Renault Blog
Renault chops UK lineup in halfFiled under: Renault, UK 
Renault has a wide array of products in its portfolio. In its home market it offers a baker's dozen model lines, and when you get down to bodystyles the range ratchets up past 20.
While we don't get any of them in North America, the United Kingdom remains a vital market for the French automaker. But British buyers haven't been buying Renaults as much as they used to, prompting a drastic shift in strategy. As a result, Renault is cutting the Modus, Kangoo, Wind, Laguna, Espace and the entire Gordini line from its UK lineup, .
So what does that leave for UK shoppers? The Twingo, Clio, Megane, Grand Scenic and Traffic. Renaultsport models remain on offer, through the Twingo RS is now available in only one version. Those will soon be joined by the Fluence ZE and Twizy, as well as the Dacia range. Regardless, this represents a drastic cut in a vital market for one of Europe's largest automakers. Details in the press release after the jump.Continue reading Renault chops UK lineup in half Renault chops UK lineup in half originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Feb 2012 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsAlain Prost wins ice-racing series in Dacia Lodgy Glace MPVFiled under: Motorsports, Minivan/Van, Europe, Renault, Racing 
A minivan is not what you'd expect to see winning a racing series. Nor would a budget brand like Dacia. That's where Alain Prost comes into the picture.
The four-time Formula One World Champion isn't quite retired: he's still competing in the Andros Trophy, a French ice-racing series. After hoisting the trophy twice in a row with a snow-spec Toyota Auris rally machine, Prost switched over to Dacia, for which he has now claimed his third personal title and the first for Renault's Romanian budget brand.
The title fight came down to the last race in Auvergne, France, where the natural snow and best efforts of race organizers could not separate Prost (or his son Nicolas) from the bare tarmac. The vehicle with which he did it was a new racer (loosely) based on the new Lodgy, an MPV that doesn't make its production debut until theupcoming Geneva Motor Show.
Check out the high-res photos in the gallery for a closer look and follow the jump for the full press release.Continue reading Alain Prost wins ice-racing series in Dacia Lodgy Glace MPV Alain Prost wins ice-racing series in Dacia Lodgy Glace MPV originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Feb 2012 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsRenault planning 50th anniversary Alpine tribute concept for ParisFiled under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Renault, Rumormill 
Love it or hate it, the automotive industry of today is not lacking for its exercises in reviving old nameplates. The trend ranges from Mini to Maybach, from Dodge Dart to Dodge Challenger. And the French are certainly not immune. Citroën revived its fabled DS moniker for a range of premium hatchbacks, and Renault - most of all - has been mulling bringing back the Alpine for years now.
Arguably just as central to Renault's performance heritage as the recently revived Gordini line, Alpine made mid-engined sportscars with Renault mechanicals starting in the 1950s and discontinued four decades later. Its most famous model, however, was the A110 (pictured above), which is now celebrating its 50th anniversary. And if a new report from Autocar is accurate, Renault has no intention of letting the occasion slip by unnoticed.
In fact, the French automaker is reportedly planning an Alpine concept car to unveil at the Paris Motor Show next fall. But the question remains whether there's any production potential with such a concept. The French are known for producing some rather intriguing show cars - sportscars in particular - that never seem to get very far from the show stand, from the GTbyCitroën to the Renault DeZir.
Whether Renault can make the business case - without the North American market, at that - to take on the sports car establishment remains to be seen, but having the Nissan product bin to raid certainly couldn't hurt.Renault planning 50th anniversary Alpine tribute concept for Paris originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsRenault launches sleeker Scenic and Grand Scenic minivansFiled under: Minivan/Van, Europe, Misc. Auto Shows, Renault 
There's seldom anything particularly exciting or glamorous about a minivan. But that doesn't mean their producers can't keep trying. Enter the new 2012 Renault Scenic, and its big brother, the Grand Scenic.
Being European MPVs as opposed to American minivans, the Scenic - and even the larger, seven-passenger Grand Scenic - are typically smaller than the big family-haulers we're used to on this side of the Atlantic. But with facelift Renault has just given the line, they're also considerably sleeker-looking than the vehicles we're used to seeing lined up outside the local elementary school.
