| New Renaultsport Edition | Renault Clio Renaultsport 197 Cup |
Renault will launch a new 'Cup' version of its highly rated
Clio 197 this month. The car will use the same chassis set-up as the limited-edition Clio 197 F1 Team R27, with suspension lowered by 7mm and stiffer springs and dampers fitted to further improve the 197's already capable handling. Renault has also ripped out the air conditioning unit and offers optional lightweight Recaro seats to save weight. In case this is too much however, air conditioning will still be available as an optional extra...
Music to most people's ears will be that the Cup will come with taller fifth and sixth gear ratios in answer to customers and media alike, who complained of too much engine noise at motorway speeds. And so, fifth will run at 17.1mph per 1,000rpm (previously 16.1mph) and sixth's new gearing will equate to 20.5mph per 1,000rpm (previously 18.9mph). Furthermore, the more refined ratios will find their way onto the normal 197 in late October.
Changes to the outside include a new 'ice-white' paint option, complete with optional satin black Speedline wheels or Renault's own anthracite alloys as standard, all of which gives the car a fresh look.
The Clio Renaultsport 197 Cup will go on sale in early October, but no prices have been announced as yet - expect a modest saving over the regular 197.
Kyle Molyneux - 3 Oct 2007