The Renault Clio RS16 Isn't Fast Enough To Bag The FWD Nurburgring Prize
Even before the crazy Clio RS16 concept had its full reveal, people were speculating that a production version would almost certainly be sent to Germany to snatch back the front-wheel drive Nurburgring record for Renault. And we can see why: Renault has a track record of setting amazing willy waving Nurburgring laps, and with a 271bhp Megane RS engine (plus manual ‘box) in such a small package, the RS16 promises to be outrageously quick. However, it won’t be quick enough in the right places, according to Renault Sport boss Patrice Ratti.
Talking to Top Gear, Ratti said: “I’m not sure we’ll be quick enough. The Trophy R [Megane] was still quicker in the corners, but there are long straights at the Nürburgring, where the extra horsepower counts.” The current record holder - the VW Golf Clubsport S - puts out a mighty 306bhp, a healthy 35bhp more than the Clio.
The car may not be put into production either, with Ratti telling TG of all the various cost issues and other hurdles. “It’s working it onto the Dieppe production line alongside the other Clios and the new Alpine, and getting the body panels made by small-scale suppliers,” he said.
For now, we’ll just have to cross our fingers…
Growing up on a diet of World Rally Championship highlights and lengthy Gran Turismo 2 sessions, a life in cars was as good as inevitable for Matt.
Comments
Meanwhile at Honda…
Honda doesn’t hold the record.
Did you mean :Meanwhile at cheaters? ;)
Make that VW…
I guess it’s the perfect compliment to their Formula One car…
Kek <—— This one
Kek
Kek
Kek
OOOOOH U FIN’ SAVAGE :DDD
I can give them credit for admitting that they can’t catch a Honda, since they weren’t targeting to compete with it anyways.
Couldn’t catch a VW*
Why not just put the manual in the Clio then? What is even Renault’s logic here?
On the other hand, Nurburgring FWD records have always been hold by C-class cars (recently).
The Megan and the seat Leon have been fighting for it for a while before the golf took it
As much as I love Renault Sport, VW are just too good :)
When Nürburgring is more important than life.
Honda engineers after reading this be like:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wqgGE1w1LiU
Thats Why I dont like comparing Nurburgring lap times. Cars that handle amazingly but have low power get screwed over because of the long straights.
Nurburgring times…
What a bunch of tosh.