9/16/2012

New Clio RS 200 EDC

Only yesterday, we brought you pictures of the new Clio RenaultSport (RS) Mk4 without a single trace of camouflage, but our scoop photographers were fortunate enough to spot a second undisguised prototype, this one finished in a more revealing white instead of black exterior shade.
But that's not the only reason we're writing this post as fresh information landed into our hands earlier today.
What we learned is that the "New Clio RS 200 EDC" will definitely make its first public appearance at this month's Paris Motor Show. If you noticed, we mentioned the name of the car in quotes. This is because that's how the performance version of the new Clio was described to CarScoop.
What this name means is that the hot hatch will have "200PS" or 197hp and that the it will be offered (either standard or optional, we don't know yet) with Renault's EDC or Efficient Dual Clutch transmission.
The EDC works much in the same way as the Volkswagen Group's DSG gearboxes, with one clutch for odd-numbered ratios and one for evens (see video below).
While this was not confirmed to us, the new Clio RS is believed to be equipped with a new 1.6-liter turbocharged four-pot instead of the older model's high-revving, 197hp (200PS) 2.0-liter natural aspirated petrol engine, driving the front wheels.
The new Clip RS 200 will go on sale in Europe early next year.