Renault Clio is the bold new face of France's diamond brand
Fri, 28 Sep 2012
Once classified as a supermini, the Clio has since grown into a B-segment contender similar to the closely related Nissan Versa. The centerpiece of the new design features a large Renault logo that stands out against a black background in the grille. Like the previous Clio, the new model will be available in both five-door hatchback and estate/station wagon variants, but for now, it doesn't appear a three-door model will make it into the mix.
Make no mistake, the Clio is one of the most important reveals of the entire Paris show. And Renault is treating it as such, with plans to launch it with "no fewer than five" new engines. On top of that, the big Clio hardware news is the addition of stop/start technology and a dual-clutch transmission available on the option list. Renault says that its 90-horsepower 1.5-liter dCi engine will attain fuel consumption figures close to a hybrid-electric vehicle, making it the first car in the B-segment to do so.
On the technology front, the Clio introduces Renault's new R-Link multimedia system that will eventually spread to the rest of the Renault lineup. R-Link not only includes features like TomTom navigation and traffic, but it also allows drivers to operate Coyote Series alerts (a European social-media-like service warning of road hazards) and the R-Link Store to find and use automotive apps.
Be sure to flip through our live photos of the Clio hatchback, and if you have time, Renault's mile-long press release is posted below.
THURSDAY 27TH SEPTEMBER 2012
THE NEW FACE OF RENAULT
Things are changing at Renault and the brand has switched
to the offensive with the launches of New Clio and ZOE:
•Two cars that reveal the new face of Renault...
•Following the unveiling of New Clio, Renault underlines its ambitions as the wraps come off New Clio Estate and New Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo which will join the range in the spring of 2013.
•Renault's renewal also takes the form of unprecedented new powerplants: two Energy engines and two new turbocharged petrol engines incorporating direct fuel injection and mated to EDC transmissions.
•A new display stand for the 2012 Paris Motor Show with a clean-break concept which expresses the brand's spirit of innovation and modernity, but which remains visitor-friendly and in touch with the public.
DESIGN
With New Clio and ZOE, Renault ushers in a new era
of emotional, sensuous and simple design
1. New Clio: the incarnation of Renault's new design identity
2. World premiere of New Clio Estate – equally as elegant
3. World premiere of New Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo – emotion shifts into sport mode
4. ZOE: purity, emotion and simplicity
INNOVATION FOR ALL
New Clio and ZOE see Renault take a fresh approach to the way we drive
1. World premiere: Renault R-Link for New Clio and ZOE
2. New Clio: packed with innovations
3. New Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo: the performance and enjoyment of a sports car every day
4. ZOE: the spearhead of Renault's Z.E. technology and innovation drives
ZE / ENVIRONMENT
New Clio and ZOE see Renault engage on all fronts
to improve the environmental footprint of its vehicles
1. 83 g / km of CO2: New Clio now rivals hybrid vehicles
2. 0 g / km of CO2: ZOE, the first mass-produced zero-emissions (in road use) city car
QUALITY
Renault mobilises its workforce for New Clio and ZOE
1. Top level French design underpins the appeal of our vehicles
2. Flins: applying manufacturing knowledge to the small cars of the future
3. Dieppe: the realm of the exceptional New Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo
4. Cléon takes up the challenge of electric motors
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Paris Motor Show sees Renault deliver concrete evidence of its Design renewal which is being led by Laurens van den Acker.
It is to Renault's new colourful and convivial stand that visitors will get a chance to discover New Clio and ZOE, two models which stand out as emblematic illustrations of Renault's styling renaissance. The brand's presence also expresses the spirit of innovation and modernity that drives it, not to mention values such as conviviality and proximity, which it champions in its everyday dealings with customers. Through their simple, sensuous and warm styling, New Clio and ZOE express emotions that inspire love at first sight and the desire to fall in love with Renault, again in the case of Clio.
New Clio and ZOE are eloquent examples of Renault's undying taste for innovation:
•Renault R-Link: an integrated touchscreen tablet which provides a bridge between the world of motoring and the connected world outside.
•New Clio comes with a comprehensive range of new engines that owe their pedigree to the experience of expert F1 powerplant engineers. Above all, the Paris show marks the reveal of two petrol engines mated to dual-clutch Renault EDC transmission, namely the TCe 120 EDC for high-end versions and the 1.6 Turbo Renaultsport 200 under the bonnet of New Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo.
•The design and development ZOE led to the filing of more than 60 patents, plus six world firsts. As the first Renault vehicle to have been designed from the ground up as an electric car, ZOE benefits extensively from Renault's EV savoir-faire and heralds a new form of noise – and emission – free Zen mobility.
More than ever, Renault continues its quest to reduce the ecological footprint of its vehicles by working on both the electric vehicle front,
With the CO2 emissions-free ZOE (in road use), and the internal combustion engine front with a version of New Clio which – thanks to latest-generation technology – delivers record low CO2 emissions of 83 g / km, a level generally associated with hybrid vehicles. This combines with impressive fuel economy of 88.3 mpg (1). These unprecedented results are essentially due to the energy-efficiency savoir-faire developed by Renault in the role as engine supplier it has played in Formula One for almost 35 years.
Last but not least, the Paris Motor Show marks the culmination of two major projects which have mobilised the company's workforce for several years with a permanent focus on quality.
The men and women at Renault have channelled their passion and knowledge into New Clio and ZOE from their design and manufacture through to their sale and delivery.
DESIGN
With New Clio and ZOE, Renault ushers in a new era of emotional, sensuous and simple design
" Renault is a brand that focuses on human values. In styling terms, this translates into warm and sensuous shapes. Also, because we are a brand with broad appeal, our design needs to be simple. New Clio, which takes its inspiration from DeZir, and ZOE, which features pure lines and electrifying beauty, both embody this new vision and will influence our future models."
Laurens van den Acker
Senior Vice President, Corporate Design
NEW CLIO: THE INCARNATION OF RENAULT'S NEW DESIGN IDENTITY
A new style that's simple, sensuous and warm – to make you fall in love with Renault Clio... again
New Clio is the first production model to give full expression to the Renault design renaissance inspired by Laurens van den Acker. The promise was to take the style and emotion of the brand's concept cars and carry them over to production models. New Clio fulfils that pledge. The Renault logo, now more vertical and set proudly against a black background, stands out as a symbol of this renaissance.
