A Renault celebrou seus 40 anos na Fórmula 1 em 2017 e decidiu trazer um pouco da mágica da categoria para o Clio. Esta edição especial ganhou até a mesma nomenclatura que a marca usa na competição, com a versão limitada recebendo o nome de Clio R.S. 18, uma referência ao futuro carro da Renault Sport, o R.S. 18 F1.
Parece promissor, só que trata-se apenas de um pacote de design para o Clio R.S. convencional. A versão especial usa como base a configuração 220 EDC Trophy e vem com o sistema de exaustão Akrapovic de série (é opcional no hatch normal), para aumentar ao máximo o som da trilha-sonora fornecida pelo motor 1.6 turbo. Gera 220 cv e 28,5 kgfm, mesma potência e torque do Clio R.S. 220 EDC Trophy.
O que realmente o deixa diferente do Clio R.S. padrão são os emblemas "R.S. 18" nas portas dianteiras, junto com a desenho de diamante duplo no teto. A Renault colocou alguns decalques cinzas e uma pintura preta exclusiva no para-choque. O detalhe em amarelo no para-choque ajuda a criar um contraste com a carroceria, além de manter a combinação de cores normalmente usada pela marca nos carros da F1.
Do lado de dentro, o novo Clio R.S. 18 tem uma numeração na porta para dar destaque à exclusividade do modelo e ganhou um acabamento que imita fibra de carbono em volta das saídas de ar. Também recebe tapetes de carpete da Renault Sport e uma combinação de couro e Alcantara no volante esportivo.
A edição especial deve ser o último modelo do Clio atual, já que a próxima geração do hatch está em desenvolvimento e deve ser apresentada em outubro, durante o Salão de Paris (França). Enquanto o Clio R.S. 18 tem o seu apelo, não podemos deixar de pensar que poderia ser melhor. Alguns anos atrás, a Renault mostrou o conceito Clio R.S. 16 com uma carroceria mais larga e equipado com o delicioso motor 2.0 de 275 cv do Megane R.S, transmissão manual de 6 marchas e diferencial traseiro. Infelizmente, nunca foi produzido.
Fonte: Renault
Galeria: Renault Clio R.S. 18
The Clio R.S.18: motorsport breeding
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A new, aggressively-styled limited-edition Clio, inspired by the world of Renault Sport Formula One Team
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A dark, striking look embellished by Sirius Yellow detailing, plus an unmistakable sporty feel inside
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In addition to targeting motorsport aficionados, the Clio R.S. 18 has the makings of a future classic
Boulogne-Billancourt, January 11th, 2018 – Renault Sport is pleased to announce the launch of the new limited-edition Renault Clio R.S.18, named after Renault Sport Formula One Team’s 2018 challenger. It proudly echoes the black-and-yellow livery of Renault’s most iconic F1 cars and is squarely aimed at motorsport enthusiasts and serious collectors.
Derived from the Clio R.S. 220 EDC Trophy – the most potent car of the Clio R.S. range – Renault Sport’s latest offering embodies Renault Sport Formula One Team’s ambitions and takes its inspiration from motor racing’s premier series which saw Renault celebrate the 40th anniversary of its involvement in 2017. The newcomer follows in the wheel tracks of a number of other limited-edition Clio R.S. models that have paid tribute to Renault’s successes in Formula 1 over the years.
“Renault Sport customers share our passion for motorsport. With this limited-edition model – which is based on the technical foundations of the Clio R.S. 220 EDC Trophy – we are proud to be able to offer them the very best of our engineering expertise. Its sporting credentials are expressed by a number of design flourishes drawn directly from the world of Formula 1. The Renault Clio R.S.18 is an eloquent illustration of the close bond that exists between our motorsport activities and our road cars.” - Quentin Audiffren, Clio R.S. Product Manager, Renault Sport Cars
The world of Renault Sport Formula One Team packed into a Clio R.S.
The R.S.18 badging on the front doors, plus the grey decals and new R.S. double-diamond logo on the roof are a direct reference to Renault Sport Formula One Team and the single-seater it will race in 2018. Meanwhile, hints of Renault Sport’s iconic Sirius Yellow for the F1-style front blade, protective side mouldings and wheel centre caps produce a striking contrast with the Deep Black body colour. The rear badging, front bumper, Renault diamond and R.S. logo on the bumper are entirely black, a touch that is exclusive to this car. The diffuser’s Deep Black finish adds to the car’s forceful stance.
On the inside, the premium feel of this limited-edition version is evident from the outset. The R.S.-branded door sill is numbered, while the Alcantara®/leather-trimmed steering wheel and carbon fibre-effect air vent surrounds contribute to the cabin’s sporty feel. Renault Sport carpet mats are standard.
Needless to say, the Renault Clio R.S.18 has inherited the Renault Clio R.S. 220 EDC Trophy’s punch thanks to its 220-horsepower engine which features a torque boost function for peak torque of 280Nm. Meanwhile, its Trophy chassis has been lowered and stiffened, its front dampers incorporate hydraulic compression stops and its steering is even sharper and more direct. The Renault Clio R.S. 18 is equipped as standard[1] with an Akrapovic exhaust, ensuring a powerful engine sound and dynamic pick-up.
The limited-edition will be launched in Europe in the first half of 2018. Collector!