
This is a good move 👍

Renault Sport set the bar very high with the previous generation Clio Trophy and Cup editions of the 182. The newer Clio 197 fell short of expectations, according to most of the road tests. Hopefully this will put the Clio back on top of the pile.
 
Kind of dissappointing that they didnt' go back to MR, but I guess I can live with it.
 
Kind of dissappointing that they didnt' go back to MR, but I guess I can live with it.
There are two versions of sporty Clios. The first is the Renaultsport 1xx series (the one in the thread), then there's the V6 Renault Sport you've just mentioned (although whether a MKIII will be made by Renault is unknown).
 
Huzzah! Looks like quite the fun car to race around it. I know I say it a lot, but this is yet another wonderful car that won't see American shores...
 
They just haven't build a mid for this body style. (mk3&4). I really do like those mid engined V6 clios. One of my favorites in GT. I'm sure this will be at least a bit faster than the standard Clio, due to a lower weight. I wouldn't be suprised (is development still happening?) if they at least turbocharge it if not have a slightly more powerful engine in some way (probably tuning). No doubt it will handle well.

On the color. They missed orange, white and black for the paint. They could've at least put some blue there. Blue is one of the Renault f1 colors. The yellow by itself isn't that spectacular.
 
I, too, was a fan of the mid-engined Clio. I'm sure a lot of people would likely agree that the most unique hatchbacks of all time. This primarily becaues of its midship layout. It's a configuration you don't see many cars of this build be shown in. It handles like a dream. After all, what do you expect with most mid-engined cars? This move to a front-engined design is a bit disappointing. However, the Clio still remains a great lineup of hatchbacks. Out of 100% approval, I give this package an 80% approval rating. Then maybe a 90% if it was mid-engined.
 
Some people don't seem to realise that this isn't replacing the Clio V6, it's a Clio sport, but Renault have long had Renault Clio sport models that are front engined front wheel drive, both in the last generation and the generation before that and thoes before that as well. If I was to downgrade a Corvette because it wasn't a 4 door saloon I'd get funny looks ;).
 
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