New Clio Cup: the small sports car that packs a big punch CLIO CUP 06/2006 Press information for immediate publication New Clio Cup: efficient, fun to drive and cost-effective. Whilst developing New Clio Renault Sport, Renault Sport Technologies engineers designed a car that was to be exclusively used for track racing: New Clio Cup. Faithfully derived from the production version and designed for single-brand track racing formulas, this version of New Clio is efficient, fun to drive and cost-effective. At just 29,000, New Clio Cup offers an unrivalled price-to-performance ratio in the compact sports hatchback market.
Transcript
New Clio Cup:the small sports car that packs a big punch
CL
IO C
UP
0 6 / 2 0 0 6P r e s s i n f o r m a t i o n fo r i m m e d i a t e p u b l i c a t i o n
New Clio Cup: efficient, fun to drive and cost-effective.
Whilst developing New Clio Renault Sport, Renault SportTechnologies engineers designed a car that was to be exclusivelyused for track racing: New Clio Cup. Faithfully derived from theproduction version and designed for single-brand track racing formulas, this version of New Clio is efficient, fun to drive and cost-effective. At just €29,000, New Clio Cup offers an unrivalled price-to-performance ratio in the compact sports hatchback market.
2New Clio Cup takes advantage of the inherent qualities of New Clio Renault Sport.
With over 650 units sold since 2001, Clio Cup is theonly entry-level sports hatchback to have been metwith worldwide acclaim. Praised for its performancesand reliability, as well as for being great fun to drive,it now gives way to its successor, based on the NewClio.The designers of New Clio Cup have sought to retainthe inherent qualities of Clio Cup while incorporatingthe modern technologies available on New ClioRenault Sport.The extensive use of production components meansthat Renault Sport Technologies is able to offer amotorsport model at an unrivalled price-to-perfor-mance ratio. The bodywork, engine, suspension system, power-assisted steering and brakes havetherefore all been taken from the production modeland simply adapted for the motorsport version.Sitting there on its Speedline 17-inch wheels fittedwith specifically-designed Michelin tyres, New ClioCup’s raison d’être is obvious for all to see: it is a bornracer! The rear spoiler and roof-mounted air intakeadd even more stature to the distinguished and mus-cular design of New Clio Renault Sport.The driver compartment has been completely strippeddown and bears little resemblance to the productionmodel. Its focus is driver safety and comfort, and isfitted with an FIA homologated roll cage, HANS®
system compatible bucket seat and harness, steeringwheel-mounted gearshift and digital dashboard dis-play with a data acquisition system.
When it comes to mechanics, the work carried out onthe car’s ground link technology ensures that NewClio Cup is fun to drive, meaning that it handles neu-trally when entering a bend and tending to oversteerslightly when exiting. In order to give the driver thebest possible feel of chassis response, a lot of workhas gone into stiffening the structure (ball-joint con-nections, reinforced engine subframe, rigid engineand gearbox mountings), work which has been vali-dated by more than 10,000km of testing.The normally-aspirated 2.0-litre 16V engine (F4R RS)comes with its own electronic management systemand a specific air box, as well as a revised exhaustsystem which takes maximum power to a hefty205bhp (151kw) at 7,300rpm (+5bhp) and the maximum torque to 223Nm at 5,550rpm (+8Nm).The four cylinder engine is combined with a specifi-cally-designed six-speed sequential gearbox.In order to guarantee fairness between competitors,the engine, shock absorbers, gearbox and ECU are allsealed. By prohibiting any work from being carried outon these parts, Renault Sport Technologies alsoensures that season costs are kept to a minimum.New Clio Cup will be making its track debut in 2006in three national championships in Germany, Spainand Italy. In 2007, it will fully take over from Clio Cupon all other markets.
3
CL
IO C
UP
Although the R8 Gordini was initially successful inrallying (three Tour de Corse wins between 1964 and1966 with Vinatier, Orsini and Piot), it was on thetrack that the car acquired its legendary status. Theresult of a partnership between Renault and the mag-azine Moteurs, the first R8 Gordini Cup, organized in1966, revolutionized the world of amateur motor-sport.Forty years later, the basics have not changed:respect of sporting fairness and the determination toprovide racing at a competitive price remain centralto the concerns of Renault Sport Technologies.
