2010 Renault Clio S Revealed

Meet the Renault Clio S. It might not be part of the flagship Renaultsport line but it sure gives a lower-range market another zippy new hot hatch.

The engine lineup features a 1.2L, a 1.2L TCe, and a 1.3 dCi engine. They won’t exactly dish out earth-moving power figures but they’re sure to give the car some decent city performance. More importantly, they’re fuel sippers.

The S sport theme features white 16-inch alloys, a custom GT spoiler, and white accents for a sporting feel. Inside, the interior features the “S” badge on the uphosterly and the leather steering wheel.

The car starts a a £11,209 (around US$18,500) which makes it a better alternative to those cheap but not really cheerful Pacific rim makes that looks and feels overly plasticky.

French Parents Want Renault Zoe Name Changed

French parents aren’t too happy with Renault with the company’s decision to name their new supermini “Zoe.”

Zoe is the 17th most popular name for newly born girls in France today and parents don’t want to have their kids growing up with a car as a namesake. Concerned parents have been sending Renault letter expressing their concern.

“Our daughters have a beautiful first name that must not be associated with a car, so let us unite to bring pressure on a multinational which s going to destroy this pretty name for a children,” says a petition launched by concerned parents.

The Zoe made its debut in n the last Frankfurt motor show. The electric car is powered bya 94 bhp electric motor that dishes out 166 lb-ft of torque with a range of 100 miles in a single charge. And it’s no slouch either, with a 0-62 mph time in just 6.7 seconds.

Source: Autocar

Renaultsport Twingo 133 Cup

Renaultsport’s dishing out car after car. Last time, it’s the Megane, now this here’s the Twingo 133 Cup. Another viable addition to the current hot hatch market.

The Twingo 133 Cup packs the same 1.6L gasoline engine and suspension settings as range-topping 133.

However, it’s been stripped down for that racing feel. That means all the “trivial” stuff like the aircon and automatic head lamps. At the back, the sliding seats are swapped out in favor of a one-piece bench.

The Cup rides 4mm lower than the standard Twingo. The suspension have also been set to be stiffer than the standard. It sits on 17-inch aluminum rims.

Still, all that trimming down helps to keep the weight down and the tweaks promises improved handling and performance but cheaper than the standard Renaultsport Twingo model.

Megane Renaultsport 250

Given the race-fixing scandal that Renault is in, this might not be a good time to exploit the brand. Or it might. This here’s the new Megane Renaultsport 250.

The car is powered by a turbocharged 2.0L engine that dishes out 247 hp. The name comes from the power’s PS equivalent (250 PS). The engine’s mated to a proper six-speed manual gearbox.

Interested buyers can choose between two settings. The first one’s the Sport for those just looking for some spirited everyday driving. The second one’s the Cup for those want a track-day car.

The car’s complete with aero bits including a rear diffuser, a front blade, spoiler, and a central exhaust pipe. Inside, you get a choice between height-adjustable front seats or Recaros.

To round up the package, you get to put your hands on an adjustable Renaultsport steering wheel and step on aluminum pads.

The dash even features a Renaultsport monitor that shows you engine performance, shift warning, and 0-60 mph times among other track-specific data.

Source: Inside Line

New Renault Electric Concept Car Headed for Frankfurt Show

Renault will be unveiling a new signature electric concept car at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September, part of a trio of electric cars that will debut at the show. The new concept car is said to be an entirely new model that is slated to launch in 2012.

The details on the new electric car are scarce, but Renault did confirm that the car will be a 5-door hatchback that will measure 4 meters long. Some say that Renault based the new model on the Renault-Nissan Alliance B platform. Nissan is also expected to make an electric car on that platform, slated to debut before the year ends at the Tokyo Motor Show.

“We want a real signature for our electric range,” says Christian Steyer, the Renault C-Segment development head. “So when people see one in the street they will know it is a Renault electric car… The key is to do this without frightening customers away. Customers must be tempted, and not rushed too fast.”

The new electric concept car will be showcased side-by-side with two other production-ready electric vehicles, electric variants of the Kangoo and the Megane saloon.