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PACKED WITH INNOVATIONS DEVELOPED FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF DRIVING PLEASURE
As two cars in one, New Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo boasts a package of unprecedented innovations for its segment. For everyday use, in ‘Normal’ mode, it delivers all the qualities expected of a Clio, namely a supple ride, a high level of travelling comfort and low running costs. But switch to the more dynamic ‘Sport’ or ‘Race’ modes, and its unmistakable sporty characteristics become apparent at once.
R.S. DRIVE: ‘A LA CARTE’ PERFORMANCE
Pressing the ‘R.S. Drive’ button modifies the mapping of both the transmission (gear shift programming and shift time) and engine (response to pedal position and engine pitch). It also alters the way the ESC and ASR traction control intervene, as well as the feel of the power steering.
This system is based on a choice of three very different modes (‘Normal’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Race’) which modify New Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo’s performance characteristics as a function of the driver’s wishes, needs or usage. As a result, the latest Clio Renaultsport is truly several cars in one.
The gearshift programming depends on a number of vehicle-related parameters (accelerator pedal position, pressure on the brake pedal, steering wheel angle), as well as on road conditions (slope, available grip, etc.). Gear shift speeds are also dependent on the load demanded by the accelerator pedal.
R.S. Drive modes
‘Normal’
‘Sport’
‘Race’
Engine
Tick-over speed
750rpm
1,005rpm
1,005rpm
Accelerator pedal feel
Comfort
Dynamic
Dynamic
Pedal feel
Progressive
Reduced lag
Reduced lag
Engine pitch
Heightened
Heightened
R.S.: audible shift warning before engine cut-off (in manual EDC mode)
No
Yes (manual mode)
Yes (manual mode)
‘Ambilight’
No
Gradient colour light
Gradient colour light
Transmission
Gear shift programming with ‘Drive’ selected
Eco / Comfort
Sport: appropriate corrections (e.g. anticipates downshifts)
Entirely manual
Gear shift times with ‘Drive’ or ‘Manual’ selected
Progressive
Fast
Very fast (less than 150ms)
Launch Control
No
Yes
Yes
Chassis
Power steering
Soft feel / drive comfort
Firm
Firm
ESC + ASR traction control
Normal / Safety
Sport: sliding accepted
Fully disconnected: no influence
PERFECTLY OPTIMISED STARTS THANKS TO LAUNCH CONTROL
Thanks to Launch Control, New Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo fully automates the management of standing starts when the car is used at a circuit. Smart electronics guarantee the fastest possible getaway, in complete safety. With this function selected, and by optimising all the different parameters involved, New Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo is capable of leaping off the start line far more efficiently than even the most talented driver could ever do.
Extremely simple to use
The Launch Control system is primed by pressing on the brake with the left foot while at the same time pulling on the two gearshift paddles situated behind the steering wheel. The system’s activation is confirmed by a message on the dashboard (“Launch Control On”) and an orange flashing ‘ambilight’ (if function ‘authorised’). When the accelerator is fully depressed with the car at a standstill, the engine revs to 2,500rpm.
‘Sport’ mode: When the brake is released, the system optimises its acceleration while wheel spin is controlled by the ASR traction control. Gears shifts are also optimised.
‘Race’ mode: the ASR traction control is disconnected and gear shifts are entirely manual. This ‘expert’ mode is efficient when grip is optimal, but it is also much more demanding in terms of car control.
In order to protect the mechanicals, the Launch Control system is constantly monitored by the car’s electronics which may temporarily prevent it from triggering.
R-LINK FOR UPGRADED R.S. MONITOR 2.0
R.S. Monitor accentuates its lead with the introduction of a new version 2.0. Now even more attractive and more technically advanced, it stands out as the market’s most comprehensive on board telemetry system for a production road car.
“R.S. Monitor 2.0’s particularly extensive list of functions, including data logging, plus the storage and sharing of data using a USB stick, opens up endless possibilities. Equipped with R-Link, there is nothing on the market to rival it. The scope of the new 2.0 version and the passion that went into the project are typical of Renault Sport’s unique approach.”
Pierre Papin (R.S. Monitor Electronics Architect, Renault Sport Technologies)
Comprehensive and fun
R.S. Monitor 2.0’s customisable display uses dials, histograms and highly visual graphics to provide the following data in real-time:
- Torque, power, water temperature, intake air temperature, turbo pressure, throttle valve aperture, brake pressure, steering wheel angle, engine speed, transmission oil temperature, temperature of EDC clutches, wheel torque, etc.
- Performance data (acceleration times from standstill to 50kph and 100kph; 400m and 1,000m standing start times; 100kph to standstill braking times).
- G Force Diagram: longitudinal and lateral acceleration, with display of maximum recorded values. Screenshots can be saved on a USB stick.
- Wheel spin (expressed as a percentage) of driven wheels.
- Torque and power curves and position of real-time values on the curves.
- Graphic display showing the EDC transmission internals: selected gear, pre-selected gear, clutch temperature.
- Stop watch, either manual or activated automatically by GPS system (track layout uploadable from a USB stick).
- Servicing: provides distances covered by tyres, dampers, brake pads and discs since their fitment.
- Driving tips in text form.
- Car settings:
‘Shift light’: adjusts the timing of gear shift indications.
‘Steering’: forces use of either the ‘Normal’ or ‘Sport’ modes.
- Data logger: R.S. Monitor 2.0 can record all the parameters displayed during a session at a circuit and match them to the corresponding GPS coordinates. This makes it possible to read them on a computer. The car’s position can be displayed on a map (satellite view) along with a dynamic display of all associated driving parameters. Everything can be recorded: an hour’s driving can be stored in a single 3MB file. The results can be viewed using software that will be available to customers at a later date.
Finally, it is possible to prepare track sessions by saving track layouts onto the USB stick. Renaultsport proposes a number of preset circuit layouts, while the users’ community can pool the layouts produced by other users to produce a shared circuit database. During media road tests, visit “in preview”:
http://rsreplay.Renaultsport.frIn 2009, Renaultsport used the display and audio controls of Mégane Renaultsport to propose R.S. Monitor. The first use of ‘telemetry’ for a sports hatch, this fun, easy-to-use system was an instant hit. In 2012, R.S. Monitor was specified on almost 30% of Twingo Renaultsport orders, more than 40% of Clio R.S. orders and more than 50% of Mégane Renaultsport orders.
R.S. SOUND PIPE
Renaultsport was not content to just fine-tune the signature exhaust sound of New Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo. It believes that a performance car should produce a satisfying sound inside the car, so the engine noise is amplified mechanically by a membrane and transmitted via a pipe into the cabin. The system allows occupants to enjoy its vibrant engine note even more intimately.
R-SOUND EFFECT: THE APP WHICH REPRODUCES THE SOUND OF LEGENDARY CARS
Coupled with the R-Link tablet, this fun application reproduces the sound of several high-performance engines and plays them back via the car’s own loud speakers. A choice of seven sounds is available, three of which are specific to New Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo (Alpine A110, R8 Gordini and Nissan GT-R).
A sound-management algorithm takes into account the engine speed, accelerator pedal position and speed to guarantee an astonishingly realistic sound experience. Parameters like volume can be adjusted using the R-Link screen.