With more than 650 units sold between 2001 and2006 – a world record for a sports hatchback – ClioCup has shown that this approach is far from outdat-ed. Used in fourteen championships at the peak ofits career – mostly in Europe, but also in Turkey andMexico – Clio Cup has given hundreds of drivers thechance to take part in motorsport events thanks to itsunrivalled price-to-performance ratio.New Clio Cup is the tenth model in a highly suc-cessful series of sports hatchbacks. Attentive as everto its customers’ views, Renault Sport Technologiestook the expectations of teams and drivers involved
From R8 Gordini to New Clio CupForty years ago, Renault invented the concept of promotional “circuit” formulaswith the R8 Gordini Cup. This uninterrupted presence on race tracks around theworld now provides Renault with an unrivalled level of expertise in this domain.The global success of Clio Cup is proof of their expertise.
2006: The Clio Cup’s final season.
1966: The start of the R8 Gordini Cup.
4
Period Car Weight-to-power ratio (kg/bhp)
1966-1969 R8 Gordini 8.6
1970-1974 R12 Gordini 7.9
1975-1976 R5 LS/TS Kit 9.1
1977-1981 R5 Alpine 9.1
1982-1984 R5 Alpine Turbo 7.7
1985-1990 Supercinq GT Turbo 6.5
1991-1996 Clio 16S 5.5
1997-2000 Megane Coupé 5.4
2001-2006 Clio Cup 5.1
2006 New Clio Cup 5.1
in Renault championships fully into account whendrawing up the specifications for New Clio Cup. NewClio Cup therefore retains the qualities of Clio Cupbut is also equipped with the latest in ground linktechnology, onboard electronics and safety features.The result more than meets expectations. New ClioCup is a small sports car that packs a big punch andlooks certain to set a benchmark in its category!
R5 LS/TS KitR12 Gordini
R8 Gordini
R5 Alpine TurboR5 Alpine
Clio 16SSupercing GT Turbo
Clio CupMegane Coupé
5
CL
IO C
UP
5
Over 10,000km of developmenttesting
In order to guarantee impeccable reliability and per-formance, a total of nine test sessions were held onnine different tracks: Aubevoye, Issoire, Estoril,Montlhéry, Spa-Francorchamps, Alès, Mas du Clos,Ladoux and Guadix.These tracks were selected in virtue of their specif-ic characteristics. Thermal dimensioning was there-fore validated in the heat of Estoril. Vibration testingwas conducted on the track at Montlhéry. At Ladoux,Michelin’s test track, the team was able to developthe car’s rain tyres on wet tracks. The highly-demanding Spa-Francorchamps track was used tovalidate the design of the powertrain.
Two endurance sessions were held on the tracks atMas du Clos and Guadix. The drivers took turnsbehind the wheel throughout the day and night, covering more than 3,000 kilometres in the process!Keen to offer a vehicle suited to all driving styles,Renault Sport Technologies called upon the servicesof eleven drivers from different backgrounds duringthe sessions:Laurent Hurgon (also a New Clio Renault Sportdevelopment driver), Julien Piguet, StéphaneOrtelli, Lucas Lasserre, Frédéric Gabillon, RenaudKuppens, Grégory Fargier, Jonathan Cochet, JérômePolicand, Yann Clairay and Patrick Pilet.
Designed at the same time as New Clio Renault Sport, New Clio Cup benefits fromthe expertise and know-how of engineers from Renault Sport Technologies’ pro-duction and motorsport design offices. Developed in record time, New Clio Cupwent through more than 10,800km of track testing to ensure that it will be easyfor teams to run on all its intended markets.
9 tracks, 11 drivers and 10,800km of testing!
6
7
CL
IO C
UP
Chapter 1 Built for the track 8
• The spirit of New Clio Renault Sport
• F1-derived aerodynamics
• An interior worthy of a big race car
Chapter 2 Ground link technology: efficiency and driving pleasure 10
• Independent steering-axis front suspension system
• Rear suspension system: the perfect foil for the front suspension!
• A first: electric power-assisted steering
• Brakes: even and efficient, as standard!
