Renault drops hints on hot new Renault Sport Clio

Renault has chosen the Monaco Grand Prix weekend to reveal a special version of the latest Clio R.S.

Described as a ‘slightly crazy project’, the car is a joint effort between the Renault Sport Cars division and the Renault Sport Racing team, which controls Renault’s on-track activities.

Confirmed details of the car are scarce, but specifications and images leaked onto the internet over the last few days suggest it’ll be something to look forward to.

Power should jump significantly over the current Clio 220 Trophy, and could top 250bhp or more. Some sources even suggest it could utilise the 2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder from the Renault Sport Megane – implying even greater performance.

That also begs the question as to which transmission the new Clio will use. Currently, the Clio 220 Trophy uses a twin-clutch gearbox that’s currently one of the car’s weaker aspects, so we’re hoping Renault sees fit to finally equip its hottest Clio with a manual gearbox.

Images too are thin on the ground, but the sole picture released by Renault points to a more aggressive styling package than the existing Clio R.S., with wider arches, a prominent rear spoiler and racy detailing in the front bumper. The liquid yellow paint finish is much more familiar, and something of a Renault Sport signature.

The 2016 Monaco Grand Prix takes place between the 26-29 May with the latest Renault Sport project making its debut on the 27th. Stay tuned on evo.co.uk for full details of the new car on its launch.