UPDATE: The Renaultsport Clio Could Be About To Get A 271bhp Megane Engine Plus Manual ‘Box
In terms of driver feedback and purity, the ageing but brilliant Renaultsport Megane is the one to beat in its class. But its Clio RS 200 baby brother? That’s way down our priority list, behind the Ford Fiesta ST, the Peugeot 208 GTI 30th and potentially even the Vauxhall Corsa VXR. The reason? Other than the fact it’s simply not fun enough, the lethargic, out-of-place dual-clutch gearbox is its Achilles’ heel. But that could be set to change thanks to the hardcore KZ 01 version.
It’s expected to make its debut at the Monaco Grand Prix, but an image leak at the weekend means we’re getting an early glimpse. And from the outset, it looks like a much more serious beast than the boggo Clio RS.
The arches are much wider - the front ones having sprouted some vents - the front bumper has been redesigned and the rear spoiler is now a hell of a lot bigger. The biggest news though, is under the bonnet.
A lot more power is anticipated, but a French forum is even claiming that the RS Megane’s mighty 271bhp, 2.0-litre four-banger has been squeezed under the bonnet. And that of course means it gets the Megane’s gearbox: a six-speed manual.
We don’t want to get too excited just yet, for two reasons. Firstly, we all thought that the 220 ‘Trophy’ version of the Clio might be given a manual ‘box, only to be disappointed when the DCT-only reality appeared. Secondly, the technical info could amount to nothing more than baseless speculation. We can’t wait to see if the rumours are true, however…
UPDATE: Renault has since confirmed that a ‘special Clio’ will debut at the Monaco Grand Prix. Speaking about the news, Renault Sport Managing Director Patrice Ratti said: “We successfully completed the project of a slightly crazy car. It was a joint effort by the Renault Sport Cars and Renault Sport Racing teams. This Clio R.S. refines the expertise of Renault Sport engineers whilst exploring new avenues for the future.” The company also released a higher resolution version of one of the previously leaked images, which can be seen above.
Growing up on a diet of World Rally Championship highlights and lengthy Gran Turismo 2 sessions, a life in cars was as good as inevitable for Matt.
Comments
Alright this is what will happen: the clio will burst on the scene and start doing donuts, the crowd whispers :”how is it doing those donuts? Could it be? the CEO steps up and says : ladies and gentlemen welcome to the new clio v6 “mic drop”. Then everyone faints at the same time
My god i’m all wet
HAHAHA I’d LOVE to see Ghosn drop the mic :D
Close enough ^^ (no V6 though)
This will be awesome in the USA!!!….oh…..wait…
Firstly….. 2.0 Is a possibility but tbh they spent along time to fit a 1.6 and develop it… I doubt they would make a u turn now….. Let alone it being speculation from a forum…. As we all know forums are always right :rolleyes:
Manual we were promised before…. Although there are shots if the interior minus paddles on the steering wheel and a lever in the middle of the car…. Hmmmm
270 is a bit rich…. It puts it in too. Much of a firing range for the megane…. A direct competition for the golf. I’d estimate it about 240-50
Also…” Lethargic” gearbox….. You boys driven one? …. Its anything but lethargic probably one of the best bits of the car!
Well, now you’re settled aren’t you ^^
Why don’t the import it!!
It’s beautiful, and should be much more fun than the deceiving C4RS
I just want them to bring the V6s back
Ford now: we annouced 270 bhp manula fiesta rs 2 months ago and nobody cared
I’d rather have this. If only they were sold here.
It’s so beautiful
Even if this is true, still I think it’s too little, too late catch up with the FiST or the 208GTi (to a lesser extent). I mean the standard version is already significantly more expensive for a car at this price range and it’ll be impossible for the aftermarket to keep up considering the limited market and the popularity of the FiST. A pity considering RS’ amazing chassis expertise.
I find it interesting how Top Gear published an article about this, saying they’ve no clue what will be under the bonnet of this thing, yet CT seems to have it figured out. Good job, guys
So we yanks don’t get the cool stuff? lol