The thread from our forum .Pleasant reading.
Clio Renault Sport R3: born-and-bred to rally
After launching New Clio Cup in the spring of 2006, in January 2007 Renault Sport Technologies will be adding a second offshoot of the New Clio Renault Sport to its range of motorsport vehicles, this time aimed at the rallying market: Clio Renault Sport R3. Renault engineers have, in particular, drawn on the expertise developed on the Clio Super 1600 since 2002 to design a new product offering unrivalled performance and value for money.
The Clio Renault Sport R3 takes its name from the new technical regulations defined by the FIA (International Automobile Federation) with the aim of encouraging the launch of new, reliable, high-performance models available at a reasonable price. The objective of the Clio Renault Sport R3 is to offer performance levels close to a Super 1600 for the price of a group N car. In order to make this category accessible to as wide a range of drivers as possible, Renault Sport Technologies has designed a very versatile product, capable of performing just as well off-road as on-road without any major modifications.
The Clio R3 mirrors the powerful, thoroughbred design of the Clio Renault Sport, the only distinctive element of the competition version being the roof-mounted air intake. The chassis based on a Clio Renault Sport body shell, strengthened by a welded roll cage made of more than 40 metres of steel tube!
The ground link technology implements well-proven solutions, whilst leaving plenty of scope for fine-tuning, thus making it easier to adapt the vehicle’s performance to all types of terrain. Like all models in the Renault Sport competition range, the Clio R3 comes equipped with Michelin tyres.
Under the bonnet, the 2.0 litre, 16V normally-aspirated engine has been modified both internally and externally to boost power output to 230bhp (170kW) at 7,800rpm (+ 30bhp) and peak torque to 245Nm at 5,400rpm (+ 30Nm). The four-cylinder engine is connected to a six-speed sequential transmission. A single Electronic Control Unit manages the engine, transmission and data acquisition system.
The passenger compartment has been designed with driving comfort and safety in mind. The Clio R3 comes equipped with all mandatory safety equipment: bucket seats, six-point harnesses, extinguishers, circuit breaker, etc. The ergonomics of the driving position have been carefully designed, with the gear change joystick and the hydraulic hand brake lever positioned close to the steering wheel.
The development driver for the Clio R3 was Simon Jean-Joseph, who put it through its paces in over 2,000 kilometres of test driving, most of which took place off road. The Renault Sport driver noted the lively engine response and driving comfort offered by the Clio R3, making it a worthy successor to the Clio Super 1600.
The Clio R3 will be FIA-approved and on sale on January 1, 2007. The kit, including all the specific parts required to build the Clio R3 (body shell, running axles, transmission, brakes, wheels, electronics, safety equipment, etc.) will be put on sale at a price of €49,600 (excluding VAT). Renault Sport will also sell a kit including all necessary standard parts (engine, bodywork, windows, fuel tank, etc.).
Official "teaser"
http://www.renault-sport.com/fr/divers/video_popup.php?s=/fr/Images/ClioR3_tcm2-43298.wmv
Many quality large pictures .
http://www.xelopolis.com/photos/index.php?spgmGal=Renault/Renault_Clio_RS_R3_2007#?
Clio Renault Sport R3: born-and-bred to rally
The Clio Renault Sport R3 takes its name from the new technical regulations defined by the FIA (International Automobile Federation) with the aim of encouraging the launch of new, reliable, high-performance models available at a reasonable price. The objective of the Clio Renault Sport R3 is to offer performance levels close to a Super 1600 for the price of a group N car. In order to make this category accessible to as wide a range of drivers as possible, Renault Sport Technologies has designed a very versatile product, capable of performing just as well off-road as on-road without any major modifications.
The ground link technology implements well-proven solutions, whilst leaving plenty of scope for fine-tuning, thus making it easier to adapt the vehicle’s performance to all types of terrain. Like all models in the Renault Sport competition range, the Clio R3 comes equipped with Michelin tyres.
Under the bonnet, the 2.0 litre, 16V normally-aspirated engine has been modified both internally and externally to boost power output to 230bhp (170kW) at 7,800rpm (+ 30bhp) and peak torque to 245Nm at 5,400rpm (+ 30Nm). The four-cylinder engine is connected to a six-speed sequential transmission. A single Electronic Control Unit manages the engine, transmission and data acquisition system.
The passenger compartment has been designed with driving comfort and safety in mind. The Clio R3 comes equipped with all mandatory safety equipment: bucket seats, six-point harnesses, extinguishers, circuit breaker, etc. The ergonomics of the driving position have been carefully designed, with the gear change joystick and the hydraulic hand brake lever positioned close to the steering wheel.
The Clio R3 will be FIA-approved and on sale on January 1, 2007. The kit, including all the specific parts required to build the Clio R3 (body shell, running axles, transmission, brakes, wheels, electronics, safety equipment, etc.) will be put on sale at a price of €49,600 (excluding VAT). Renault Sport will also sell a kit including all necessary standard parts (engine, bodywork, windows, fuel tank, etc.).
Official "teaser"
http://www.renault-sport.com/fr/divers/video_popup.php?s=/fr/Images/ClioR3_tcm2-43298.wmv
Many quality large pictures .
http://www.xelopolis.com/photos/index.php?spgmGal=Renault/Renault_Clio_RS_R3_2007#?