That much comes down to the new lights and bumpers front and rear, elements that Renault has packaged with an upgraded interior and a raft of new engines and technologies that set the new Scenic range apart from the one it replaces. A pair of low-emission engines - a 115-horsepower, 1.2-liter turbo and 110-hp, 1.5-liter diesel - join a range of powertrains topped by a 140hp 2.0 mated to a CVT and a 160hp diesel paired with a six-speed manual.
The Scenic family is also the first to incorporate Renault's new lane-departure system and hill-start assist, with a special Bose model (similar to the one found in the Koleos) topping the spec sheet. The new Scenic debuts at the Brussels Motor Show this week before hitting showrooms in 40 countries around the world.Renault launches sleeker Scenic and Grand Scenic minivans originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsGhosn rules out Renault returning to U.S.Filed under: China, Nissan, Renault 
Fiat may have returned to the U.S. market, but Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn doesn't plan on seeing the his French marque stage a comeback in the Land of the Free. According to The Detroit News, Renault will instead focus its efforts on introducing the brand to the Chinese market. Ghosn said Renault won't return to the U.S. within the foreseeable future. That's no real surprise given how fiercely competitive the fully mature U.S. market is compared to the explosive growth possibilities in China. According to the report, Chinese car buyers took home 17.3 million vehicles last year. That number is up from just 600,000 in in 1999.
Ghosn made the comments at the Automotive News World Congress, which ran along with the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. The executive also made mention of the fact that Nissan has 65 models as of right now, and all of them are either profitable or on their way to becoming so. That wasn't always the case - In 1999, the company featured 43 models. Only four of those were profitable for the company at the time.Ghosn rules out Renault returning to U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsRenault-Nissan reports annual sales of over 8M in 2011Filed under: Nissan, Earnings/Financials, Renault 
In spite of contraction in Europe and a series of natural disasters in Japan and Thailand that crippled supply, Renault-Nissan - with a tiny bit of help from Russian partner Avotvaz - sold 8.03 million cars in 2011. The record year outdid 2010 sales by 10 percent, with Nissan's sales growing 14% and Renault improving by 4.6 percent.
Breaking the eight-million barrier is likely to mean a little more shuffling at the top of the global sales chart: analysts suggest General Motors will take the top slot with around nine million sales, followed by Volkswagen and its record breaking 8.16 million sales, then Renault-Nissan in third taking the space everyone assumed would belong to Toyota. A tumble from first to fourth would convey just how difficult Toyota's year has been, extricating itself from the recall maelstrom only to get sucked into an earthquake, a tsunami and flooding.
Even with more pain expected from the European quadrant, Ghosn expects 2012 to break the record again.Renault-Nissan reports annual sales of over 8M in 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsRenault makes new Koleos sound sweeter with top-spec Bose editionFiled under: Europe, Crossover, Renault 
Typically, Bose sound systems are found in higher-end automobiles. The Renault Koleos stands as a new exception to that convention, however. Because while the Korean-made crossover is a distinctly more budget-oriented proposition than its costlier counterparts, the top-of-the-line model with the Bose sound system is one of the most popular.
In fact a good 30 percent of previous-generation Koleos buyers opted for the Bose Edition - numbers that Renault couldn't ignore ignore. And so - with the new model now hitting dealers across Europe - the French automaker has rolled out a new Bose Edition.
Naturally, the luxed-up crossover comes with a Bose sound system configured specifically for this vehicle's cabin space. But Renault is also packaging it with extra touches like aluminum-finish mirror caps, tinted rear windows, 17-inch alloys and black lacquer trim inside... and, of course, the requisite badging to let everyone know that the driver has a good ear for finer acoustics.
