The addition of new models wearing the Renaultsport insignia just keeps on growing, with the latest variant in the more compact form of the
Clio 197 - a car that we already found to be good for inducing grins. The new limited-edition Clio RenaultSport 197 F1 Team R27 (and breathe) is the latest iteration of the driver-focused hot hatch, inspired by the company's FIA World Championship F1 racers.
Underpinning the 197 F1 Team R27 is Renault's Cup chassis, with a 7mm lower ride height than the standard Clio 197 and 27 per cent stiffer front and 30 per cent stiffer rear springs. Bending stiffness in the double-axis front-strut suspension has also been increased 10 per cent and more flexible bump stops have been fitted, revisions which are claimed to decrease body roll and increase steering precision when cornering.
Like the
new Megane dCi 175, a revised Brembo brake system is standard on the Clio 197 R27, featuring 312mm vented front and 300mm solid rear discs adorned with red-painted callipers (four-piston at the front).
Anthracite-coloured 17-inch wheels and Renault F1 Team decals affixed to the roof and doors visually differentiate the R27 model from the standard 197, though they can be deleted as a no-cost option. The R27 features the regular 197 touches, including an F1-inspired rear diffuser for reduced lift and front wing-mounted extractor vents to optimise the car's drag co-efficient. Recaro bucket seats and a numbered plaque are part of the interior updates.
The 197 R27 is powered by the same normally-aspirated 16-valve 2-litre powerplant found in the 197 and produces 197bhp at 7,250rpm and 159lb.ft of twist at 5550rpm. Renault claims the new flagship Clio reaches 62mph in 6.9 seconds and returns 33.6mpg on the Combined Cycle and 199g/km of CO
2.
Renault is currently taking orders for the limited-edition Clio 197 R27, which wears a £17,250 price tag and is scheduled for UK delivery in June. You'd better place your order in quickly though, as only 500 will be built.
Eric Gallina - 15 Apr 2007