These are the very first spy photos of the high-performance model of the soon-to-be-released 2013 Renault Clio supermini, which we will come to know as the Clio RenaultSport or Clio RS.
But wait, how do we know for sure that the camouflaged prototype seen in these photos is indeed the next Clio RS?
Well, that’s fairly easy to answer as despite the swirly foil wrap, Renault’s engineers made no efforts to hide the rest of the car’s trademark racy styling parts.
These include a new front bumper with a wider lower grille sporting a splitter to improve the car’s aerodynamics, side skirts, a slightly larger roof spoiler, and a new rear bumper that incorporates a visible diffuser and most telling, a pair of rectangular shaped exhaust pipes on either corner.
Want more? The prototype model also rides on a different and larger set of alloy wheels wrapped in low profile performance tires, which also give us a clear view of the beefier braking system.
You may have noticed that this test version has five doors. That’s because the next Clio is believed to offered exclusively as a five-door model with the rear door handles hidden to create the illusion of a three-door model.
The new RS will gain bespoke suspension settings whilst also benefitting from the new Clio’s lighter platform.
As for the powertrain, rumor has it that Renault will replace the current model’s naturally aspirated 197hp (200PS) 2.0-liter with a brand-new 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine delivering more than 200-ponies to the front wheels.
Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoop
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