Two hot versions of the Renault Clio have been spied testing for the first time. The Renault Clio Renaultsport and Sport models are expected to go on sale in 2013 or early 2014, following the launch of the standard fourth-generation supermini at the Paris motor show this September.
The two cars were captured by our spy photographers in Germany. Despite the disguise, the aerodynamic package for the top-line hot Clio RS can be clearly seen. It features a wide air intake in the front bumper, large side skirts and angled exhausts either side of the rear diffuser.
It isn't clear what engine will power the Clio RS, although Renault sources have previously indicated to Autocar that it is unlikely to retain the 197bhp two-litre unit from the third-generation car. A smaller capacity turbocharged engine seems more likely, but it is expected to have more power.
Speaking to Autocar at the Geneva motor show earlier this year, Renault's senior vice president of Global Marketing and Communications Stephen Norman said: “We will launch a Clio 4 RS that will have more power than the current Clio RS. Will it be more driveable? It won’t be less.”
The warm Clio Sport gets less-dramatic aerodynamic changes and more conventional exhausts.
The cars will only be available in five-door bodies when they reach production, but both will be part of Renault's over-arching aim of bringing "sexiness and sportiness" back to the brand.
Earlier this year Renault's design chief Laurens van den Acker told Autocar that the five-door will look just as sporty as a three-door, aided by rear door handles that are hidden in the C-pillars and give the car a three-door appearance at first glance.
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groooovy
i never understood how anyone could distinguish and comment about the styling of a car with such heavy camouflage, all i can see is psychedelic graffiti.
If this is the RS model it's
If this is the RS model it's a shame it's lost the wider front wings with the rear air vents - one of the key features that made the current car look so aggressive and differentiated it from the rest of the shopping trolley Clio range.
iconic?
I seem to remember the Renault Design Chief saying that the new Clio would be an 'iconic design'. In what way is this car iconic? The front end looks like a facelift of the current Clio, and the rear looks like a cross between the Mazda 3 and the Astra. I know that it's camoflaged, and i'm judging before we have seen the real thing, but from these pictures I am seeing a bland, over-sized supermini with no va va voom. And also, if this is indeed the RS version, then what a step backwards. Doesn't look sporty at all!
PRODIGY wrote: I seem to
Well the hot version certainly doesn't look sporty, as it doesn't have any front foglamps.
And you can see how both these pre-production models have lost their key styling feature (the grille mounted LEDs) so look very bland.