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.
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