Buyers can choose between all-wheel drive or front, and between automatic or manual six-speed transmissions, coupled to a 150-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo diesel. Follow the jump for the full specs in the press release.Continue reading Renault makes new Koleos sound sweeter with top-spec Bose edition Renault makes new Koleos sound sweeter with top-spec Bose edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsFifth Gear pits Renault Sport Megane 265 Trophy vs Nissan 370ZFiled under: Performance, Videos, Hatchback, Nissan, Renault 
Fifth Gear host Tiff Needell had such a good time throwing the Renault Sport Megane 265 Trophy around the track that it made him ask a silly question. Could the 261-horsepower, front-wheel drive, four-seat hot hatch lap quicker than the 324-hp, rear-wheel drive, two-seat Nissan 370Z?
This version of the Renault lapped the Nürburgring in 8:07.97, the quickest front-wheel-drive road car on the timing sheet. Even so, 63 hp down and more than 70 pounds heavier by gross weight, one could expect the Megane to have a hard time even keeping up with the Z. But on a wet track and at the hands of Subaru Rally driver and James Bond stunt driver Mark Higgins (he of the epic Isle of Man save), expectations have a way of going sideways.
Follow the jump for the video to find out which one is more fun and which one is quicker.Continue reading Fifth Gear pits Renault Sport Megane 265 Trophy vs Nissan 370Z Fifth Gear pits Renault Sport Megane 265 Trophy vs Nissan 370Z originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Dec 2011 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsRenault gets creative with Twingo art carsFiled under: Concept Cars, Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Renault, Celebrities, Design/Style 
Art cars are becoming de rigeur once again, but while most automakers getting in on the action contract painters of some sort or another to spruce up their products, Renault has gone in a slightly different direction for its latest project.
To celebrate the arrival of its new Twingo hatchback, the French automaker has brought in a musician, a chef, a fashion designer and a product designer to give their take on the Twingo's interior.
Pop singer Nicola Roberts installed a mobile recording studio and a dressing trailer's worth of equipment in hers. Fashion designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac turned his rolling canvas into a stately presidential city car. Designer Nils Holger Moormann made his Twingo into a mobile "reading room." And chef Davide Scabin drew inspiration from pasta in his interpretation.
Intriguing ideas, all, if a tad impractical. But the photos speak for themselves, so check 'em out in our high-res image gallery and follow the jump for the full press release.Continue reading Renault gets creative with Twingo art cars Renault gets creative with Twingo art cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Dec 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsLotus Renault GP calls Grosjean back up to partner RaikkonenFiled under: Motorsports, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Lotus, Renault 
Consistency is paramount in racing, but sometimes a thorough shake-up is called for. And that's what's taking place at the Lotus Renault GP team next season.
Not only is the team formerly known as Toleman, Benetton and Renault changing names once again to Lotus, but it's thoroughly shaking up its driver lineup as well. After the surprising announcement that former world champion Kimi Raikkonen is coming back to fill in for the injured Robert Kubica, the team revealed that it's called Romain Grosjean back up to the plate to take Vitaly Petrov's place.
The Franco-Swiss driver has longstanding ties to the team, having served as an official test driver since 2008. He was summoned to the race seat in 2009 when Nelson Piquet was ousted in the wake of the Crashgate scandal, but failed to score a single championship point in those seven races. Now with the experience of having taken the titles in the GP2 Series, the GP2 Asia Series (twice), and the Formula Three Euroseries, Grosjean is getting another shot at the big leagues.
What will happen with Petrov (or Bruno Senna, for that matter) remains to be seen, but given his talents - and the massive sponsorship dollars he brings from a key developing market - we wouldn't be surprised to see him find another ride for next season. Marussia Virgin Racing: we're looking at you, comrades.Continue reading Lotus Renault GP calls Grosjean back up to partner Raikkonen Lotus Renault GP calls Grosjean back up to partner Raikkonen originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Dec 2011 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsRenault integrating custom tablet into 2012 Zoe and ClioFiled under: Technology, Renault, Infotainment 
We've seen plenty of tablets embedded into concepts and project cars, but Renault looks to be the first major automaker to bring a fully functional and embedded tablet into a production vehicle. And it's doing it in two new cars due to arrive next year.
At the LeWeb consumer electronics show in France, Renault unveiled R-Link, a voice-activated telematics platform that combines entertainment, navigation and social functions into a single, integrated seven-inch touchscreen display.
