Sunday 23rd June 2019

Renault unveils Cup, Rally, RX Clio all in one go

Based on the latest Clio, the firm has developed a new concept for its customer-competition feeder car

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Renault has wasted no time on revealing a new iteration of customer-competition Clio based on the just-launched fifth generation model. Developed for both single-make racing and open series, the manufacturer claims the latest car offers, "unprecedented versatility and accessibility of ever-lower costs".

It's hard to argue with either statement because Renault has attacked the concept from both ends. For a start, the latest car isn't based on a full-blooded Renault Sport model (shock, horror) but rather the new Clio R.S. Line - which means you get non-adjustable Bos shocks and a revved up version of the 1.3-litre TCe unit producing between 170 and 180hp depending on regulations.

The engine is still twinned with a Sadey sequential five-speed gearbox, a Sachs clutch and a ZF limited-slip differential - not to mention a FIA homologated fuel cell -but presumably the combination is intended to provide a more cost-effective way into Clio racing. And that's not the only money-saving wheeze up Renault's sleeve.

Customers will now be able to switch seamlessly between track, rally and rallycross thanks to dedicated conversions kits which remake the same car as Clio Cup, Clio Rally or Clio RX depending on the surface that you fancy competing on. No details yet on precisely what is included in the costume change, although Renault is promising "three proper race cars specifically designed for their specialities" despite a shared base.

The three-prong approach is said to be the result of a year-long development process where "reliability, performance and cost control have been the watchwords". You'll obviously make your own mind up, but the result certainly looks the part - and early word on the latest Clio is that its revised chassis (underpinned by a new, lighter platform) is a highlight of fifth generation model.

Whether or not it lives up to the enduring reputation of Renault's enormously popular single-make series, we'll obviously have to wait and see. Although if the firm has built a new entry-level, multi-use car that costs significantly less than the €46,300 a current 220 Trophy-based Clio Cup will set you back, then that's a compelling evolution of its customer racing concept. More details to come, price included - but Renault is already far enough along to suggest that it'll start selling the Dieppe-built cars in October, and deliver them ready to race for next year.

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[CedricN]

Renault is really ambitious in their racing department. However sequential gearboxes should be banned in the lower ends of racing and rallying. Adding both 10k on the price and tight service intervals doesn't help..

[p4cks]

Strange timing given that Renault UK are pulling out of the Clio Cup at the end of the year. Presumably these will sell well on the continent

[sysak]

Been told by a renault employee there won't be a new clio rs too. Not great if it's true!

[Jon_S_Rally]

I wonder if the drop in capacity allows it to run in the R2 class in rallying (can't remember what the max capacity is for the turbocharged cars). That would explain the drop and it wouldn't be an issue if Renault envisage them running in a single make series in circuit racing.

Edited by Jon_S_Rally on Monday 24th June 11:38

[WCZ]

sysak said:

Been told by a renault employee there won't be a new clio rs too. Not great if it's true!

the last one was awful so meh

[Frimley111R]

WCZ said:

sysak said:

Been told by a renault employee there won't be a new clio rs too. Not great if it's true!

the last one was awful so meh

It really wasn't. It just had only one gearbox option which wasn't great. They said that the next time there will be manual and auto.

[dutters]

Frimley111R said:

It really wasn't. It just had only one gearbox option which wasn't great. They said that the next time there will be manual and auto.

The gearbox is fantastic. I assume when most people complain about the box, they either haven't driven one, or it was the pre trophy days, which can be updated to the trophy map.

And yes I do own one

[Jon_S_Rally]

WCZ said:

the last one was awful so meh

It wasn't actually awful though, was it?

I drove the early one and the gearbox wasn't the best, but the rest of the car was perfectly fine. The Trophy was pretty well-regarded with a bit more power and a revised gearbox program.

Perhaps not as raw as previous models, but certainly not awful by any stretch.

[quality matters]

I imagine it’s a Sadev and not a Sadey gearbox as stated in the article.

[cookie1600]

dutters said:

The gearbox is fantastic. I assume when most people complain about the box, they either haven't driven one, or it was the pre trophy days, which can be updated to the trophy map.

Does it have a Sadey gearbox or a Sadev one? It seems the new one mentioned in this advertorial is by Sadey, also attributed as the manufacturer in the Renault press release:

https://media.group.renault.com/global/en-gb/group...

Or could it be just a lazy bit of writing and they've copied the mistake on the handout they were sent?

[nickfrog]

Pretty sure Sadey is a typo and quite an embarrassing one at that. Sadev have been supplying boxes for Cup cars for close to 20 years.