The fourth-generation Renault Clio 
was unveiled at the 2012 Paris Motor Show with a significantly redesigned body and interior as well as brand-new and updated engines. Unlike its predecessors, it didn’t receive three-door hatchback and sedan versions, being offered only as a five-door hatch or five-door estate. The Clio IV is underpinned by the Alliance B platform co-developed by Renault and Nissan in the late 1990s, but features comprehensive updates that makes it suitable for the 21st century. The fourth-gen hatch also spawns a new track-ready model, the R.S. 200, as well as a limited-edition R.S. 220 Trophy EDC with output increased from 197 horsepower to 217 horsepower.
For 2017, Renault’s high-performance division is readying yet another RS-badged Clio. Set to be unveiled at the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix on May 27, the new beefed-up hatch is still a mystery as of this writing, but Renault did release a photo and an official comment about the car, with the managing director of Renault Sport describing it as a “slightly crazy car.”
Created to mark the Renault Sport’s anniversary and celebrate the brand’s return as a Formula One team, the new hatch will be called the Clio R.S. KZ 01, according to Autocar. The source also claims that the KZ 01 could be a concept car that might spawn a limited-run Clio R.S. if interest is high. We will find out more in a few days, but until then, let’s have a closer look at what we already know about this hatchback.
Continue reading to learn more about the Renault Clio R.S. KZ 01.
Exterior
Renault has showcased only one image of the cars as of this writing, but it’s enough to get a closer look at what sets it apart from the standard R.S. 200. Most changes are visible up front, where the bumper sports a larger intake with a gloss-black grille and the Renault Sport’s traditional checkered flat inserts instead of daytime running lights. The diamond emblem is also finished in black, while the headlamps have been blacked out.
Moving on to the sides, the mysterious hatchback sports beefier wheel arches and side sills, which give it a race-inspired appearance. The wheels are also new and feature a lightweight design with thin spokes and very low-profile tires. We can’t see much of the rear, but the hatch as a pretty big wing atop its tailgate and we expect it to feature a menacing diffuser with big tail pipes as well.
Interior
Note: Renault Clio Renaultsport 220 Trophy EDC pictured here.
The interior of the car is also a mystery, but we expect it to be based on the Clio R.S. 220 Trophy. Look for race-ready bucket seats with six-point harnesses, a leather steering wheel with “R.S.” badging and a 12-o’clock stripe (and maybe even a flat bottom), and a special plaque on the dashboard.
Given that the 220 Trophy comes with carbon-look air vent surrounds, door handles, and gear lever base plate, we wouldn’t be surprised to see actual carbon-fiber parts on the KZ 01. It could also have lightweight door panels, but other weight-reducing measures are also on the table.
The Trophy’s optional Renault Monitor will most likely be standard. What this feature does is provide on-board telemetry, including a setting that gives the driver five levels of throttle pedal sensitivity and the option to record lap times, average lap speeds, and 0-to-62 mph sprints.
Drivetrain
There’s no word as to what will motivate the KZ 01, but there are two rumors floating around. One claims that Renault Sport’s engineers have created a more powerful version of the turbocharged, 1.6-liter engine found in the R.S. 220 Trophy. The uprated mill will reportedly deliver around 247 horsepower, a 30-horsepower improvement over existing model.
The uprated mill will reportedly deliver around 247 horsepower, a 30-horsepower improvement over existing model.
On the other hand, there are reports saying that the KZ 01 will share the same turbocharged, 2.0-liter in the Megane R.S. The unit cranks out 271 horsepower in the larger hatchback, but it could be detuned to around 250 horsepower. It is not clear if the Clio will get the 220 Trophy’s EDC automatic or the Megane R.S.’s six-speed manual.
Whatever the case, the KZ 01 should be significantly quicker than the Clio 220 Trophy, the most powerful road-going, factory-built Clio to date. For reference, the latter hits 62 mph in 6.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 146 mph.
Conclusion
Aside from the fact that it has a Clio Cup-inspired design, there’s not much to say about the KZ 01 (or whatever its name will be). What we do know for a fact is that it will be the most powerful road-going Clio ever built. Everything else remain a mystery until Renault spills the beans and we advise that you don’t hold your breath for a production model this year. We will be back to update the article as soon as the beefed-up hatchback breaks cover in Monaco later this week.
Press Release
To mark its fortieth anniversary and celebrate Renault’s return as a Formula 1 team, Renault Sport will be unveiling a special version of Clio R.S. at the legendary Monaco Grand Prix.
Patrice Ratti, Managing Director of Renault Sport Cars, said: “We successfully completed the project of a slightly crazy car. It was a joint effort by the Renault Sport Cars and Renault Sport Racing teams. This Clio R.S. refines the expertise of Renault Sport engineers whilst exploring new avenues for the future.”
The entire Renault Sport team will be in Monaco on Friday, 27 May to demonstrate how Renault makes the connection between the racetrack and the road and to reveal what is behind the design of this very special Clio R.S.