Summary of the document:
A new, consistent and sparkling chassis
The chassis combines precision of control with progressiveness and consistency. The new more reactive chassis makes Clio Renault Sport 2.0 16V Generation 2004 more fun, while work carried out on the suspension has resulted in better comfort. The wheelbase has been increased by 13 mm (2,485mm instead of 2,472mm for the previous version); the track has been widened by 12mm at the front and by 16mm at the rear. These changes have resulted in greater stability and improved cornering grip. The traction and steering feel provided by the front suspension have been improved by increasing the castor angle from 1°35 to 3°. The increased spring stiffness (+10%) favours the operation of the suspension, and the precision of front-end positioning, with a high quality of information feedback. In the rear suspension, the connection between the wheel hub carrier and the suspension arm has been strengthened. Resistance to transverse loading has been increased by 15%, ensuring that the wheels run true despite being subjected to high loads. The rear mountings are also stiffer and contribute to consistency of behaviour. The 24mm rear anti-roll bar (against 22mm previously) provides 12% greater stiffness. The distribution of anti-roll effect has been revised so as to improve the rear suspension movement. To exploit the full potential of this new chassis, the Clio Renault Sport 2.0 16V Generation 2004 is the first car to be equipped with the new Michelin Exalto tyre. Developed by Renault Sport and Michelin working in partnership these tyres are faster-reacting and stiffer, and provide maximum precision for sporting driving. The greater width of this new standard tyre (205/45 R16 compared with 195/45 R 16 in the previous version) ensures optimum traction in all circumstances.
The new Pilot Exalto continues the “Variable Contact Patch” concept first seen in the Pilot Sport for the New Clio V6. The concentration of rubber towards the outside of the tread provides better cornering grip. The distribution of ground contact pressure is improved when running straight as well as when cornering. Controllability when running on wet surfaces is also ensured through the use of a rubber mix developed from competition technology.
Dedicated to the driving process and to efficiency,the Clio Renault Sport 2.0 16V with sports chassisprovides a level of grip sufficient to satisfy the mostdemanding motor sport enthusiasts. With stiffened suspension and lowered ride height, control of bodymovement is optimal. This development combines existing comfort with a radically sporting character.The front wheel hub carriers, specific to the sportschassis, are equipped with larger diameter bearings.The rigorous maintenance of the wheel in its correct plane, when subjected to cornering forces as well as during acceleration and braking, and the traction provided by this strengthened suspension, were the object of special attention. The steering arm attachment points on the wheel hub carriers have been positioned lower. This adjustment to the suspension favours reactiveness and quicker steering response. Spring rates increased by 20% with matching damper settings for this version provide even more incisive behaviour. The rear spring rates have been stiffened by 15% and the damper settings increased by 10%.
To match this new sports chassis, the Michelin Pilot Exalto tyres - although exactly the same in size and appearance as the standard covers - have a modifiedstructure. This makes them more incisive, with 10% more specific cornering force under strong sideloading, to enable the car’s potential to be better exploited.
