LEAKED: Renault’s secret 200kW Clio

Leaked images of a top-secret, range-topping Renaultsport Clio have surfaced over the weekend.

Pictures of the hard-core Clio RS KZ 01 appeared on Greek car blog motori.gr and were accompanied by an official tease from Renaultsport’s Twitter account that appeared to confirm the existence of a faster Clio RS.

The silhouette of what looks like the outline of the KZ 01 was accompanied with the Tweet “As promised, a surprise is awaiting for you at #Monaco GP”.

According to the Greek website, the KZ 01 is based on the current Renaultsport Clio 220 Trophy but trades its 162kW/280Nm turbocharged 1.6-litre for the Megane RS 275’s 201kW/360Nm 2.0-litre turbo engine.

To help it cope with the added power is some some comprehensive re-engineering that sees a significant increase in front and rear tracks require wider front and rear wheel-arches.

There’s also a larger rear diffuser and underbody aero tweaks, plus a huge new spoiler to boost downforce and reduce drag, while added vents help cool the brakes and feed the more powerful engine.

It’s not known if the new KZ 01 carries over its six-speed manual gearbox or has had the Clio RS’ six-speed dual-clutch automatic adapted to cope with the new car’s higher power and torque.

In any case, with what’s expected to be a stripped-out interior, the KZ 01 is likely to be at least a second quicker to 100km/h with a time of around five seconds. Top speed, meanwhile, could be as high as 270km/h.

Renault is yet to comment on the pictures, but rumours suggest a limited production run of up to 500 cars is being planned following its launch at the Monaco GP on May 26.

The KZ 01 will top a facelifted Clio range that's expected to be launched in Europe in July.