"Simple, sensuous and warm: these are the three words that sum up the design of Clio – just like that of DeZir. This is no accident, for both these vehicles were designed by the same team. As a five-door hatchback with the coupé profile of a three-door, New Clio is all about passion. And thanks to the skills of our engineering teams, it has remained faithful to our original vision"
Antony Villain, Director, Exterior Design Studio
Smoothly flowing and free from hard edges, New Clio's design is all about volumes. Renault's designers have paid close attention to achieving balanced proportions. It is a low-slung car (height: 1,448 mm) and sits 45 mm lower than Clio III, with ground clearance reduced by 10 mm. It is wider in track (+34 to 36 mm compared with Clio III), while the lower ride height not only provides the car with a purposeful stance, but also benefits its aerodynamics. With pronounced shoulder lines, New Clio's coupé-like silhouette is accentuated by integrated rear door handles concealed close to the rear quarter lights. The ratio of wheel-size to vehicle-height has been fine-tuned for a more dynamic look, while the large-diameter wheels are pushed 15 mm outwards compared with Clio III in order to fill and finish flush with the wheelarches. A steeply raked windscreen accentuates this dynamic feel, as does the improved glass to body ratio when New Clio is seen from the side (two-thirds and one-third respectively).
A welcoming and user-friendly interior – space for a modern lifestyle
The design strategy of combining aesthetics with functionality is clearly visible in numerous aspects of the interior, including the dashboard in the shape of an aircraft wing, the neat packaging of the multimedia systems in the centre console, the availability of stowage areas throughout the cabin; careful attention to detail and the invigorating ambience generated by the choice of colours. A wide spectrum of colour choices and chrome or gloss black highlights add warmth to the cabin, and these colours and motifs are echoed in the dashboard trim strip, door panels and seats. Even the entry-level versions feature upholstery inserts and coloured overstitching.
Core-range personalisation – within everyone's reach
New Clio opens up the world of personalisation to a far wider audience. Centred for once on a five-door family hatchback rather than a three-door or premium version, the personalisation programme covers the biggest-selling versions.
New Clio personalisation programme – the essentials:
•available for core-range versions,
•a wide variety of exterior and interior features that can be personalised,
•striking and original graphics,
•easy to co-ordinate elements, especially in the cabin,
•assembly is in the factory to Renault quality standards.
WORLD PREMIERE OF NEW CLIO ESTATE EQUALLY AS ELEGANT
New Renault Clio Estate is one of the major revelations on Renault's stand at the Paris Motor Show. The newcomer shares the same dynamic breeding as the hatchback but has its own distinct identity, with carefully honed forms created by designer Yohann Ory. New Clio Estate will appear in showrooms from the first quarter of 2013 (depending on market).
An assertive personality inspired by the classic shooting brake
" Thanks to its athletic proportions, New Clio Estate is not only practical, but also extremely elegant."
Yohann Ory Designer of New Clio Estate
Research reveals that estate car customers are strongly drawn towards the aesthetic design cues of shooting brakes. New Renault Clio certainly has the style and it also dials in practicality and versatility for good measure. The Estate's wheelbase is identical to that of the hatchback, although the rear overhang has been extended by 201 mm to 823 mm. With an overall length of 4,262 mm, New Clio Estate is high on style and, at the same time, is compact and accommodating. Its profile features a long bonnet and pronounced rear shoulders, while its lines stretch rearwards towards to an upright tailgate that points to the car's high carrying capacity. As on the hatchback, the rear door handles are concealed. The smooth, flowing lines are accentuated by the integration of the B and C pillars which are flush with the surface of the glass, while the roof appears to float to emphasise the design's overall elegance.
The beauty of New Renault Clio, yet particularly practical
New Clio Estate is even more versatile than its hatchback sibling and will appeal to customers looking for a car that stands out as a strong design statement, but which is also extremely practical. The space at the front has been thought through carefully, as has access to the 443 dm3 VDA luggage area. This is 130 dm3, or 30 per cent bigger, than that of the already roomy hatchback, and the loading sill has also been lowered significantly. Thanks to the combination of the cargo area's flat floor and the ability of the front passenger seat to fold flat, New Clio Estate offers 'record' maximum load length. This versatile feature is unique to New Clio Estate and stands out as a significant 'plus' in its class.
WORLD PREMIERE OF NEW CLIO RENAULTSPORT 200 TURBO: EMOTION SHIFTS INTO SPORT MODE
The announcement of a new performance version of Clio is always an eagerly anticipated event among the model's fanbase and those who appreciate beautiful cars. Powered by a 1.6 litre turbocharged engine mated to EDC dual clutch transmission, New Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo is an innovative response to the highly sophisticated expectations of the compact sports hatchback customer. In addition to being thrilling to drive, it has distinctive style and is poised to be a favourite with the connoisseurs.
" New Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo proclaims loud and clear the values of Renault Sport: beautiful and fast, it has everything that's needed to make it the benchmark car in the high-performance sports hatchback class – just like its predecessors. The introduction
of a very high performance turbocharged engine, with plenty of torque at low revs and coupled to the EDC dual clutch transmission (Efficient Double Clutch) developed by Renault Sport engineers, results in a car that raises the performance driving experience to a new level. The expertise of Renault Sport Technologies is reinforced by long-term programmes in the most demanding types of motorsport, including racing and rallying. It is this experience which makes us so passionate about handling feedback, and you can feel this the moment you drive any of the Renault performance derivatives we have developed. We're also proud to be producing the Renaultsport in Dieppe, home of Alpine, and delighted to be using the EDC gearbox in an Renaultsport version for the first time. "
Patrice Ratti Managing Director, Renault Sport Technologies
Beautiful and effective, with a racing pedigree
There can be no doubt about it: New Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo is a Renault Sport model through and through. Its F1-style front blade recalls Renault's success in Formula One, while its diffuser and spoiler generate 80 per cent and 20 per cent extra downforce respectively. Also exclusive to New Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo are the unique grille and spoiler, front and rear bumper, wide-set LED daytime running lights, sill extensions and 17-inch wheels, with 18- inch rims available as an option. All these elements combine to make it a genuine attention grabber. A dual-tailpipe exhaust system and a sporty sound signature round off this exclusive package.
Inside, the ambience is sporting, with red the dominant colour. A steering wheel flanked by two gearshift paddles, a dedicated instrument pack and aluminium-capped pedals all spell performance and passion. Yet, Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo also pays particular attention to the comfort of its occupants. The bucket seats, with leather upholstery optional, provide extra lateral support and it goes without saying that Renaultsport's latest comes with all the equipment expected of a flagship model: multimedia system, touchscreen navigation, Bluetooth® radio with USB connectivity, hands-free entry and starting, driver aids. Climate control and parking sensors are also available as options.
Special feature: personalisation
New Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo will be offered with a specific Renault Sport exterior personalisation programme. The starting point for it is the choice of four themes which can be combined with different motifs, plus upgrade elements and trim packs, with clearly differentiated characters. Now everyone can configure the precise type of sportiness that suits them best.
