As quoted from Pistonheads:
RENAULT LAUNCHES THE CLIO TEAM
Thursday 2nd September
Sporty new 182bhp Clio hits the streets
http://www.pistonheads.com/pipe/76005a7028c8908723b9dd97d63d74c4/news/8997-095647-1.jpg<A onmouseover="status=Click Here to enlarge...;return true" onclick="windowHandle=window.open(http://www.pistonheads.com/include/popup.asp?pictureURL=/pipe/76005a7028c8908723b9dd97d63d74c4/news/8997-095749-1.jpg, _popupImage, width=750,height=562,scrollbars=0,resizable=1,toolbar=0,personalbar=0,menubar=0,status=0 ); windowHandle.focus();" onmouseout="status=;return true" href= "javascript void0"> http://www.pistonheads.com/pipe/76005a7028c8908723b9dd97d63d74c4/news/8997-095749-1-tU color=#606420 /UDesigned specifically for drivers seeking the thrills of motor racing, according to Renault, the company has launched the Clio Renault Sport 2.0 16v “Team”. Using the same technical specifications as the Clio Renault Sport 2.0 16v Génération 2004, such as its chassis and 182hp (131.5kW) 2.0 16v engine, the Team offers simplified features. And with its competitive price and sporty performance, the new limited edition will be available for €19,900 (about £13,500) in France from September 2004.
A sporty petrol hatchback
Displaying major mechanical developments on its launch in January 2004, Clio Renault Sport 2.0 16v Génération 2004 set the benchmark in sport hatches thanks to its performance as well as its combination of power and comfort. Now, Renault uses this as a platform for the “Team” limited edition, a must for drivers who demand the very best.
Inside and out, the look of the Clio Renault Sport 2.0 16v “Team” tells you everything about its character. In a nod to the 2003 French championship-winning Renault Sport rally team, the limited edition sports a “Clio Team” badge at the rear and above the side indicator repeaters. A “Renault Sport” signature logo appears on the dashboard strip and doorsills, with the wing mirrors, side strips and door and hatch opening controls all matching the bodywork. Inside, the “graphic night” seat covers, dark grey door panels and metallic grey safety belts with matching gearshift all make this a high-tech and sporty car, topped off with the same black leather steering wheel fitted to the Clio Renault Sport 2.0 16v.
Clio “Team” is available in four metallic colours (Titane Grey, Doré Black, Artic Blue and Sanguine Orange) and one opaque colour (Dynamo Blue). The main standard features:
Safety
- Adaptive driver and passenger airbags,
- ABS with ESP directional stability control,
- Speed limiter/cruise control,
- Foglamp,
Exterior design
- Wider front wings,
- Renault Sport 16’’ aluminium wheels,
Interior design
- Aluminium brake pedals,
- Metallic gearshift knob,
- Metallic dashboard strip,
- Metallic inside door handles,
Cabin comfort
- On-board computer,
- Manual air conditioning with cabin filter,
- Height-adjustable driver seat,
- 1/1 rear bench seat,
- Electric front windows,
- Tinted windows,
Driving pleasure
- Hydraulic power steering,
- Leather steering wheel,
- Matching electric wing mirrors,
Two options are available for Clio “Team”:
- White stripes, in homage to the R8 Gordini, and competition spoiler,
- 4x22W radio CD player.
Pure (almost) sensations
The 2.0 16v engine, delivering 182hp at 6500rpm and 200Nm at 5,250rpm, and gearbox are taken unmodified from Clio Renault Sport 2.0 16v. In testing, a 400m start-to-stop was timed at 15 seconds, with a 1,000 metre start-to-stop taking 27.60 seconds. With a chassis taken from Clio Renault Sport 2.0 16v, its driving precision, progressiveness and uniformity make Clio “Team” responsive and fun to drive.
A competitive price tag
Clio Renault Sport 2.0 16v “Team” will go on sale in September 2004 for €19,900 (£13,500), compared with €22,050 for Clio Renault Sport 2.0 16v. In 2003, 5,407 Clio Renault Sport 2.0 16v models were sold in Western Europe, including 852 in France. Since its launch last January, Clio Renault Sport 2.0 16v Génération 2004 has enjoyed equal success, with 639 units sold in France in the first half of 2004.
