Friday, June 15, 2018

Renault Clio R3T (2014): the beginning of a new era


Eight years after Clio R.S. R3, Renault Sport Technologies presents Clio R3T. This new customer racing car is designed to top Renault’s rallying line-up. Developed for privately-sponsored teams and drivers, Clio R3T provides unrivalled performances on gravel and tarmac, at a cost that is more controlled than ever before.

With Clio R.S. R3, available in Access and Maxi versions, Renault Sport established itself as one of the leading brands in the two-wheel drive categories. Some 380 units of this front-wheel drive car, with its 2.0-litre normally-aspirated engine, have been sold in Europe, South America, Asia and Oceania.

Over the last year or so, this solid experience has been used to design a new generation model. Recent changes in the FIA regulations have led to the development of innovative solutions to boost the competitiveness and safety of the car marketed by Renault Sport Technologies in the R3 category.

Clio R.S. 200 EDC lies at the heart of this new model devoted to road-racing events. Developed by Renault Sport Technologies with many features inspired by the world of motor racing, the market leader in compact sports cars is able to re-use these innovations to meet the demands of rallying.

Renault Sport Technologies’ teams were able to make use of solutions taken from the production model to develop Clio R3T. Reliability, performance and cost were all central to the design and development process.

Although the profile of Clio R.S. 200 EDC remains unchanged for regulatory reasons, this rally version has been specifically devised for racing. Sitting firmly on its 17-inch (tarmac) or 15-inch (gravel) wheels, Clio R3T shows off its assets with exclusive front and rear suspension systems. Featuring new adjustable dampers and a wide range of settings, every driver is able to find the balance needed to be competitive on all surfaces.

Under the bonnet, Clio R.S. 200 EDC’s 1.6-litre turbo-charged engine has been given special treatment in order to deliver unrivalled performances. Renault Sport Technologies’ engineers have worked their magic on the engine block, meaning it now develops a hefty 242hp and delivers an outstanding 480Nm of torque. Services are now scheduled every 4,000 kilometres of stages, which is a category record for running time. The six-speed sequential gearbox can be controlled by steering wheel- mounted paddles (upcoming option).

The kit is made up of Clio R.S. 200 EDC parts and specific components required for the assembly of Clio R3T, including the engine which is assembled by one of Renault Sport Technologies’ partners. Clio R3T is the second racing model to be developed on the base of Clio R.S. 200 EDC after Clio Cup, intended for circuit racing.




TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Chassis
Type: Steel monocoque chassis with welded rollbar

Engine
Type: Renault M5MtT, 4 cylinders, 16 valves, 1618cc
Position: Transversal
Max power: 242 hp at 4000-5000 rpm
Max torque: 48 m.kg. at 3200 rpm
Max engine speed: 6500 rpm
Electronics: Cosworth Electronic Management System

Transmission
Gearbox: Sadev ST82-17 six-speed sequential + reverse gear
Controls: Manual gear shift with Rear Gear Electric locker
Differential: Self-locking limited-slip ZF type differential with quick release system
Clutch: 2 disc Sachs system

Axles and suspensions
Front: Pseudo Mc Pherson
Rear: Rigid H rear axle with disconnectable and switchable antiroll bar
Suspensions: 3 way Sachs shock absorber with hydraulic bump stops

Brakes
Discs: 330 x 32 floating (front) and 274 x 18 floating (rear), Snap Ring system
Calipers: One piece PFC 4 pistons (front) and PFC 2 pistons (rear)
Hand brake: Hydraulic

Wheels
Rims: Gravel 6 x 15 + 42 and Tarmac 7 x 17 + 47
Tyres: Michelin PSR 19/63 - 17

Dimensions, Weight and Capacity
Length / width / height: 4090 / 1945 / 1432 mm
Wheelbase: 2589 mm
Front / rear track: 1550 / 1550 mm
Fuel tank: 66 litres
Unloaded weight: 1080 kg



Source: Renault Sport