INNOVATION FOR ALL
True to the brand's values, New Clio and ZOE see Renault take a fresh stance on the way we go motoring
" Renault's brave, determined stance has long made a real contribution to the promotion of French technology and French innovations. From the make's original voiturette to the Espace, from features like the remote central locking fob to the hands-free card, Carminat navigation and the use of turbocharged racing engines in F1, the brand's bold approach has helped shape the world of motoring. Today, our innovations include the championing of new types of mobility and bringing useful technologies to the widest possible audience. Innovation is a way of being competitive and making our brand appealing to customers. Just as design enhances the appeal of a vehicle through its forms, our technologies seek to appeal by being innovative, useful and affordable. "
Rémi Bastien – VP, Research, Advanced Studies, Materials
WORLD PREMIERE:
RENAULT R-LINK FOR NEW CLIO AND ZOE
Renault R-Link is an integrated multimedia tablet that is connected both to the car and to the internet, with standard features including TomTom navigation and intuitive voice commands for use of the telephone and navigation system, etc. Renault R-Link will initially be available for New Clio (optional) and ZOE (standard) before being extended gradually to almost the entire Renault range.
" As a pioneer of in-car systems, Renault made innovation for all a reality with the launch in 2009 of Carminat TomTom, the first navigation system to cost less than €500. Innovations continued with the introduction at the end of 2010 of Carminat TomTom LIVE which boasts the market's best traffic information system. Renault R-Link sees Renault go even further down this road by incorporating a connected tablet for automotive use complete with a catalogue of applications. Renault R-Link is a user-friendly solution adapted to motoring use which is easy to operate while on the move thanks to a large touchscreen display, voice recognition and steering column-mounted remote controls. The range of applications available via R-Link store promises to emerge as the benchmark in terms of automotive apps. "
Patrick Vergelas – Director, Cross Functional Programmes
Centre console puts key functions and information within easy reach
Renault R-Link forms an integral part of the centre console's modern design and is extremely practical thanks to its large seven-inch (18 cm) touchscreen display. All its functions (navigation, radio, Bluetooth® telephony, audio streaming, music and connectivity to portable devices, connected services, 'eco' driving tips, etc.) are located in a single place, which makes it particularly easy and fun to use.
Renault R-Link has been carefully designed to ensure that information is available as and when it is required, which means the driver doesn't have to take his or her eyes off the road to use an array of portable devices, thanks to:
•A large touchscreen display:
– The seven-inch (18 cm), easy-to-use display was carefully designed by Renault to be practical and useful. Its clear graphics, straightforward menus and clear information make its different functions intuitive, fast, easy and safe.
– The home page can be personalised. An exclusive feature of Renault R-Link is the fact that road maps are displayed along with information concerning traffic conditions, the music or radio station being played, 'eco' driving tips and COYOTE Series alerts, plus a clock and weather information. Contents can be personalised to permit swift access to favourite functions, destinations, telephone numbers, radio stations and the most frequently used applications.
•A menu with six icons which provide easy access to the six main functions: Navigation, Multimedia, Phone, Vehicle, Services and Applications, and System.
•Fingertip control or voice commands to access main functions, without the driver having to take his or her eyes off the road:
– the touchscreen display permits fingertip control which doubles up with the steering column-mounted remote controls for the audio and telephone functions,
– intuitive voice commands make it possible to dictate the address of a destination for navigation purposes, for example, or to call up different functions using spoken instructions such as 'telephone', 'apps', 'send an e-mail', etc. The speech recognition function is activated by pressing a button on the steering wheel to make use of the technology both safer and more practical.
In addition, the Text To Speech function (TTS) function permits messages or RSS feeds to be read out loud in certain applications.
Renault R-Link: the link between the car and the connected world outside
Renault R-Link is 'connected' to the car:
Renault R-Link is linked to the car's electronic control units, thereby permitting the integration of new functions linked to the vehicle. For example, 'Driving eco2' provides drivers with an analysis of the way they have driven over a given itinerary and advises on how they can optimise energy consumption and range. In the case of ZOE, it provides a comprehensive package of services specifically aimed at optimising the car's range.
Renault R-Link is connected to the outside world and to the internet via an integrated EDGE 2.75G connection. Renault R-Link is the first multimedia system to deliver:
•TomTom HD Traffic® traffic information to facilitate everyday journeys by warning of traffic build-ups and hazards and by suggesting the most efficient itinerary.
•Coyote Series alerts*: a community-based service which warns drivers of hazards on the road in real time thanks to a community of more than 1.6 million users across Europe.
•Renault R-Link Store: a pioneering store for automotive apps which proposes the first regularly updated catalogue of automotive apps.
NEW CLIO: PACKED WITH INNOVATIONS
World premiere for Bluetooth® radios with Renault Bass Reflex system
All versions of New Renault Clio feature a clever integrated sound system in the front-door speakers. This system, named Renault Bass Reflex, is capable of reproducing volume and a level of listening comfort equivalent to 30-litre home speak ers. Bass reproduction quality has been improved, while the saturation and distortion thresholds have been pushed back.
The entire New Renault Clio range features radios with Bluetooth® connectivity which permits hands-free telephony and audio streaming playback from portable devices with excellent sound quality. All radios feature USB ports and jack sockets.
Features normally associated with bigger cars
New Clio pays real attention to detail when it comes to the traveling experience enjoyed by occupants. As always with Renault, the difference stems from a suite of new functions, or functions only previously available in higher segments, which have been grouped together to form a simple package.
New Clio owners will benefit from Hill Start Assist with nearly every engine, while cruise control with speed limiter, ESC, ASR traction control, ABS, emergency brake assist and variable-rate electric power steering are standard across the range.
For ease of use, all versions feature keyless entry (with electronic card), a height- and reach-adjustable steering wheel, electric front windows and door mirrors and 'motorway mode' indicators. Some versions feature automatic climate control with a charcoal pollen filter and toxicity sensor, as well as a reversing camera.
A rejuvenated range of engines
Under the bonnet, it's all change for New Clio, with no fewer than five new engines and the introduction of the Renault EDC dual clutch automatic transmission. With this powertrain offer, New Clio offers a perfect balance between driving enjoyment and low fuel consumption.
New Renault Clio offers innovation in the supermini class with:
•The brand new three-cylinder turbocharged Renault Energy TCe 90 petrol engine which is both exciting and frugal. It has been homologated for 65.7 mpg and 99 g / km of CO2.
•The market's best diesel powerplants: the Renault Energy dCi 90 with Stop&Start boasts NEDC-homologated fuel consumption of 88.3 mpg and emits just 83 g /km of CO2.
•Two brand-new petrol engines mated to Renault EDC transmission (Efficient Dual Clutch) due in 2013, namely the Renault TCe 120 EDC in top-range versions and the new 1.6 Turbo Renault Sport 200 which will power New Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo. The combination of EDC dual-clutch transmission with these downsized engines delivers both driving enjoyment and energy efficiency for low fuel consumption.
