SPY PICS: Next-gen Renault Clio RS
French brand applies the finishing touches to the next-gen version of its benchmarking-setting hot-hatchRenault’s fourth-generation Clio is yet to be revealed, but Carparazzi’s spy photographers have already spied test mules of the hot RS version pounding around the Nurburgring.
The psychedelic disguise conceals the front and rear detailing, but it’s clear the next-gen hot-hatch retains the wide-hipped stance of the current RS200.
Technical details remain sketchy, with the folks at Carparazzi indicating the newbie will score an uprated 2.0-litre atmo engine with power bumped from the current model’s 147kW to around 155kW, but UK’s Autocar suggests a smaller capacity turbo unit is a more likely option.
The publication quotes Renault’s senior vice president of Global Marketing and Communications, Stephen Norman, as saying: “We will launch a Clio 4 RS that will have more power than the current Clio RS. Will it be more driveable? It won’t be less.”
As is the case with the existing model, expect the new Clio RS to serve up class-leading grip and handling levels, aided by its squat stance and beefy wheel/tyre package.
The new Clio’s bodykit includes an aggressive front bumper/spoiler, side-sill extensions, a rear roof spoiler and a rear bumper diffuser through which protrude a pair of rectangular exhaust pipes.
Although partially obscured by the disguise, it’s evident the new Clio gains new design language ushered in by design chief Laurens van den Acker as part of his initiative to reintroduce sexiness to the brand – there’s no better example of this than the recently revealed Alpine A110-50 concept.
It’s believed the new Clio RS will debut at September’s Paris motor show, alongside a less hardcore Sport version.
-- with Carparazzi
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