2016 Renault Clio R.S. 16 Concept

The fourth-generation Renault Clio was unveiled at the 2012 Paris Motor Show with a significantly redesigned body and interior as well as brand-new and updated engines. Unlike its predecessors, it didn’t receive three-door hatchback and sedan versions, being offered only as a five-door hatch or five-door estate. The Clio IV is underpinned by the Alliance B platform co-developed by Renault and Nissan in the late 1990s, but features comprehensive updates that makes it suitable for the 21st century. The fourth-gen hatch also spawns a new track-ready model, the R.S. 200, as well as a limited-edition R.S. 220 Trophy EDC with output increased from 197 horsepower to 217 horsepower.
In 2016, Renault’s high-performance division has unleashed yet another R.S.-badged Clio. Unveiled at the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix on May 27, the new beefed-up hatch wears the R.S. 16 moniker. Although new in this configuration, the "16" numeral was originally introduced on the first-generation Clio, with the 16S being used in certain markets for a performance-oriented version that replaced the 5 GT Turbo. The current name is actually identical to that of the 2016 season Formula One car.
Created to mark the Renault Sport’s 40th anniversary and to celebrate the brand’s return as a Formula One team, the new hatch is the highest performance road-going R.S. model in history and was developed in only five months. Unfortunately, it is only a concept for now and the French firm didn’t say whether it will spawn a production model or not.
“Our aim was to produce a concept car with genuinely outstanding performance credentials,” said Patrice Ratti, Managing Director of Renault Sport Cars. “On paper, producing a Clio R.S. powered by our most potent engine was an extremely appealing idea, but we had to make sure it was feasible.”
Until Renault gives us more information about the production potential of the R.S. 16 concept, let’s have a closer look at what it brings to the table in the detailed review below.
Continue reading to learn more about the Renault Clio R.S. KZ 01.
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