•Renault will gradually roll out the EDC range with a dCi 90 version
Renault Energy TCe 90 Stop & Start: the three-cylinder petrol turbo that's a winner on fuel consumption
Launched earlier in the year at the Geneva Motor Show, Renault's first three-cylinder petrol turbo engine makes its debut in New Clio. A cuttingedge engine, this 898 cc petrol turbo unit completes the overhaul of the Group's range of petrol engines by offering the best balance between driving enjoyment and impeccable fuel consumption.
Key features:
•Performance equivalent to that of a normally-aspirated 1.4 litre four cylinder.
•Aluminium block (15kg saving compared with equivalent cast iron block).
•Power: 90 hp at 5250 rpm.
•135 Nm of max torque available across a wide rev range and from low engine speeds (90 per cent of peak torque available from 1,650 rpm) to ensure good pick-up, acceleration, responsiveness and driving enjoyment.
•An engine that takes full advantage of downsizing to three cylinders thanks to hard work on internal engine aerodynamics to ensure the market's fastest 'tumble' effect rotation for near-instantaneous combustion.
•Dialled-in low running costs: careful tuning and new technologies (including a Stop&Start system with energy recovery under braking) to enable NEDC(2) combined-cycle fuel consumption and CO2 emissions gains of more than 20 per cent compared with the Renault TCe 100 engine it replaces. Meanwhile, the timing chain on the Energy TCe 90 requires no maintenance.
•Carefully-tuned engine noise and minimised vibrations: thanks to detailed acoustic tuning, the note of the Energy TCe 90 resembles that of a six-cylinder engine under acceleration, is quiet at cruising speeds and offers added comfort thanks to the near-total absence of vibrations.
Renault Energy dCi 90: with fuel consumption of 88.3 mpg (3), New Clio is the first B-segment car comparable with a hybrid vehicle
The Renault Energy family has grown to welcome the new 90hp version of the 1.5 dCi engine. Featuring Stop&Start, the 90hp 1.5 dCi with fixed geometry turbo has been transformed through the incorporation of the technological DNA from the Renault Energy dCi 110 engine which was introduced in the 2012 Collection Mégane and Scénic ranges at the start of the year. This DNA is drawn directly from Renault's expertise as a champion Formula One engine manufacturer.
This engine is one of the key 'plus' features of the New Clio range. In line with the philosophy behind the Renault Energy range of engines, it offers remarkable fuel efficiency and significantly reduces the vehicle's running costs. New Clio achieves record NEDC combined-cycle fuel consumption of 88.3 mpg. Thanks to its expertise as an engine manufacturer, Renault demonstrates that an internal combustion engine can achieve the same fuel consumption and CO2 emissions as certain hybrid models thanks to new technologies which uncompromisingly target maximum efficiency.
The peak torque of 220Nm is available from 1,750rpm, which ensures genuine driving enjoyment coupled with strong pick-up from low revs. The entry level model is a dCi 75 model without Stop&Start, developing 75hp and 180Nm (not available in UK).
New Renault TCe 120 EDC: an iron fist in a velvet glove
New Clio introduces a new Renault TCe 120 engine coupled with Renault EDC dual clutch transmission (available from April in UK).
The Renault TCe 120 counts as one of the most powerful and most efficient engines in its class. Coupled with the dual clutch gearbox, it combines driving enjoyment in all situations and quick, seamless gear changes with no interruption of torque delivery.
(2) and (3) Fuel consumption and emissions homologated in compliance with applicable legislation.
Coupled to the EDC dual clutch transmission, the Renault TCe 120 enables New Clio to achieve fuel consumption(4) that marks a one-third improvement over the previous 1.6-litre automatic, thanks to 20 per cent less displacement and the technology inside.
Cutting edge technologies:
•Aluminium engine block
•An extremely versatile four-cylinder, 120 hp, 1.2 litre turbo petrol engine with direct injection which develops 190 Nm of torque at low revs, from 2000 rpm. In other words: the performance of a 1.6 litre.
•Double cam-phasing Variable Valve Timing (intake and exhaust).
•Reduced friction for improved efficiency, notably:
– surface treatments: DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) on the cam followers (technology derived from Formula One), graphite-coated piston sleeves,
– Variable displacement oil pump.
•Maintenance free low-friction timing chain.
(4) Fuel consumption and emissions homologated in compliance with applicable legislation.
NEW CLIO RENAULTSPORT 200 TURBO: THE PERFORMANCE AND ENJOYMENT OF A SPORTS CAR EVERY DAY
1.6 Turbo Renault Sport 200, a completely new 1.6 turbocharged engine coupled with the EDC dual clutch transmission and paddle gear changes
Coupled with the EDC gearbox, the new 1.6 Turbo Renault Sport 200 engine is exclusive to New Clio Renaultsport 200 Turbo – an indication of another step forward by Renault Sport Technologies in its quest for performance. The aim is to offer even more everyday driving enjoyment thanks to extra verve, but also to reconcile enjoyment and performance improvements with the realistic requirement for improved energy efficiency.
This approach, driven by motorsport and particularly by Formula One where Renault Sport enjoys recognised expertise, has now directly benefited the sporty version of New Clio.
The new 16-valve four-cylinder develops 200 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. Its high torque of 240 Nm (up 25 Nm compared with Clio III Renaultsport) is developed from just 1,750 rpm for instantaneous driving enjoyment. This maximum torque is then consistently available at higher revs – up to 5,600 rpm – thanks to the turbocharger.
Sprinkled with the magic dust of Renault Sport, this Alliance engine includes cutting edge technologies, demonstrated by the DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) cam followers developed from Formula One and Variable Valve Timing (VVT). As always with Renault Sport, the exhaust note has been the object of particular attention.
The other new feature in the sporty philosophy is that the 1.6 Turbo Renault Sport 200 engine is available exclusively with the EDC dual clutch, six-speed transmission. The comfort and efficiency of the dual clutch EDC gearbox allows drivers to adopt the driving style they want. The EDC transmission is docile in daily driving and particularly effective in sporty driving, with threedifferent modes including a 'race' option.
Inspired by motorsport, the steering column-mounted gear shift paddles – a first for Renault – offer better comfort and speed than a manual gearbox. In 'race' mode, gear changes can be made in just 150 milliseconds.
The quality of the R.S. chassis
To cover the varied expectations and usage from sporty customers, New Clio R.S. 200 Turbo offers two different chassis:
•Sport chassis for an optimum balance of sportiness and comfort in everyday motoring.
•Cup chassis for technical and track day enthusiasts. These customers will enjoy 15 per cent more stiffness relative to the Sport chassis and a ride height lowered by 5 mm.
This twin offer is a distinctive feature of Renault Sport models.
In terms of braking, New Clio R.S. 200 Turbo offers powerful 320mm-diameter discs at the front (a significant increase of 8mm over its predecessor). More than ever, Renault Sport is synonymous with excellence in terms of chassis performance and braking.
Thanks to this careful balance between the engine, transmission and chassis, the New Clio R.S. 200 EDC will offer 'edgy' performance. Timed performance data will be communicated during media test drives planned in early 2013.