• Specifically-developed Michelin tyres
Chapter 3 A production engine combined with a specific gearbox 12
• Performance and reliability from the normally-aspirated 2.0-litre 16V
• A bodyshell reinforced by an FIA-homologated roll cage
• An interior worthy of a GT
• Part marking to fight counterfeiting
Chapter 6 Sporting fairness and cost control 18
• Extensive use of production components
• Preparation is forbidden: fairness is guaranteed!
• Reliable and durable tyres
• Prices
Chapter 7 Technical data 19
8
The spirit of New Clio Renault Sport
New Clio Renault Sport appears to have the perfectprofile for track racing, with its wider front and rearwings, heavily perforated front bumper, and its frontwing-mounted air extractors and rear diffuser. In comparison to New Clio Renault Sport, New ClioCup has been given three features that are specifi-cally adapted to motor racing:• A rear spoiler which provides additional downforceto that generated by the rear diffuser. • A roof-mounted air intake, designed to ventilatethe driver compartment. • 17-inch wheels designed by Speedline, which areidentical to those used on Clio Renault SportConcept. New Clio Cup has been given an even more aggres-sive look thanks to its lowered stance and decal kit.Each competitor will be able to coordinate thecolour of his/her car with the kit’s stickers. The pos-sibilities are almost endless, but the decal kit willensure that there is a consistent visual identitythroughout the field.
Chapter 1
Built for the trackThe distinguished and muscular design of New Clio Renault Sport has beenenhanced on New Clio Cup with the addition of a few specific motorsport fea-tures. Judging by the interior, there is no room for doubt: New Clio Cup is atrue racing thoroughbred!
The perfect profile for track racing.
The driver compartment is ventilatedby the roof-mounted air intake.
The rear spoiler adds to the effectof the diffuser.
9
CL
IO C
UP
Air extractors evacuate hot air from the engine.
The diffuser is a major innovation in this category.
A stripped-down, ergonomic driver compartment.
F1-derived aerodynamicsNew Clio Cup adopts the aerodynamic features firstseen on New Clio Renault Sport. Very closely relat-ed to those used in Formula 1, the rear diffuser andthe front wing-mounted air extractors contribute tothe stability of the car at high speeds. New Clio Cupis the first entry-level sports hatchback to featuresuch a sophisticated aerodynamics setup.
The rear spoiler-mounted air diffuser is designed toreduce any lift that is naturally generated by thecar’s profile without adversely affecting the finerpoints of the aerodynamic setup.By channelling airflow beneath the car, the diffuseraccelerates and expels the air, creating a zone of lowpressure, which "sucks" the car to the ground. Thetwin exhaust outlets fit perfectly into the diffuserwithout hindering its performance in any way.The addition of a rear spoiler is designed to adaptthe aerodynamics to the specific conditions involvedin track racing.Finally, the front wing-mounted air extractors alsohelp to evacuate hot air from under the engine com-partment. They eliminate unwanted turbulence anddirect airflow along the sides of the car, which alsohelps to improve the car’s stability at high speeds.
An interior worthy of a big race car
The New Clio Cup interior features a level of finishand equipment that set a new benchmark in itscategory. Designed specifically by Sabelt, officialpartner of Renault Sport Technologies for the NewClio Cup project, the bucket seat with built-in headrestraint and six-point safety harness are compatiblewith the HANS® system. In order to optimise thedriving position, the height of the steering wheelmay be adjusted.
Located right next to the steering wheel, thegearshift allows you to change gears while keepingboth hands on the wheel. On the right, a specifical-ly designed console allows you to easily enable allthe controls, including the starter, the lights, thewindscreen wipers, the fire extinguisher and the pitlane speed limiter.The dashboard is fitted with a colour flat panel TFTscreen from Magneti-Marelli. It displays all theinformation the driver and team are likely to need.
New Clio Renault Sport’s rigourous, balanced and sporty chassis provided a solidbase on which to develop an efficient, easy and fun-to-drive motorsport versionwith changes to only a bare minimum of mechanicalparts. New Clio Cup is thus the first Renault sports carto adopt an electric power-assisted steering system.
