New Renault Clio Cup Racer Car Revealed

French carmaker Renault has now revealed the fourth-generation Clio Cup race car ahead of the category's 2014 season start. Based on the R.S. 200 EDC, the Renault Clio Cup gets an aerodynamic body kit with a roof-mounted scoop, a spoiler mounted on tailgate and an aggressive front fascia.

Since the launch of the R8 Gordini Cup in 1966, Renaultsport has been ever-present on the racetracks of Europe and the rest of the world. The four generations of the Clio Cup have earned recognition for their performance, reliability and accessibility.

Replacing the model used competitively since 2006, the new Clio Cup has benefited from all the assets of the Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo EDC, starting with its chassis. Reinforced by a welded roll cage, the monocoque chassis delivers increased safety and is stronger too. Enhanced by 17-inch rims, the design of the new Clio Cup is complemented by aerodynamics that make it handle even better on the track.

Renault Sport Technologies’ engineers have put all their knowledge into the new 1.6-litre, direct-injection, turbo engine, which produces 220bhp and a constant torque of 270Nm. It is mated to a six-speed, sequential gearbox that enables gear shifts to be made in just 100 milliseconds. Steering-wheel paddle shifts are available as an option, along with the classic gearstick. UK competition will follow the Eurocup series in having the electronic paddle shift gear-change as standard.

The track-hugging new Clio Cup also comes with adjustable shock absorbers. Combined with adjustable axles, this innovative feature allows teams to set the new Clio Cup up to suit different track conditions and driving styles. Two tyres have been developed in collaboration with Michelin and Dunlop. The UK series will remain on Dunlop tyres for the 2014 season.

The braking is, as with all Renault Sport Technologies cars, a particular strong point. The new Clio Cup has many strengths, including 320mm ventilated discs, gripped by powerful 4-piston callipers. 

Every attention has been lavished on the onboard electronics. The engine and gearbox are monitored by a unique ECU that can be accessed only by Renault Sport Technologies’ engineers. Incorporated into an ergonomic and highly functional dashboard, all the driver controls and displays are within fingertip reach. Meanwhile, performance is analysed and driver efficiency enhanced by a data acquisition system that uses the same software as the Formula Renault 2.0 and Formula Renault 3.5.

The new Clio Cup is manufactured and assembled at the Alpine factory in Dieppe. With its bench-tested and race-sealed engine, the car is delivered ready-to-race.

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