The Renault Clio RS16 Isn't Fast Enough To Bag The FWD Nurburgring Prize

Forget about all the speculation of Renault's RS16 gunning for the Nurburgring FWD record - according to the boss of Renault Sport, it'd be too slow
The Renault Clio RS16 Isn't Fast Enough To Bag The FWD Nurburgring Prize

Even before the crazy Clio RS16 concept had its full reveal, people were speculating that a production version would almost certainly be sent to Germany to snatch back the front-wheel drive Nurburgring record for Renault. And we can see why: Renault has a track record of setting amazing willy waving Nurburgring laps, and with a 271bhp Megane RS engine (plus manual ‘box) in such a small package, the RS16 promises to be outrageously quick. However, it won’t be quick enough in the right places, according to Renault Sport boss Patrice Ratti.

Talking to Top Gear, Ratti said: “I’m not sure we’ll be quick enough. The Trophy R [Megane] was still quicker in the corners, but there are long straights at the Nürburgring, where the extra horsepower counts.” The current record holder - the VW Golf Clubsport S - puts out a mighty 306bhp, a healthy 35bhp more than the Clio.

The Renault Clio RS16 Isn't Fast Enough To Bag The FWD Nurburgring Prize

The car may not be put into production either, with Ratti telling TG of all the various cost issues and other hurdles. “It’s working it onto the Dieppe production line alongside the other Clios and the new Alpine, and getting the body panels made by small-scale suppliers,” he said.

For now, we’ll just have to cross our fingers…

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Comments

Anonymous

Meanwhile at Honda…

07/08/2016 - 14:24 |
100 | 6
NyteetyN

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Honda doesn’t hold the record.

07/08/2016 - 17:14 |
14 | 8
Blaž Potočnik

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Did you mean :Meanwhile at cheaters? ;)

07/08/2016 - 17:21 |
20 | 38
StuttgartMadness

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Make that VW…

07/08/2016 - 18:18 |
38 | 2
Mickey Mouse

I guess it’s the perfect compliment to their Formula One car…

07/08/2016 - 14:36 |
34 | 2

Kek <—— This one
Kek
Kek
Kek

07/08/2016 - 17:26 |
18 | 2

OOOOOH U FIN’ SAVAGE :DDD

07/09/2016 - 07:50 |
2 | 0
Camden Wolfe

I can give them credit for admitting that they can’t catch a Honda, since they weren’t targeting to compete with it anyways.

07/08/2016 - 15:10 |
4 | 10

Couldn’t catch a VW*

07/08/2016 - 15:54 |
12 | 6
Antiprius

Why not just put the manual in the Clio then? What is even Renault’s logic here?

07/08/2016 - 15:55 |
8 | 0
NyteetyN

On the other hand, Nurburgring FWD records have always been hold by C-class cars (recently).

07/08/2016 - 17:18 |
0 | 0

The Megan and the seat Leon have been fighting for it for a while before the golf took it

07/08/2016 - 19:33 |
0 | 0
DL&#x1F3C1;

As much as I love Renault Sport, VW are just too good :)

07/08/2016 - 18:53 |
0 | 4
Anonymous

When Nürburgring is more important than life.

07/08/2016 - 19:44 |
26 | 0
Anonymous

Thats Why I dont like comparing Nurburgring lap times. Cars that handle amazingly but have low power get screwed over because of the long straights.

07/09/2016 - 02:36 |
0 | 0
Anonymous

Nurburgring times…

What a bunch of tosh.

07/09/2016 - 06:09 |
2 | 0