I do get excited these days when a Renault Sport hatchback is announced. Take this limited edition Renault Clio R.S. 18 . It may not be totally new, but it does stir some emotion in me. This latest outing of the Clio R.S is based on the top of the range Clio, the R.S. 220 EDC Trophy. It celebrates Renault Sport's participation in Formula One, and was introduced in conjunction with Renault's 40th anniversary of Formula One in 2017. It will however, only be launched over in Europe this year (2018)! I Wonder if there is a chance for a handful of units to hit our shores.
The R.S.18 gets some extra bits to differentiate it from the usual, but still not boring R.S. 220 EDC Trophy. It gets R.S 18 badging on the front doors, grey decals and new R.S. double-diamond logo on the roof like the latest Renault F1 car. There are touches of Renault Sport’s iconic Sirius Yellow for the F1-style front blade, protective side mouldings and wheel centre caps which contrasts against 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. The bumper, which has that unique driving light cluster (like the chequered flag) in the front bumper cum splitter takes after the R.S 220 Trophy and is nice to look at.
The interior of this limited-edition version gets R.S.-branded and numbered door sill. There is a suede 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.
Since it is basically a Renault Clio R.S. 220 EDC Trophy, it gets the same 220-horsepower engine which features a torque boost function for peak torque of 280Nm. But its Trophy chassis has been tweaked. It will sit lower and is stiffer. The front dampers incorporate hydraulic compression stops and its steering has been tuned to be sharper and more direct. The Renault Clio R.S. 18 is equipped as standard with an Akrapovic exhaust (for all markets except Japan), ensuring sportier engine sound and accleration.
TC Euro Cars, please bring in a few units for us Malaysians to have fun in!!!
PRESS RELEASE: The Clio R.S.18: motorsport breeding
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!
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