Renault Unveils 275 HP Clio RS 16 Concept To Celebrate its Return to F1

So, to celebrate two significant events for the diamond brand in one, RenaultSport took the Clio RS hot hatch and fitted with its most powerful production engine inside, the 2.0-liter turbo unit from the Megane RS 275 Trophy-R, complete with a six-speed manual transmission. The project was known as the Clio RS KZ 01, as rumors have previously announced.

The engine did not come alone, as Renault also borrowed the Akrapovic twin exhaust system from the same model. The front braking system was also adopted from the Megane RS 275 Trophy-R, as well as the front axle with the independent pivot arm. The rear axle came from the Clio R3T Rally Car.

The project vehicle was painted in the livery of the RS 16 F1 car, while the body was widened by 60 mm (2,3 inches), and optimized with sportier stance.

RenaultSport engineers have also altered the suspension of the Clio RS to adjust it to the new engine’s weight and capabilities. The modification process did not end here, as the vehicle received 19-inch wheels, as well as an enhanced cooling system. The front bumper received a set of LED lights instead of the fog lamps, and they show a chequered pattern.

Meanwhile, other elements of the body were painted in gloss black to provide a nice contrast to the livery of the Renault Sport Formula One Team’s RS 16 F1 single-seater car. RenaultSport designed and built this vehicle in record time, as all the modifications seen in the photo gallery and described above were performed in just five months.

Renault has not announced any production plans for this model in the form you see it today. However, the French company has arranged for it to be driven on the streets of Monaco, ahead of the 2016 Formula 1 Grand Prix. The concept will also make an official appearance at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.