Clio Renaultsport R3T: A New Era Begins

AUTO CENTRAL, UK -- June 25, 2014: This new customer racing car is designed to top Renault’s rallying line-up. Developed for privately-sponsored teams and drivers, Clio Renaultsport R3T provides unrivalled performance on both gravel and tarmac and at a cost that is more controlled than ever before. Clio Renaultsport R3T is set to make its debut in this weekend’s Scottish Rally, with Jukka Korhonen and Marko Salminen behind the wheel.

With Clio Renaultsport R3, available in Access and Maxi versions, Renaultsport established itself as one of the leading brands in the two-wheel drive category. Some 380 units of this front-wheel drive car, with its 2.0-litre normally-aspirated engine, have been sold in Europe, South America, Asia and Oceania. Over the last year or so, this solid experience has been used to design a new generation model. Recent changes in the FIA regulations have led to the development of innovative solutions to boost the competitiveness and safety of the car marketed by Renault Sport Technologies in the R3 category.

Clio Renaultsport 200 EDC lies at the heart of this new model devoted to road-racing events. Developed by Renault Sport Technologies with many features inspired by the world of motor racing, the market leader in hot hatchbacks is able to re-use these innovations to meet the demands of rallying. Renault Sport Technologies were able to make use of solutions taken from the production model to develop Clio Renaultsport R3T. Reliability, performance and cost were all central to the design and development process.

Although the profile of Clio Renaultsport 200 EDC remains unchanged for regulatory reasons, this rally version has been specifically devised for racing. Sitting firmly on its 17-inch (tarmac) or 15-inch (gravel) wheels, Clio Renaultsport R3T shows off its assets with exclusive front and rear suspension systems. Featuring new adjustable dampers and a wide range of settings, every driver is able to find the balance needed to be competitive on all surfaces.

Under the bonnet, Clio Renaultsport 200 EDC’s 1.6-litre turbo-charged engine has been given special treatment in order to deliver unrivalled performance. Renault Sport Technologies’ engineers have worked their magic on the engine with it now developing a hefty 242hp and an outstanding 480Nm of torque. Servicing is now scheduled every 4,000 stage kilometres which is a category record for running time. The six-speed sequential gearbox can be controlled by steering wheel- mounted paddles as an option.

The kit is made up of Clio Renaultsport 200 EDC parts and specific components required for the assembly of Clio Renaultsport R3T, including the engine which is assembled by one of Renault Sport Technologies’ partners. Clio Renaultsport R3T is the second racing model to be developed on the base of Clio Renaultsport 200 EDC after Clio Renaultsport Cup, intended for circuit racing.

Jukka Korhonen and Marko Salminen will have the privilege of giving the Renault Clio Renaultsport R3T its very first run-out as a zero mileage car at this weekend’s Scottish Rally. Second in the event last year, the Finnish duo will be putting the solidity of Renault Sport Technologies’ latest model to the test on the twisting, bumpy roads of Dumfries and Galloway.