Renault revs up in Paris: Paris: Renault revs up in Paris
French carmaker Renault uses Paris to showcase revved up versions of Megane and Clio - as well as the stunning Nepta cabriolet
As befits a car maker on home turf, Renault had a massive stand at Paris and used it to reinforce its sporty credentials. As well as the obligatory F1 paraphernalia it showed the dramatic World Touring Car Mégane and the Cup racing version of the new generation Clio – UK racers have already ordered 63 examples of the £20,500 baby touring car.
Although road-going versions of the new RenaultSport Clio 197 won’t get the racer’s 205bhp engine, buyers will be able to opt for the track machine’s gorgeous Speedline alloys. In fact, there’s a whole range of competition-inspired accessories including a roof spoiler and they go on sale later this year.
The Nepta is a sleek-looking 4-seater cabriolet powered by a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine producing a staggering 420bhp.
Renault also showed a ‘concept’ replacement for the sub-Clio Twingo at Paris. The aim is now to chase the Mini with the Twingo, hence its much sportier demeanour and the eventual production line-up will include a RenaultSport version. The concept car is powered by a 1.2-litre turbo engine producing about 100bhp, a motor that’ll get dropped into the Clio next year.