10
Chapter 2
Ground link technology:efficiency and driving pleasure
Independent steering-axis frontsuspension systemNew Clio Cup retains the independent steering-axisfront suspension system featured on New ClioRenault Sport. This system helps to reduce the hor-izontal force generated by engine torque underacceleration. The front suspension steering axis iscompletely independent of the damper system,unlike a McPherson-like suspension system wherethe steering axis is attached to the lower arm ball-joint.The only parts that have been specifically designedfor New Clio Cup are the struts, the shock absorbers,the springs and the bracket connecting the lowerarm, the pivot and the pivot holder.
The shock absorbers cannot be adjusted and aresealed on delivery to prevent teams from carryingout any preparation. The springs, set to a stiffnessof 75N/mm, provide a good level of driver comfortwithout reducing the performance of the front sus-pension. When shifting weight from one side of thecar to the other, New Clio Cup responds with a grad-ual increase in oversteer, generating a “turn-in”effect on the entry to bends.Taken from Renault’s range of components, the22mm anti-roll bar has a slightly increased diame-ter in comparison to the production model in orderto limit understeer and allow the tyres to do theirwork.
The double axis strutfront suspension andreinforced enginesubframe.
In order to adapt the rigidity of the front suspensionto motorsport requirements, the engine subframehas been reinforced by an aluminium crossmember.It has also been raised by 5mm in order to achievestreamlined kinematic response for improved on-track handling. The subframe is rigidly attached tothe body and the front suspension links have beenstiffened and use a ball-joint system.
Competitors may make adjustments to three of thefront suspension settings:• Body height, by altering the pre-load of the sus-pension springs. • Camber, by using the shock absorbers’ upperattachment yokes.• Wheel alignment, by using the steering tie-rods.
Rear suspension system: the perfectfoil for the front suspension!
The production model’s programmeddeflection, torsion beam rear suspension hasbeen maintained. As with the front suspension,ball-joint links are used to ensure greater rigidityand improve stability under hard braking.The shock absorbers and springs (130N/mm) havebeen specifically designed for New Clio Cup.The wheel alignment and camber settings can beadjusted using riser shims.
Links between the subframe and the bodyhave been stiffened.
A first: electric power-assisted steeringNew Clio Cup is the first Renault sports car to adoptan electric power-assisted steering system. In com-parison to New Clio Renault Sport, the only modifi-cation relates to the mapping of the ECU. The cho-sen setup provides power-steering that is suitable foruse in both wet and dry track conditions. Steeringlock response has been improved by raising thesteering rack by 5mm.
Brakes: even and efficient, as standard!
With the exception of the brake pads, the brakingsystem is identical to that used on New Clio RenaultSport. The development drivers emphasized theconsistency and efficiency of the brakes, irrespec-tive of the track and weather conditions.The front brakes use 312mm oversize ventilateddiscs, with Brembo four-piston calipers. At the rear,the brakes use 300mm solid discs. Brake distribu-tion can be adjusted using a limiter, which actsupon the rear braking system. The limiter may beeasily adjusted on the specific page of the digital dashboard display.
Specifically-developed Michelin tyres
As with all Renault Sport sports models, the 20/62-17 tyres have been specifically designed byMichelin: S9B for dry tracks and P2C for wet tracks.The 8x17’’ alloy wheels have been designed bySpeedline, one of Renault Sport Technologies’ part-ners on the New Clio Cup project.
The rear suspensionnow use a ball-jointsystem.
12
Chapter 3
A production engine combinedwith a specific gearbox
Performance and reliability from thenormally-aspirated 2.0-litre 16V
New Clio Cup takes the best of the innovations madeto the four cylinder 2.0-litre 16V (F4R RS) enginefitted to New Clio Renault Sport:• Optimization of the length and cross-section of the intake ducts to increase volumetric efficiency togreater than 1.
• Work has been done on the aerodynamics of thevalve seats and the camshaft design (continuouslyvariable offset on intake) to optimise exhaust gasflow and fill rate.• The shapes of the combustion chamber and pistonhave been modified to provide a compression ratioof 11.5:1.
The performance of the New Clio Renault Sport’s 2.0-litre 16V engine means a minimum of modifications have been necessary to produce the motorsportversion. This guarantees reliability and controlled costs. The six-speed sequen-tial gearbox has however specifically designed to meet the demands ofmotorsport competition.