The tablet - which we assume is removable, so this isn't just a glorified touchscreen - can be controlled through either voice commands, the screen or the steering wheel, and Renault claims that 50 apps will be available when it launches on both the new Clio and Zoe models next year.
Navigation is provided by TomTom and Renault is courting developers to bring even more apps to market. However, the French automaker remains mum on specs and the operating system, both of which could pose a challenge to devs. Hit the jump for the release.Continue reading Renault integrating custom tablet into 2012 Zoe and Clio Renault integrating custom tablet into 2012 Zoe and Clio originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsRenault Laguna Coupé gets modest revisions for 2012Filed under: Coupe, Europe, Renault 
The French have made some nice coupes over the years. The Pininfarina-designed Peugeot 406 may stand out as one fine example, but the Renault Laguna Coupé is no less a looker. Unfortunately the market hasn't agreed - or has, just not to the extent to make it a sales success - leaving Renault struggling to keep the model relevant.
Sources anticipate the next-generation model will represent a substantial re-thinking of the coupe's approach, but in the meantime the French automaker has released a series of updates to the 2012 model to spruce it up.
The subtly updated 2012 Laguna Coupé has been treated to new LED running lights and 17- or 18-inch alloys (depending on specified trim level) and an interior with visible top-stitching on the dashboard. Buyers can choose from the Black Edition, Monaco GP edition, GP 4Control and Initiale trims, and between three gasoline and two diesel engines ranging from 150 to 240 horsepower.
Features like four-wheel steering and regenerative braking round out the package, but whether the latest updates - and the rather Aston Martin-like rear end - will prove enough to lure European buyers into showrooms remains to be seen. Details in the press release after the jump with high-res images in the gallery.Continue reading Renault Laguna Coupé gets modest revisions for 2012 Renault Laguna Coupé gets modest revisions for 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsRenault reveals facelifted 2012 Scénic MPVFiled under: Minivan/Van, Europe, Renault, UK 
The Renault Scénic is king of Europe's compact MPV hill, and changes for the 2012 model arriving in February aim to keep it there. Outside, the range (Scénic and Grand Scénic) gets restyled schnozzes with LED running lights, new taillights, new wheels and two new colors, Azzurro Blue and Damask Red.
The engine range has been expanded with two smaller-capactiy four-cylinder powerplants, one being a 1.2-liter gas engine and the other a 1.5-liter diesel. And if Renault's involvement in Formula One means anything to you, those lumps are said to benefit from F1 tech, notably Stop & Start and brake energy regeneration.
Carryover technology like the TomTom navigation will be supplemented in the 2012 models with Hill Start Assist and Renault's Visio System that bundles a lane-departure warning feature with automatic high beams. You'll find out about the rest of the goodies in the press release after the jump, and every angle of the newer, handsomer Scénic is in the gallery of high-res images.Continue reading Renault reveals facelifted 2012 Scénic MPV Renault reveals facelifted 2012 Scénic MPV originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsKimi Raikkonen returns to F1 with Lotus Renault GPFiled under: Motorsports, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Lotus, Renault 
We expected Kimi Raikkonen to return to Formula 1, but we didn't expect it to be with Lotus. The 2007 world champion, as you may recall, left Ferrari and all of F1 at the end of 2009, competing in the meantime in the World Rally Championship and in NASCAR. Rumors of his potential return to F1 have been circulating ever since, and have now been confirmed by way of a two-year contract with Lotus Renault GP starting next season.
The Finnish driver's return answers a number of questions: For one thing, who would fill injured driver Robert Kubica's seat while he recovers. For another, Kimi was linked to a drive next season with Williams, leaving Rubens Barrichello - the oldest driver on the grid - to potentially continue for at least another season. With Kimi back behind the wheel next year, it should be an interesting season of F1 racing ahead. Follow the jump for the official announcement.Continue reading Kimi Raikkonen returns to F1 with Lotus Renault GP Kimi Raikkonen returns to F1 with Lotus Renault GP originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsRobert Kubica won't be coming back next seasonFiled under: Motorsports, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Lotus, Renault 
You haven't forgotten about Robert Kubica already, now have you? Of course not. Who could, after all, forget the first Formula One driver ever to come out of Poland, and one of the most promising talents in the sport.
