Renault Clio R.S. (Lutecia R.S.) Launched in Home Market | Renault

Renault Clio R.S. 200 EDC | Renault Lutecia R.S. 200 EDC

Fourth-Generation Clio R.S. (Lutecia R.S.) Launched

The Renault "Clio R.S. EDC (Japanese name: Lutecia R.S. EDC)," which made its world premiere at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, has been released in France, and its details have been revealed.

Text by HORIGUCHI Yoshihiro (OPENERS)

200ps + Dual Clutch

“Clio R.S. 200 EDC (Lutecia R.S. 200 EDC)" is the fourth generation of the hot hatch, tuned by Renault's sports tuning division, "Renault Sport Technologies," based on Renault's hatchback model, the "Clio (Lutecia)" announced at the Paris Motor Show. The "200" in the name refers to the maximum output of 200ps, and "EDC" refers to the "EDC (efficient dual clutch)" dual-clutch transmission, adopted for the first time this time.

As previously reported, the engine is a 1.6-liter direct-injection turbo with variable valve timing for intake and exhaust. It boasts a maximum output of 147kW (200ps) at 6,000rpm and a maximum torque of 240Nm at 1,750rpm, combined with the aforementioned 6-speed dual-clutch transmission, EDC. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is 6.7 seconds, and it covers 1,000 meters from a standstill in 27.1 seconds. The top speed is set at 230 km/h.

In addition to the EDC, it is equipped with a new feature called "R-Diff.," an electronic differential patented by Renault Sport Technologies. This system constantly monitors the rotation of the front and rear wheels and, when the speed difference between the front and rear wheels becomes large during cornering, it detects it as a precursor to understeer, lightly brakes the inner front wheel, and recovers traction. By intervening before the ESC (Electronic Stability Control) controls engine output to stabilize the vehicle, it avoids unnatural driving feel due to torque reduction.

Renault Clio R.S. 200 EDC | Renault Lutecia R.S. 200 EDC

"R.S. Drive" is a function that changes the driving mode by operating a button on the center console. There are three modes: "Normal," "Sport," and "Race," each adjusting the settings for the steering, accelerator, transmission, engine, and ESC/launch control. In "Race" mode, electronic devices such as ESC and ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation) can be disengaged.

The "R Monitor," located in the center of the dashboard, can monitor water temperature, oil temperature, boost pressure, as well as load transfer, wheel spin frequency, clutch status, lap times, and more. Furthermore, it can save this data to a USB memory stick for analysis on a computer. It also features an "R Sound" function that reproduces the exhaust notes of seven different cars, including the Alpine "A110," Renault "R8 Gordini," and Nissan's "GT-R" through the vehicle's speakers, synchronized with the actual exhaust sound.

The body dimensions are 4,090mm in length, 1,732mm in width, and 1,432mm in height. Although it may appear to be a 3-door coupe, it has five doors, similar to the base model, ensuring practicality. The trunk capacity is 300 liters according to VDA standards, and 1,146 liters with the rear seats folded down.

The body colors are Glacial White, Flame Red, Profondo Black, and Platinum Grey as standard colors, along with a special R.S. color called Sirius Yellow, making a total of five colors. The chassis is available in the standard "Sport" and the "Cup" version, which has a 3mm lower ride height and a 15% stiffer suspension.

The exterior features include a dedicated bumper with F1-type fins, sporty dual exhaust tailpipes, 17-inch wheels, and a rear diffuser that generates strong downforce, all emphasizing that the Clio R.S. is a special model.

Along with its high performance, it also excels in environmental efficiency, with a fuel consumption of 6.3 L/100km (approximately 15.9 km/L) in the European combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 144g/km. This represents a 25% improvement over the previous generation Clio R.S., which was equipped with a naturally aspirated 2-liter engine.

This Clio R.S. (Lutecia R.S.) is manufactured at the Alpine factory in Dieppe, Normandy, with each unit taking 26 hours to produce.

Prices in France start from 24,990 Euros (approximately 3.1 million yen).

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