Even though it has only been a few weeks since Renault pulled the covers off the new, fourth-generation Clio RS at the Paris Motor Show, the French automaker’s UK division has already announced plans for the presentation of a race-prepped model in Britain for the 2014 motor racing season
Renault said it secretly began testing the racecar in early August and has so far covered around 3,500 kilometers (2,175 miles) at a variety of French circuits, where it has proved to be roughly one second per lap faster than the existing normally-aspirated 2.0-litre Clio Cup car.
The new Clio RS racer features a 1.6-litre turbo-powered engine tuned by Oreca Magny-Cours developing 220hp and 270Nm of torque, an extra 23hp and 30Nm respectively over the road car.
A six-speed sequential gearbox with an AP Racing clutch and limited slip differential transfer power to the front wheels.
Other upgrades include 17-inch Speedline Corse racing alloys, a high performance braking system with 320mm AP Racing front discs and four-piston callipers, and one-way adjustable dampers from ZF-Sachs with specific aluminium wishbones.
On the outside, the RS model gains a roof scoop similar to the one found on the current Clio Cup as well as a large roof-mounted wing that is said to offer 40kg (88 pounds) of downforce at 125mph (201 km/h).
Naturally, the car features a full roll cage, bucket seats and a complete data acquisition system that is incorporated into the TFT full colour dash display.
“We’ve enjoyed 22 fantastic years of Renault UK Clio Cup racing and the brand new Clio Cup race car is an incredibly exciting new chapter in the story for everyone”, said Renault UK Communications Director Jeremy Townsend.
“We will continue to run the existing car in the British championship through 2013, with the intention to then introduce the new turbo-charged Clio Cup car the following season. Getting the timing right is very important, the car will race in the Clio Eurocup next year so our teams in the UK will have ample opportunity to see it in action ahead of its planned 2014 UK debut.”
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