Unfortunately, Kubica's career was put on hold earlier this year when he suffered a devastating crash in a pre-season Italian rally that saw a roadside safety barrier impale his Skoda Fabia S2000 and partially sever his forearm. The injury took him out of the F1 season that was about to start, and sent the Lotus Renault GP team looking for a replacement, Nick Heidfeld brought in for the start of the season before being replaced by Bruno Senna.
A general lull in news subsequently fell over Kubica's recovery as he recuperated in private, but the team has now issued a statement that he won't be back in the cockpit for the start of next season. His recovery is apparently going well, just not that well: he's said to be able to move the injured arm, but moving is one thing - the rigors of driving a modern F1 car competitively is quite another. His management and team are discussing an extension of his contract that will expire at the end of next year so that Kubica can come back when he's ready, and are they are keeping the simulators and test cars running for when the time comes.
In the meantime, LRGP will have to choose who will fill Kubica's seat for another season. His Russian teammate, Vitaly Petrov, is confirmed through 2012, but whether the team opts to keep Bruno Senna in the race seat remains to be seen. Renault keeps a large roster of reserve drivers on call - including Romain Grosjean (who raced for the team in 2009 and is the reigning GP2 champion), Chinese up-and-comer Ho-Pin Tung (currently in IndyCars), former Le Mans Series and F3000 series champion Jan Charouz and Malaysian driver Fairuz Fauzy - but could, as with Heidfeld, bring in an experienced outside driver to fill the void.Continue reading Robert Kubica won't be coming back next season Robert Kubica won't be coming back next season originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Nov 2011 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsFifth Gear drives Europe's hottest hot hatch, the Renaultsport Megane 265 TrophyFiled under: Performance, Videos, Hatchback, Renault, UK 
You know, we can live without the Laguna and the Scenic. We really can. But when it comes down to the hot hatches, well... we kinda wish we could get out driving gloves on some Renault models on this side of the Atlantic. Certain models in specific, like the Megane 265 Trophy.
Renaultsport's top-of-the-line model holds the record for the quickest lap time of any front-driver around the Nürburgring. But while the hardcore R26.R that preceded it was a little rough-and-tumble, the new 265 Trophy is a properly sorted an everyday driver as it is a blistering performer. That's what the crew over at Fifth Gear found when they took the bruiser out for a spin. Follow the jump to watch their review.Continue reading Fifth Gear drives Europe's hottest hot hatch, the Renaultsport Megane 265 Trophy Fifth Gear drives Europe's hottest hot hatch, the Renaultsport Megane 265 Trophy originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Nov 2011 19:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsDacia challenging Andros Trophy with new Lodgy MPV ice racerFiled under: Motorsports, Minivan/Van, Europe, Renault, Racing 
Typically when an automaker makes a new rally car - whether for gravel, sand, snow or ice - it's based on... well, a car. Usually a hatchback, like the Subaru Impreza, Citroën DS3 or Volkswagen Polo. Lately, some have been going a different route with crossover-based rally cars, but Renault's latest is neither hatchback nor sedan nor crossover. It's a minivan.
After contesting the Andros Trophy for two years with a specially-prepared Dacia Duster - which also formed the basis for its Pikes Peak challenger - the French automaker's Romanian budget brand is returning for a third winter season to the French ice racing series with a new beast based on the Lodgy MPV. The production version of the minivan isn't set to be unveiled itself until the Geneva Motor Show in March.
The resulting Lodgy Glace (the latter from the French for "ice") was prepared by independent contractors like Tork Engineering and Sodemo under the watchful eye of Renault Sport Technologies. Its tubular steel frame packs a Nissan-sourced 3.0-liter 24-valve V6 engine mounted amidship and sending 355 horsepower to all four wheels via a SADEV six-speed sequential gearbox.
