Renault has strengthened its involvement in rally with the unveiling of the Clio Renaultsport R3T.
Designed to open up new horizons for the drivers, the Clio Renaultsport R3T features an "adapted" version of the turbocharged 1618cc engine which has been specifically tuned for racing duties. It will be mated to a Sadev six-speed sequential transmission that can be operated via optional steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.
In offering its customers a cohesive and reliable package, the French carmaker relies on renowned suppliers such as Sachs for shock absorbers, PFC for brakes and Cosworth for electronics.
"With the Clio Renaultsport R3T, our aim has been to come up with a high-performance, reliable vehicle adaptable to every type of surface, all for an operating cost below that of the product it replaces," said Renault Sport Technologies Motorsports Director Arnaud Boulanger. "The success enjoyed by the first generation of Clio Renaultsport R3s has bolstered our belief that this formula is especially well suited to meet the requirements of our customers. This class has given Renaultsport the opportunity to find its feet and to excel in a number of markets, several of them outside Europe, with our cars now present in Asia and the Pacific, Latin America and Oceania."
He added: "Initial tests have been promising and a lengthy development campaign has been scheduled in the lead-up to the kit’s approval. Put through its paces by several drivers, the Clio Renaultsport R3T will be tested for more than ten weeks on dirt and tarmac with a view to identifying the best options."
The Clio Renaultsport R3T is expected to receive approval early in the second half of 2014.