Under the bonnet, the large Clio V6 air box supplies air to the 2.0-litre 16V engine.
CL
IO C
UP
13
The engine used on New Clio Cup has not beenmodified internally in any way from the one on theproduction version. It is sealed at four separatepoints before being fitted to the car.Under the bonnet of New Clio Cup, the most visiblemodifications are:• The air box, taken from Clio V6.• The mechanical throttle valve unit which replacesthe motorized model used on the production version.• The specifically-designed rigid engine and gearboxmountings.The exhaust system has also been revised. The ‘3Y'exhaust manifold has been retained, but the intakecatalytic converter has been removed leaving onlythe main catalytic converter in place. The dualabsorption silencer emits a pleasant engine note.New Clio Cup can however, at no extra cost, be fit-ted with the optional production silencer limitingengine noise to 85dB.Combined with the optimized electronic enginemanagement, these modifications yield anincreased power output of 151kW (205bhp) at7,300rpm and torque of 223Nm at 5,550rpm.In addition to the track testing, an endurance benchtest programme was also used to simulate 100 hoursof racing at Spa-Francorchamps and Monza, reput-ed to be two of the most demanding circuits in theworld.
A six-speed sequential gearbox
The six-speed sequential gearbox has been specifi-cally designed for the motorsport version. It is fittedwith a self-locking differential system with clutchdiscs and ramp pressure plates.Positioned right next to the steering wheel, the smallgear lever enables very quick shifting, especially asan engine cut-out switch on the gearbox meansthere is no need to lift off the accelerator whilemoving up through the gears. Relatively short gearratios have been used to maximize responsivenessunder acceleration rather than raise the maximumspeed.The hydraulically-controlled clutch mechanism isthe same as on the production version. The clutchdisc has been specifically designed (four dampenedplates).The drivetrain has also been specifically designe-dand sized to withstand the torque surges generatedon slick tyres.
The six-speed sequential gearbox wasspecifically designed for Clio Cup.
14
Chapter 4
Latest generationonboard electronics
A single engine and gearbox manage-ment unitFollowing on from their joint work on the develop-ment of Mégane Trophy and the Formula Renault3.5, Renault Sport Technologies and Magneti-Marelli are continuing to work together on New ClioCup. Engine and gearbox management, along withthe data acquisition system, have therefore all beenbuilt in to a single ECU. This unit is sealed to pre-vent any modification.
A high-end drive station
The dashboard is fitted with a 24:9 format flat panelTFT screen. Ergonomic and user-friendly, it displaystwo pages to be used by the driver while out on thetrack and five pages for team use, once the car isback in the pits.The “driver” pages display the engine revs, gear, carspeed, water temperature, oil pressure and lap time.The “team” pages display the engine and gearboxparameters, electrical diagnostics and the brake dis-tribution settings.Above the screen, six LEDs light up between 6,350and 7,400rpm to help the driver decide when tochange gear. Two further LEDs light up to signal analarm and an explanatory message is displayed onthe dashboard.
A key ingredient in modern motorsport, onboard electronics have come a long waysince they were first introduced. The innovations seen on New Clio Cup are theresult of a partnership between Renault Sport Technologies and Magneti Marelliand are based on those developed for the Formula Renault 3.5. New Clio Cup is equipped with a data acquisition system as standard, a first onan entry-level sports hatchback.
A single unit handles all engine and gearbox management,as well as data acquisition.
CL
IO C
UP
15
Various switches are organized according to theirfunction on a console located to the right of the driver: circuit breaker, starter, headlights, rain light,windscreen wipers, fire extinguisher, etc. In addi-tion, New Clio Cup is fitted with a pit lane speedlimiter.The battery master switch, derived from the one fit-ted on the Formula Renault 3.5 and located on thecentral transmission tunnel, is completely electronicand incorporates almost all critical fuses and relays.In the event of a short-circuit it cuts off the powersupply, reinitializing all circuits.
Wintax 3 is used to analyse acquired data.
All the switches are located on the console.
