Renault Clio Gordini leaked?

Evidence of a hardcore 155mph Clio Renaultsport emerges

Renault would prefer we forgot about the most recent Gordini models which hardly did justice to the hallowed name by merely offering a visual makeover of the standard Renaultsport Clios.

Stripes remain, but it's now lighter and faster

Renault boss Carlos Tavares acknowledged thatearlier this year, promising that in future the Gordini badge should only be affixed to the most hardcore models honed mainly for the track.

Now it seems he has made good on that promise. Spec details have emerged on a FrenchClio forum of what could be a Clio Renaultsport Gordini.

Alright, it could also be some fantastist detailing his dream car, but something about the fulllness of the details suggests this bloke has seen a secret spec sheet. The same forum also provided a couple of renderings of the car.

It suggests power will be upped to 230hp and torque increased to 210lb ft, gains of 30hp and 33lb ft over the standard RS200. A small weight reduction of around 25kg has been mooted also, which would take the Gordini to around 1180kg. The Cup chassis is said to be standard but lowered by 10mm. Wheels are 18-inchers.

This won't happen again, says Renault

A claimed 0-62mph time of 5.9 seconds and a 155mph top speed look optimistic until the power-to-weight is considered; the above figures give 194hp per tonne, which compares favourably with a Megane 265's 191hp per tonne. The EDC dual-clutch gearbox remains, but the spec suggest it's been reprogrammed, presumably for faster shifts.

The spec also suggests it will be available in four colour schemes – blue, white, red and grey – all with Gordini stripes, and come with a few interior embellishments, including "real carbon fibre" trim.

The Clio Gordini is reckoned to be due at some point next year with a price of around 28,000 euro (£24,500). Sounds steep, but if this really is hot hatch gold, then we'll say it's cheaper than Mini's JCW GP and be the first to praise it to the skies.