Topped off with exciting innovations
New Renault Clio R.S. 200 Turbo combines fun with technology, in the form of a 'sport' button named R.S. Drive. Pressing the button modifies the engine and gearbox mapping, ESC settings, steering feeling and throttle pedal response. It works in three modes ('Normal', 'Sport' and 'Race') and gives New Clio R.S. 200 Turbo an attractive multi-dimensional sporty character.
In the same spirit, Renault's engineers have adapted R-Sound Effect for the New Clio R.S. 200 Turbo by adding specific engine noises. Using Renault R-Link, this application simulates the noise of one of a range of iconic engines through the car's speakers, tuning it to the speed and acceleration of the car. It's a fun and realistic way of choosing the engine noise.
In addition to this bundle of new features, New Clio R.S. 200 Turbo offers an enviable range of comfort features such as touchscreen navigation Renault R-Link, a hands-free key card, Bluetooth radio with USB and jack connections. Options include parking sensors with rear camera and automatic climate control. Being sporty doesn't mean that the wellbeing of occupants cannot be looked after!
ZE / ENVIRONMENT
New Clio and ZOE, see Renault engage on all fronts to improve the 'eco' footprint of its vehicles
" New Clio and ZOE are further proof of Renault's determination to develop sustainable mobility for all. New Clio is the first B-segment vehicle to rival with hybrid vehicles in terms of CO2 emissions, and ZOE is the first Renault model to be designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle. As a result, average CO2 emissions of the Renault range in Europe (E27) are poised to fall from 137g/km at the end of 2010 to less than 120g/ km in 2013, and then to less than 100g/km by 2016 as the use of electric vehicles develops. "
Jean-Philippe Hermine - Director, Environment Plan
1 83 g CO2 / KM :NEW RENAULT CLIO NOW RIVALS WITH HYBRID VEHICLES
Thanks to the Renault Energy range of extremely energy-efficient engines, the energy-optimised versions of New Clio cut CO2 emissions by up to 30 per cent:
•Diesel versions: CO2 emissions as low as 83 g / km (NEDC cycle).
•Petrol versions: CO2 emissions as low as 99 g / km (NEDC cycle).
Building on the expertise it has gained as an engine supplier in Formula One, Renault has demonstrated that a vehicle powered by an internal combustion-engined vehicle can – thanks to new technologies and an ongoing quest for maximum efficiency – perform as well as certain hybrid models in terms of fuel consumption(9) and CO2 emissions, and much more cheaply.
Using technology to reduce CO2 emissions
The engines available for New Clio pack a raft of technologies, including Stop&Start, kinetic braking energy recovery (Energy Smart Management), thermal management (switching off the cooling circuit when the engine is cold, etc.), active cooling-air flaps to enhance aerodynamic performance by optimising how much air is channelled to the radiator, and the use of low rolling resistance tyres.
(9) Homologated fuel consumption and emissions in compliance with applicable legislation.
New Renault Clio R.S. 200 Turbo : sporty performance can also be energy-efficient
New Clio R.S. 200 Turbo will also significantly reduce its impact on the environment thanks to new technologies which stem from the ongoing quest for energy efficiency seen in motorsport:
Downsizing + EDC =
a 25 per cent fall in CO2 emissions compared with Clio III R.S.
In concrete terms, Renault Sport's application of the downsizing principle to performance engines means that the 1.6 Turbo Renault Sport 200 engine will use two litres/100km less fuel for an equivalent power output, plus 25Nm of extra torque compared with Clio III R.S.'s normally- aspirated 2.0 (F4R) powerplant.
Although the new turbocharged 1.6-litre engine uses less fuel, it also delivers higher performance and extra enjoyment than the normallyaspirated 2.0.
The technologies employed for New Clio R.S. 200 Turbo underline the talent of Renault's engine specialists: direct fuel-injection, DLC cam followers (a technology derived from F1), braking energy recovery (ESM), reduced friction, Variable Valve Timing.
QUALITY
Renault mobilises its workforce for New Clio and ZOE
" If customers are going to be tempted to buy a car, it obviously needs to be attractive yet it must also inspire confidence. New Clio and ZOE are thoughtfully designed, eye-catching vehicles. If potential customers perceive the cars' strength and quality at first glance, then confidence will follow. The intrinsic quality and reliability of our products are nowadays widely recognised. Perceptions of quality must, however, match this fine genetic quality. That is a matter for every sector of our business, both upstream (design, product, engineering) and downstream (manufacture, supply). "
Jean-Pierre Vallaude - Quality Director
TOP-LEVEL FRENCH DESIGN UNDERPINS THE APPEAL OF OUR VEHICLES
ZOE and New Clio: beauties bred at the Technocentre
The reliability of Renault's vehicles is now globally acknowledged, notably by the reputable German automobile club ADAC (11). ZOE and New Clio go even further, however. Their intrinsic qualities are immediately apparent from the outside. Creating this perception of quality, which make cars attractive to potential customers at first glance, is fundamental to the company's modus operandi. ZOE and New Clio are genuinely groundbreaking in this domain.
This principle was initiated from the cars' conception at the Technocentre, the very heart of Renault. As a consequence of cross-fertilisation between customer surveys, product definition, its translation into technical language, engineering data and the designers' wishes, ZOE and New Clio evolved an attractive look that would best suit customers' demands. At the same time, they had to meet strict quality-related criteria.
In the case of ZOE, an innovative and genuinely ground-breaking car, it is worth noting that its electric powertrain (engine and battery) was also developed at the Technocentre, as close as possible to the teams in charge of electric vehicle projects.
(11) The 2012 ADAC report confirms the year-on-year progress Renault has made in terms of reliability. Recently-manufactured vehicles are rated as "good" or, indeed, "excellent". Moreover, older models are wearing well and, in the vast majority of cases, their reliability is rated as "good", even after five years on the road.
Rueil-Malmaison: the home of New Clio's engines
As with all Renault's internal combustion-engined vehicles, New Clio's powertrains are designed and developed at Rueil-Malmaison. There is permanent dialogue between Rueil-Malmaison, all the Group's factories and the Lardy test centre to ensure coherent and rigorous standards of quality control, design, manufacture and testing. Having been designed at the Technocentre, ZOE's prototype powertrains were assembled in Rueil-Malmaison .
Lardy and Aubevoye: ensuring proven quality for ZOE and New Clio
At Lardy, mechanical testing enables powertrains for ZOE and New Clio to be tested for reliability and durability. Renault has invested € 60 million in new internal combustion engine test facilities at its Powertrain Innovation Centre (PIM) which opened in June 2010. The factory houses some 30 latest-generation engine dynamometers.
Renault has also invested € 28 million in an Electrical Test Centre which began operations late in 2011. Technicians and engineers from Lardy have thus been able to cultivate real expertise in the field of electric drivetrains. ZOE's avant-garde technology does not in any way compromise reliability and its powertrain comes with a five-year warranty.
