When Renault replaced the legendary Renault 5 Turbo in the 1990’s with the Renault Clio Williams, it was a significant moment in that it was their first 2.0-litre 16V engine employed by the manufacturer in a hot hatch. It may have only produced 102 kW at the time, but we all know how synonymous that normally aspirated layout became for purists and hot Renault Clios over the next three decades.
Now with the return to turbocharged propulsion for the next generation RenaultSport Clio RS200, Renault has decided it is a fitting time to revive the Clio Williams badge once again. As is expectant of the name, the Clio Williams will be faster and more performance-minded than the standard car.
The Williams F1 team has been a long time partner with Renault and uses the french manufacturer’s superb racing engines. Williams played no part in the development of the original Clio Williams in 1993 and it’s unlikely they will do the same this time round, leaving it as a simple naming exercise from their perspective.
The standard Clio RS 200 has a 1.6-litre turbo engine with 149 kW. The Williams version will use the same unit, but thanks to some ECU remapping, is touted to produce 164 kW. Like the original Clio Williams, the new model will reportedly be offered only in a discreet dark blue paint job and fitted with gold rims.
It will likely feature a stiffer suspension than the regular Clio RS 200, something akin to the current Clio Cup. The Williams’ interior will also include dark blue and gold trim, a numbered plaque on the dash and Recaro bucket seats.
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