Road tests

Renault Clio RenaultSport R.S.16 2016 review - pictures

by: Auto Express team

11 Jul 2016

New track focused Clio Renaultsport R.S.16 offers 271bhp
Officially it is only a concept but Auto Express got behind the wheel to give it a try at France’s Circuit des Ecuyers 
Engine and gearbox is borrowed from the Megane RS
Huge rear wing and gold livery make the R.S.16 stand out
The R.S.16 darts between corners with real agility
Low down driving position is perfect on the track
Suspension and brakes have been uprated
Straight line performance is stronger than the Megane RS
The R.S.16 gains no extra weight over the standard Clio RS
Power-to-weight ratio stands at 221bhp per tonne compared with the 164bhp per tonne of the standard Clio RS
Engine sounds more like a jet engine than a four-cylinder turbo
No rear seats are fitted in this concept but Renault bosses hinted the R.S.16 could become a four-seater should it reach production
The R.S.16 aims to be fastest Renaultsport model ever
Interior is mostly standard Clio RS with the seats and harnesses from the Megane Trophy-R
Renault's R-LINK touchscreen Infotainment system has been kept
‘RS Drive’ button allows you to select between driving modes
Racing seats and harnesses sit prominently up front
Owing to the lack of rear seats luggage capacity is significantly increased from the standard car