Lardy also has crash-test facilities that provide key information about a vehicle's passive safety and the parameters EuroNCAP uses when making its assessments (see sidebar).
Meanwhile, ZOE and New Clio have covered hundreds and thousands of kilometres of punishing treatment (impacts, high-speed, slopes, water, dust, etc.) at Renault's Aubevoye proving facilities. This work was complemented by millions of kilometres in real-world conditions on everyday roads – a good gauge of how a vehicle performs over time. Such tests form part of Renault's contemporary quality standards procedure, which is applied to the whole model range – including electric vehicles.
Renault's 'EDAU' durability tests, implemented in 2010, reproduce the diverse routine of everyday motoring life. Technicians repeat these a precise number of times (two months of testing equates to three years of life on the road): they cover getting in and out of the car, opening and closing the tailgate and so on... The objective is to improve the breed from one generation to the next.
In the case of New Clio, work focused on a number of areas, including quieter ingress and egress – with particular regard to the door stops, which have been redesigned. The sturdiness of interior and boot carpets has been improved, thanks to a change of material and a thicker specification. And long-life lacquer has been added to paintwork, to make it more durable and increase its resistance to bird lime and carwash brush rollers.
FLINS: APPLYING MANUFACTURING EXPERTISE TO THE SMALL CARS OF THE FUTURE
The Flins factory lies at the heart of the Renault Group's 2012 product launch programme, with the same plant being used for the manufacture of two very different models: the all-electric ZOE and New Clio which is powered by a more conventional internal combustion engine.
Flins is a benchmark in Renault's manufacturing lineage. Since 1952, 18 models and more than seven million vehicles have rolled off its production lines. Its list of credits includes the Juvaquatre, 4CV, Dauphine, Renault 8, Renault 16, Renault 5 and Twingo, so the factory is blessed with real expertise in the field of small cars.
To prepare for production of ZOE and New Clio, the teams at Flins collaborated closely with Renault's powertrain and vehicle engineering divisions, as well as with the company's prototype vehicle production centre (CRPV).
The strength of Flins lies in its ability to develop innovative solutions at a controlled cost by adapting existing installations (carry-over technology): the price of putting ZOE and New Clio into production amounted to €150 million, about half as much as the same figure for the Clio III alone.
And expectations are higher, too, particularly in terms of qualitative perception.
For example, significant work went into fine-tuning New Clio's paintwork and the use of a long-life lacquer has helped create a flawless finish that will offer even greater protection over the years. And work on tightening panel gaps will enhance perceptions of image quality and help reduce glitches that might affect the vehicle's overall reputation (without compromising reliability in any way).
DIEPPE: THE REALM OF THE EXCEPTIONAL NEW CLIO R.S. 200 TURBO
Renault Sport Technologies utilises the very best of Renault's expertise to develop and improve standard production vehicles. Cars in the R.S. range deliver very high levels of customer satisfaction: their strengths include excellent road holding, tremendous agility, powerful braking, occupant comfort, user-friendly cabin layouts and exceptionally high standards of perceived quality. It was therefore only natural that the home of Clio R.S. should also become that of New Clio R.S. 200 Turbo.
Historically, the Dieppe factory has a fine sporting reputation: it was founded by Alpine and is today inextricably associated with the Clio R.S. and has a rich heritage upon which the Group has capitalised. Dieppe applies the same exacting qualitative standards as the Flins factory,
which supplies unpainted Clio shells. The teams in Dieppe then carry out complementary fine-tuning to embellish a fine standard vehicle with added sporting flair – the distinctive finishing touches that customers expect. This can clearly be seen from a number of features and signature details, such as the Renault Sport bucket seats.
In keeping with tradition at Renault, a five-star EuroNCAP rating for New Clio!
- Like Clio III (which became the first car in its segment to do so in 2005), New Clio has obtained a maximum five-star EuroNCAP rating, despite the fact that the process has been made more stringent in the last seven years.
- With regard to passive safety (occupant protection), New Clio and ZOE benefit from Renault Fix4Sure technology which protects all occupants from the risk of abdomen injury caused by 'submarining' in an impact.
- When it comes to lateral protection, New Clio and ZOE are equipped as standard with a new head and thorax airbag which combines the benefits of lateral and curtain airbags for optimal protection.
- These features function in conjunction with the car's active safety systems designed to enhance road holding and braking performance, etc.: ESC, emergency brake assist, Hill Start Assist (HSA), etc.
- In terms of driver aids, New Clio and ZOE come with cruise control/ speed limiter, plus front and rear seat belt reminders (SBR). To help manoeuvring, rear parking sensors and a reversing camera are available.
The personalisation programme developed for New Clio is founded on a choice of two distinctive decor themes ('Le Mans' and 'Tricolore' - UK), plus three configurations covering the body colour, the dominant colour of the graphics and wheels, plus roof decal design. These configurations are only guides, but each customer will have the freedom to choose the interior and exterior look of their New Clio – together or separately – from the several thousand possible combinations. Thanks to a 3D configurator that can be found both on the internet and at Renault dealerships, it will be simple for customers to mix, match and visualise different propositions.
The personalisation programme was built into the design process from the very beginning of New Clio's design and emphasises the new car's assertive character. Areas that could be personalised were dialled in at an early stage, while features are fitted directly on the assembly line to ensure incomparable quality.
Roof graphics: 'Elegant', 'Sport' and 'Trendy'
FOR THE EXTERIOR:
The items that can be personalised are:
•The door mirror housings and rear bumper apron (Gloss Black), plus the grille, tailgate and side protective moulding trims (Chrome, Black, Red, Blue or Ivory).
•A choice of two colours for the 16-inch 'Passion' alloy wheels (Black or Ivory), and a choice of four colours for the 17-inch 'Desire' alloy wheels which will be available from November 2012 (Black, Red, Blue or Ivory).
•Two different roof decal designs: 'Le Mans' and 'Tricolore'.
FOR THE INTERIOR:
•A choice of three colours (Black, Red or Blue) for the dashboard trim strip and door panel trims coordinated with highlights on the upholstery. Colour co-ordinated carpet mats are also available for each trim as accessories.
•Gloss colour touches for the steering wheel, door panels, gear lever surround and air vent surrounds are available in a choice of five colours (Black, Red, Blue, Grey or Ivory) and two themes ('Le Mans, and 'Tricolore'). These highlights are directly incorporated using a technique known as insert moulding.
On the Renault stand in Paris...
•Two 'personalised' versions of New Clio (featuring 'Trendy' (Tricolore in UK) and 'Elegant' graphics).
•One-tenth scale models.
•Wheels of different sizes and colours.
•Interior personalisation features: steering wheel, air vents, door panel, examples of upholstery fabric and leather, etc.