The season kicks off on December 3 at Val Thorens, where four-time F1 champion Alain Prost and his son Nicolas, together with ice-racing veteran Evens Stievenart, will be taking on all comers. Follow the jump for the full press release and scope out the quarter of high-res images for a closer look at their new ride.Continue reading Dacia challenging Andros Trophy with new Lodgy MPV ice racer Dacia challenging Andros Trophy with new Lodgy MPV ice racer originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Nov 2011 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsLotus, Renault and Virgin F1 teams change names for 2012Filed under: Motorsports, Lotus, Renault 
What's in a name? More than you might think, particularly in Formula One where two teams have been fighting for use of the Lotus moniker for a couple of years now.
The battle, as you may recall, involves two outfits - neither of them directly owned by Lotus. One is based in Malaysia and licensed the name from Lotus' parent company, Proton, before subsequently "acquiring" the name from a third party that laid claim to it. The issue was further complicated when Lotus itself teamed with the Renault F1 team (which also happens to supply engines to the other Lotus team), resulting in two squads called Lotus-Renault.
The two operations have now reached a compromise. The green-and-yellow Malaysian outfit known until now as Team Lotus be named Caterham in 2012 (having bought that company recently), while the Renault team will be cleared to use the Lotus name.
The move further distances Renault from direct involvement with any particular team, stepping back to a more traditional engine-supply role with teams like Lotus, Caterham, Williams and, of course, the world-champion Red Bull Racing team.
The F1 Commission also approved a name change for Virgin Racing, which will drop the name of Richard Branson's company from its official moniker and adopt that of Marussia, the Russian exotic carmaker that bought into the team last year. All three team name changes will require official ratification from the World Motor Sport Council of the FIA, but that's seen as a pro-forma step that isn't expected to derail any plans.Lotus, Renault and Virgin F1 teams change names for 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Nov 2011 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsRenault introduces new Pulse hatchback for IndiaFiled under: Budget, Hatchback, Misc. Auto Shows, Renault, India, Diesel
 While Renault's RS27 engine was powering Sebastian Vettel's RB7 to yet another victory at the inaugural Indian Grand Prix, Renault was also unveiling a new dedicated vehicle for the Indian market.
Called the Pulse, the subcompact hatchback is built upon the same platform as the Nissan Micra at the Renault-Nissan Alliance's assembly plant in Chennai, India. It was also designed at the automaker's design center in Mumbai specifically with the Indian market in mind. Power comes from a 1.5-liter diesel four, also made locally.
Following the introduction of the Fluence sedan and Koleos crossover in India, and with the Dacia Duster and another sedan waiting in the wings, the Pulse is the third of five vehicles planned for introduction this year in India. The order books open at the New Delhi Motor Show in January. Follow the jump for the full press release and take a closer look in the high-res image gallery. Continue reading Renault introduces new Pulse hatchback for India Renault introduces new Pulse hatchback for India originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsRenaultsport calls Clio 200 to the matte with special editionFiled under: Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Renault, UK 
Renault hot hatches are among the most celebrated on the European market, but that doesn't mean they don't have any room for improvement. Enter the latest special edition Clio Renaultsport 200.
Known as the Raider edition in the UK and the "Ange & Démon" in other European markets, the special edition packs the same 200-horsepower four-cylinder engine as the model on which it's based, but comes with some crucial enhancements. One of those is the matte finish - available in either grey or red (the first we've seen since the original Alfa 4C concept). The exterior treatment contrasts nicely with the gloss black finish on the roof, front and rear spoilers, diffuser, mirrors and up-sized 18" alloys from the previous Megane R26.R, coated in the same Bridgestone rubber as the Nürburgring-conquering Megane RS 265 Trophy.
The special Clio also packs the stiffer Cup chassis as standard, red Brembo calipers, leather-trimmed Recaro buckets and more. You can read more about it in the press releases after the jump, but interested customers had better act fast as only 50 examples will be on offer in the UK out of a total run of 666 devilish units.Continue reading Renaultsport calls Clio 200 to the matte with special edition Renaultsport calls Clio 200 to the matte with special edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Oct 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
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