New Clio IV RS Spy Photos from the Nurburgring

autoevolutions team of spy photographers have managed to once again scoop up photos of the all-new generation of Clio RS hot supermini as it was going round the Nurburgring. The car is entering the final stages of development and should be ready for launch next year, putting a huge dent in the hot hatch market.

Differentiating the new Renaultsport model from the standard Renault Clio IV is a new front bumper with big lower air intakes and F1-inspired splitter, wider wheelarches, a lower ride height, bigger wheels and a diffuser with integrated exhausts.

The fourth generation Clio RS will be a completely different car to the one it replaces. It will be much more upmarket inside, with better finish and a large display in the center console.

The Renaultsport division has gone all eco on us and fitted a 1.6 turbo under the bonnet instead of the 200 hp 2.0-liter. This will probably result in horsepower figures between 200 and 210 hp, but also improved torque to about 270 Nm.

Also new will be the first six-speed dual-clutch gearbox offered on the Clio RS. Given the fact that the Clio IV has shed about 100 kg over its predecessors, it’s not unreasonable to believe the RS will do 0 to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds.

To sum all this us, they’ve made it more refined, economical, powerful, beautiful an probably expensive. It’s a sink or swim moment for Renaultsport!

❐ Check out the 2013 Renault Clio RS Spyshots photo gallery