Plus display screens and various supports to provide a visual presentation of the offer's scope.
Renault R-Link : TomTom HD Traffic and Coyote Series
•The very best of TomTom navigation including IQ Routes technology: calculates the ideal itinerary based on a statistical analysis of journey times during the six previous months, taking the day of the week and time of day into account.
LIVE services including:
– HD Traffic: the market's best traffic information service, including an analysis of traffic flow by cross-referencing different sources of information for sections of road of just a few dozen metres in length. For any given itinerary, HD Traffic will optimise the motorist's journey in order to avoid time loss or save fuel. It also provides precise information about the estimated arrival time as soon as the motorist sets off.
– TomTom Places: an online search facility in real time to locate a variety of features and services.
– 5-day weather forecasts.
– Hazard warnings: depending on local legislation.
•The Coyote Series* driver aid application indicates hazardous zones thanks to real-time input from other users. Such zones may or may not include fixed speed checks. Coyote Series also warns of traffic incidents (accidents, items on the road, etc.) to improve everyday road safety by enabling the driver to anticipate the presence of slowermoving vehicles.
Renault R-Link : fields covered by R-Link Store apps
•Communication: e-mails, social networking, web navigation, etc.
•Journey optimisation: TomTom® LIVE services (HD Traffic®, speed check warnings [where authorised], TomTom Places, weather forecasts, Coyote Series alerts [where available], fuel prices, location of parking places, etc.).
•Practical information: personal phone numbers, Yellow Pages, hotels, restaurants, etc.
•Emergencies: emergency help calls in the case of an incident, Renault Assistance.
•Mobility: multi-mode journey planning, public transport.
•Budget guides: 'by-the-kilometre' insurance, Renault tips, etc.
•Vehicle information: monitoring of vehicle servicing, owner manual, etc.
•Entertainment and leisure: games, information, travel information, engine sound profile, personalisation, etc.
•Professional use: fleet management, journey management, remote diagnostics, working away from base, expenses forms, etc.
R-Link enables motorists to benefit from the information they need as and when it is required. Drivers no longer have to depend on a variety of portable systems or telephones and can stay focused on the road ahead. Strict rules make sure that the apps developed for Renault R-Link are suitable for motorists, either by ensuring that they are easy to use or by restricting access to certain functions while the vehicle is on the move. For example, functions which are deemed to be excessively interactive or long to use may only be called up when the vehicle is at a standstill.
Renault R-Link: an 'open innovation' approach and 'Paris Incubateur'
Partnerships with benchmark businesses: in order to provide a range of innovative applications for motoring use, Renault has established contacts with more than 100 partners and/or development companies.
Founding of a 'Connected Mobility' start-up incubator
At the beginning of the year, Renault and Paris Incubateurs put out a tender with a view to making contact with innovative new businesses working in the field of connected services, information technologies or mobility-related communications. The process resulted in the selection of five companies which were invited to work on their project within the framework of the 'Connected Mobility' incubator set up by the two partners. This is the first time a major company has teamed up with one of the French capital's incubators to assist and speed up the growth of innovative new businesses. Thanks to this original, 'open innovation' approach, Renault enjoys special ties with the young entrepreneurs involved. For the start-ups themselves, not only does this partnership give them a chance to work within the dynamic framework provided by 'Paris Incubateurs' (availability of premises and a plug&play telecom infrastructure in Paris, personalised, collective business coaching, access to finance through the Paris Innovation
Amorçage fund, etc.), but it also allows them to benefit from a special relationship with a big company like Renault.
Five innovative start-ups were selected after the selection process:
– Apila (smart community parking): this start-up, which was founded by Cyril Hersch, has developed a mobile community app (for iPhone and Android) which seeks to solve the problem of car parking in towns and cities, allowing motorists to be guided to the nearest available parking space in the shortest time possible to take the place of somebody else who is about to leave. The availability of the Apila app for Renault R-Link will help the community and user numbers to grow.
– TelePark (delocalised car park payment): like Apila, TelePark proposes a solution to facilitate parking but this app is also of interest to local authorities since it permits payment for parking to be made using a mobile terminal. Founded by Stephan Anescot, this company also enables local authorities to manage its car parks and the issuing of parking tickets automatically.
– I-DISPO (virtual concierge): this start-up stems from an idea by Ismaël Nzouetom and helps individuals to organise their appointments efficiently with the help of professionals, allowing them to optimize their diaries. I-DISPO sees Renault as a valuable partner within the framework of the Renault R-Link system.
– SoCloz (shopping information): founded by Jérémie Herscovic, SoCloz enables users to check the availability of items spotted on-line in actual shops. This start-up has just raised one million euros from Alven Capital and FA Dièse and already proposes a list of one million products available in 7,000 different sales outlets.
– MobiquiThings (universal multi-network, multi-operator SIM card) : run by Cyril Hullin, this company is a Machine to Machine connectivity service provider which enables muliti-operator and multinetwork telecommunications coverage. It seeks to propose its versatile multi-operator SIM card solution to Renault.
A mentoring approach to assist the growth of these start-up businesses:
•The selected start-ups benefit from the advice of mentors provided by Renault who help to steer the projects thanks to their expertise of the automotive world. Renault also serves as a guarantor for these start-ups with regard to potential investors.
•This sort of mentoring allows strong ties to be established with the startups in order to forge durable relationships. The different projects benefit from Renault's experience of project management, while Renault benefits from the young entrepreneurs' flexibility and vitality.
•Renault Energy engines and Formula One
Renault Energy engines: technological excellence in F1 channelled for mass-market road cars
Renault has secured 10 Constructors' world titles in Formula 1 and is more than ever recognised as a leading engine supplier, perfectly capable of taking on the other top engine specialists on the race track. From the twocylinder 16hp Type K voiturette which won the Paris-Vienna road race in 1902 to Renault's involvement in Formula One, Renault has demonstrated its constant drive for innovation over the 110 years of its existence by developing reliable, high-performance engines with a twin objective: driving enjoyment and fuel efficiency.
History has been made again with the Energy range of powerplants. Based on new-generation downsizing and designed by experts who previously worked on engines in Formula One (Philippe Coblence and Jean-Philippe Mercier), they are packed with technologies that have never before been seen on units of their size. They benefit from Renault's experience of motor racing to offer genuine driving enjoyment while at the same time bringing down running costs. Vehicles powered by Energy engines boast record low fuel consumption and CO2* emissions, with reductions of up to 25 per cent in certain cases.
From the very beginning of the Renault Energy engines' design and development, the engine specialists incorporated criteria to facilitate the switch to Euro6 depollution legislation. Since mid-2012, a Euro6 version of the Renault Energy dCi 130 engine has been available for those markets which offer fiscal incentives.