Data acquisition system as standard!New Clio Cup comes with two software applicationsto make things easy for both teams and drivers. Nowcommon in top-level motorsport, data acquisition isbeing taken to the masses by New Clio Cup, which isfitted with such a system as standard!Wintax 3 is used to analyse the data collected. Witha storage capacity of 16MB, the system can recordaround fifty parameters, including engine revs, gearselected, steering wheel angle, speed, etc. over aperiod of 62 minutes. An optional kit containing extra sensors enables theteam to view the track on the PC screen, display thelap time on the dashboard, measure brake pressure,etc.Vision 4 relays information from the vehicle sensorsin real time. In the event of a problem, all parame-ters can be checked immediately, making diagnosiseasier than ever before.
Nouvelle Clio Renault Sport reçoit le The bucket seat and harness are HANS®
system-compatible.
16
Chapter 5
Driving pleasure in total safety
A bodyshell reinforced by anFIA-homologated roll cageIdentical to that of New Clio, the New Clio Cupbodyshell is reinforced by a bolted roll cagedesigned to comply with the standards of the FIASuper 2000 regulations. The decision to include a bolted roll cage meansthat the body-roll cage assembly does not need to bereplaced every time the car is involved in a crash.The roll cage has been officially approved by theFIA, having easily exceeded the current standards.
An interior worthy of a GT
Designed specifically for New Clio Cup by Sabelt,official partner of Renault Sport Technologies, thebucket seat with built-in head restraint and six-pointsafety harness are compatible with the HANS® system.The steering wheel, the steering wheel hub and theseat mountings are also supplied by Sabelt and havebeen specifically designed for New Clio Cup. In addi-tion, the driver is protected by a window safety net.
New Clio Cup benefits from Renault’s acclaimed expertise in the field of safety.By offering equipment usually only found on high-end sports cars, New Clio Cupsets a new benchmark in its category.
The body is reinforced by an FIA-homologated roll cage.
CL
IO C
UP
17
Part marking to fight counterfeitingAll specifically-designed New Clio Cup parts, aswell as structural components taken from NewClio Renault Sport, are marked in order to avoidthe use of counterfeit components which maycompromise driver safety. Parts are marked usingeither holograms or laser engravings.
The extinguisher system can be triggered usingthree electrical controls located at the base of thewindscreen, on the dashboard and on the unit locat-ed to the right of the driver. Three jets are located inthe interior and engine compartment (intake andexhaust manifold).New Clio Cup can be supplied with a wider driver’sseat and/or a passenger bucket seat as optionalextras.
Electrically-controlled, automatic fire extinguisher.
Holograms are used to guarantee that New Clio Cup parts are genuine.
18
Chapter 6
Sporting fairness and cost control
Extensive use of production componentsBoth designed at the Renault Sport Technologiesdesign office, New Clio Renault Sport and New ClioCup share more than 60% of their parts. Bodyshell, bodywork, engine, brakes and runninggear components - New Clio Cup’s main compo-nents have all been taken from the productionmodel. New Clio Renault Sport’s natural qualitieshave meant that these components could be usedwithout any loss in performance. The use of fewerspecifically-designed parts ensures controlled season costs, as prices are kept down and servicingis needed less frequently.
Preparation is forbidden: fairness is guaranteed!By prohibiting any work from being carried out on mechanical components, Renault SportTechnologies ensures maximum sporting fairnessbetween the competing teams. Sealed at fourpoints, the production engine can only be servicedby an approved engine partner. The same goes forthe shock absorbers and ECU, which cannot bemodified in any way.
Reliable and durable tyres
With tyres accounting for a large proportion of run-ning costs, Michelin has designed a reliable anddurable tyre that is available at a competitive price.Slick and wet tyres are available for €200 each,excl. tax.
Optional extras prices (excl. tax)
Production silencer Free
Heated windscreen €400
“Wide” bucket seat €55
Passenger bucket seat €990
Optional data acquisition kit €1,080
All championships organized by Renault Sport Technologies are based on the samephilosophy: guarantee sporting fairness whilst limiting running costs. Thanks to theextensive use of production components, (sealed, where appropriate) New Clio Cupmeets both of these requirements.
New Clio Cup is available at a price of €29,000 excl. tax. Assembled in themotorsport workshop at the Renault Alpine plant in Dieppe, it is supplied in race-ready condition.
