2018 Renault Clio R.S. 18

What do you get when you take the Renault Clio R.S. 220 Trophy, and put it in a black and yellow outfit meant to mimic the look of Renault’s upcoming 2018 F1 contender? The Renault Clio R.S. 18. Only available in the black with yellow accents colour scheme, the Clio R.S. 18 feature some subtle aesthetic changes inside and out. These include the yellow wheel centres, a yellow bridge element in the front bumper, black Renault diamond badges and R.S. decals on the front doors and roof. On the inside the steering wheel gets a black Alcantara treatment, to go along with the new carbon-effect trim for the interior fit out.

Mechanically the R.S.18 is the same as the Clio R.S. 220 Trophy, complete with a 220 horsepower turbocharged engine and Akrapovic exhaust system. Peak power arrives at 6,250rpm with the limited set at 6,800rpm. 260 Nm of torque is available for normal driving, with an optional ‘Torque Boost’ for fourth and fifth gears raising the figure to 280 Nm. The suspension does see some attention with the chassis getting lowered and stiffened, and the dampers incorporating hydraulic compression stops. The steering is also sharper and more direct.