•New Renault Clio: Renault Energy TCe 90 engine
Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions reduced by more than 20 per cent *
Renault's engine specialists had a clear brief when they began to develop the Renault Energy TCe 90 engine: maximum driving pleasure and the lowest possible fuel consumption in order to reduce running costs. As a consequence, this engine features a very low inertia turbo (the lowest on the market) combined with Variable Valve Timing (VVT) to deliver the market's best balance between fuel economy and enjoyment .
Renault's engineers took full advantage of the new engine's threecylinder engine architecture to optimise the air-fuel mix and therefore fuel consumption, even at full load (between 2,000 and 4,000rpm). The result is a 20-per cent saving in NEDC combined-cycle fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared with the TCe 100.
90hp and 135Nm, from just 898cc
This new engine develops 90hp at 5250 rpm and torque of 135Nm which is available across a broad rev-band to ensure the driving enjoyment of a naturally aspirated 1.4-litre engine. With 90 per cent of torque available from 1,650rpm, the Renault Energy TCe 90 provides smooth pick up from low engine speeds, while gear-changes are less frequent in built-up areas. The peak power of this sprightly, free-revving engine is available up to 5,500rpm.
The expert input of F1 engine specialists
Following the example set by Philippe Coblence, who worked on the Renault Energy dCi 130, Jean-Philippe Mercier was tasked with engineering the new three- and four-cylinder Energy TCe powerplants. Jean-Philippe Mercier worked on Formula 1 engines at Viry-Châtillon for 20 years and managed the design office there from 2004 to 2007. The Renault Energy TCe 90 benefited from his expertise in three key areas:
•A comprehensive grasp of 'square' engine architectures (similar bore and stroke dimensions).
•Reduced friction: the Renault Energy TCe 90 features materials with low friction coefficients which are used in F1, such as Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) coated cam followers, graphite-coated piston skirts, and Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) coating of the piston rings.
•Outstanding reliability: the Renault Energy TCe 120 EDC boasts a specific power output of 100hp/litre.
Plus a raft of other technologies...
•Stop&Start technology automatically detects the position of each piston for fast start-up. The system is combined with the recovery of deceleration/braking energy. Otherwise wasted energy produced under deceleration and braking is recovered by the alternator.
•High tumble effect whereby the flow of the fuel mix inside the combustion chamber is optimised for even faster, more stable combustion.
•Thermal management technology speeds up the rate at which the engine reaches its ideal working temperature by 15 per cent on average.
•Other systems which help to reduce friction are the variable displacement oil pump and the Teflon®-coated timing chain.
•Also of note is the engine's harmonics-rich signature pitch. While the movement of the pistons in a four-cylinder engine is harmonious and symmetrical, the inherent asymmetric nature of a three-cylinder engine calls for fine balancing of the crankshaft, flywheel and accessory drive belt. Thanks to the result of this careful work, the TCe 90 produces a unique, harmonics-rich pitch which recalls the growl associated with sixcylinder powerplants.
Class-topping efficiency
This performance has been achieved thanks to painstaking development work which has resulted in the market's most efficient 'tumble' effect inside the cylinders. Combustion is virtually instantaneous and takes full advantage of the downsizing to three cylinders:
•Downsizing : this technique involves reducing the cubic capacity of an engine in order to bring down fuel consumption without detracting from performance thanks to turbocharging. The resulting fuel consumption saving is estimated to be five per cent.
•One less cylinder: three-cylinder engines mean 20 per cent less friction compared with a four-cylinder architecture of the same capacity, leading to a four per cent saving in fuel consumption .
•Three-cylinder pulse: combined with a longer exhaust phase, the natural air pulsation at the heart of the engine is twice as powerful as that of an equivalent four-cylinder engine. This natural turbocharging means that less demand is made of the turbo which in turn works more efficiently. The result is less fuel consumption.
•New Renault Clio: Renault dCi 90 engine
•Power output: 90hp at 4,000rpm.
•Torque suited to New Renault Clio: 220Nm (up 10 per cent to 20Nm compared with the dCi 90 engine used for Clio III) available from 1,750rpm for genuine driving pleasure, plus efficient acceleration response at all engine speeds .
•Less load loss thanks to the turbocharger's innovative architecture which facilitates air flow. The turbo is more efficient and delivers higher performance or the same fuel consumption.
•Very low inertia turbo: faster response at low engine speeds thanks to optimisation of the size of the turbine.
•Low pressure EGR: improves combustion and reduces NOx emissions.
•Thermal management: the engine reaches its ideal working temperature more quickly when starting from cold.
•Less friction: DLC coating of cam followers and graphite-coated piston skirts (two technologies derived from Formula One), plus a variable rate oil pump.
•Individualised spray cone angles: the more precise spray cone make a significant contribution to enhanced combustion efficiency (unburned fuel reduced by 15 per cent) which is directly beneficial to fuel consumption and CO2 emissions*.
Punchy performance
The Renault TCe 120 EDC is the first Renault turbocharged petrol engine to feature direct fuel injection. It will go on to replace the 1.6 16V with automatic transmission. This aluminium 1,198cc block delivers even higher performance, with peak power of 120hp (up 10hp) and maximum torque of 190Nm (up 40Nm) which is comparable that of a two-litre engine. With 90 per cent of peak torque available from 1,500rpm and 100 per cent available between 2,000 and 4,000rpm, this engine is particularly flexible and responsive, with pull away performance from low revs worthy of a diesel.
CO2 emissions down by 33 per cent
The Renault TCe 120 EDC is one of the market's best-performing 1.2-litre powertrains, yet it also stands out through its extremely low NEDC cycle fuel consumption which has fallen by one-third compared with the 1.6 16V with automatic transmission. This has brought down running costs considerably, while its lower CO2 emissions enable it to qualify for the 'eco' subsidies or tax incentives on offer in certain countries. Running costs are further reduced by the fact that it is equipped with a maintenance-free timing chain.
Cushioned acoustics
Particularly careful attention was paid to the Renault TCe 120 EDC engine's acoustics and travelling comfort is enhanced by the smooth, cushioned sound it makes.
An unprecedented package of technologies:
Turbocharged petrol engine with direct fuel injection: thanks to double cam-phasing Variable Valve Timing and a turbocharger which features an integrated turbo manifold, the Renault TCe 120 EDC engine delivers peak torque from very low engine speeds and across a broad rev range. Fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber to optimise efficiency as a function of how the engine is being used. Improved combustion also helps bring down fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
KEEP A CHECK ON THE HIGHLIGHTS OF RENAULT'S PRESENCE
AT THE 2012 PARIS MOTOR SHOW:
On line at www.renault.com
Live via Twitter @renault_live http://twitter.com/renault_live
Daily updates on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/renault
By Jeffrey N. Ross
See also: Renault donates all-electric Popemobile to His Holiness, Renault gives rhinoplastic upgrade to Versa for Indian market, Lotus could build production versions of Renault Alpine, Infiniti Emerg-E.