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Renault Clio Renaultsport

The new Renault Clio Renaultsport stands out as a worthy successor to Clio Renaultsport 182 2.0 16V and features a groundbreaking first in its segment in the form of a rear air diffuser which uses technology derived directly from Formula 1. In association with the extractor vents in the front wings, it ensures excellent aerodynamic performance.

Punchy Looks

New Clio Renaultsport 197 reveals its sports heritage both inside and out. The exterior design features specific body parts which accentuate Clio III's racy, muscular styling.

Clio III's distinctive, original lines have been further enhanced by the use of more athletic curves, while new Clio Renaultsport's specific side design exudes extra power and energy. The wider front and rear wings, lowered stance, profiled side skirts and semi-rigid under-bumper splitter combine with the extractor vents and diffuser to assert the new car's advanced aerodynamic engineering and sports heritage.

New Renault Clio Renaultsport comes with generously-dimensioned tires (215/45) and 17-inch light alloy wheels which barely conceal the Brembo brake calipers and big discs that ensure powerful and durable stopping performance.

Developed jointly by Renault Sport Technologies and Renault's Powertrain Engineering Department, the powerful, normally-aspirated 2.0 16V calls on wide, bumper-mounted air intakes for additional engine cooling.

Sporty Interior

New Renault Clio Renaultsport's interior trim echoes the car's exterior styling. The "drive it" spirit is immediately apparent in details such as the aluminum pedals, footrest and perforated-leather steering wheel with red centre-point stitching. For added comfort and efficiency, the design of the steering wheel itself assists perfect grip for the hands.

Designed and positioned for optimal clarity, the instruments feature white data on a black background. The rev counter incorporates a gear-change indicator light, while the size of the figures increases as the needle gets closer to the red zone at 7,500 rpm.

The overriding dark charcoal color scheme is offset by the chrome-zinc centre console and dashboard inserts which echo technology and sports performance.

Recaro Bucket Seats

From the summer of 2006, new Clio Renaultsport 197 will be available with optional bucket seats designed and developed in association with world-renowned Recaro. Perfectly in keeping with the vehicle's sporty interior ambience, they are trimmed with "Entresol" upholstery in harmony with the rear bench seat. In addition to housing lateral airbags, these seats feature a rigid, polyamide and fiberglass-injected shell for the sort of all-enveloping experience normally associated with competition driving. The seatbelt slots and built-in headrest add the final, distinctive sports touch.

A Specific Power Output of Near 100 bhp/liter

The Clio Renaultsport is powered by the F4R RS normally-aspirated 2.0 16V engine which delivers 197 bhp at 7,250 rpm and maximum torque of 159 lb-ft at 5,550 rpm. Based on the engine which forged the reputation of Clio Renaultsport 182 2.0 16V, it boasts a specific power output of near 100 bhp per liter which ensures exceptional performance for New Clio Renaultsport in the hot hatch segment. The normally-aspirated engine combines performance, dynamism, flexibility, immediate response and excellent re-acceleration from all engine speeds. It is also easier to adapt for competition use in derivatives such as the Clio Group N and Clio Cup one-make race versions.

At low revs and at engine speeds below 5,000 rpm, new Clio Renaultsport ensures a level of response and driving pleasure adapted to day-to-day motoring. At higher revs (more than 5,000 rpm), the performance and "bark" of new Clio Renaultsport's engine are unleashed to reveal the car's true sports heritage.

A Six-speed Gearbox Engineered for Performance

The new Clio Renaultsport comes with an evolution of the TL4 six-speed gearbox, the first Alliance-developed manual transmission which is capable of handling up to 177 lb-ft. This precision, close-ratio gearbox favors acceleration from all intermediate engine speeds.

Dodge Demon Concept

The Dodge Demon concept is a compact, nimble “roadster with an attitude,” a perfect balance of classic sports car proportion and simplicity blended with modern design and performance. The vehicle will be shown for the first time at the 2007 International Motor Show in Geneva next month.

“While the iconic Dodge Viper is a dream car for many, the Dodge Demon is designed to be an attainable dream car,” said Jae Chung – Dodge Demon Principal Exterior Designer, Chrysler Group. “The exterior design is simple yet bold, featuring an energetic combination of curves and intersecting planes.”

The bodyside of the Dodge Demon main character line flows up and over the front wheel, then drops diagonally to an angular color-keyed vent on the rear fender that directs cooling air to the rear brakes. In similar fashion, the compound rear fender surface curves up and over the rear wheel, sweeping into a broad diagonal plane extending to the taillamp. The resulting muscular fender form projects boldly beyond the main body, underscoring that the Dodge Demon concept is a rear-wheel-drive machine.

The rear surface of the body is divided into three planes with two chamfered outboard planes, dominated by long, tapering trapezoidal taillamps. The taillamps sport translucent red inset lenses that surround LED back-up lamps.

Up front, the signature Dodge crosshair grille is stuffed into an aggressive, menacing, trapezoidal opening that thrusts boldly forward.

Set into elongated angled triangles, the projector headlamps, delineated by bright rings, are set into black chrome bezels, giving the front end mean-looking “eyes” that accentuate the grille opening. Encompassing the upper portions of the front fenders and sporting two recessed air outlets, the Dodge Demon’s hood is hinged at the front, adding a just-for-fun performance-car look and feel.

Featuring an open-spoke design, the wheels are pushed to the corners of the body for a dramatic stance and capable performance. The 19-inch brushed aluminum wheels are set into assertive, asymmetrical openings that reprise the body’s playful combination of curves and planes.

The beltline kicks up at the rear and into the higher deck lid contour, giving the lucky occupants an encapsulated, protective feeling.

“In the manner of timeless British sports cars, the interior of the Dodge Demon is purposely functional, not frivolous,” said Dan Zimmermann – Dodge Demon Principal Interior Designer. “Everything relating to the driving experience is emphasized, while that which is not is made visually secondary.

“The well laid out instrument panel, for example, is familiar, yet modern. Everything you really need – the gauges, circular AC outlets, radio – is encapsulated in a cross-car brushed aluminum bezel that also accentuates the width of the cabin. Secondary controls and features, such as the HVAC knobs and the passenger-side glove box, are located below this bezel,” Zimmermann added.

In a similar functional manner, the floor console is deliberately not a part of, or attached to, the instrument panel. The console is dominated by the squat ready-at-hand silver and black manual shift knob, and its leather boot is set into a bright trim ring. The wide, brushed aluminum console bezel also incorporates the recessed emergency brake handle, with the window switch gear, softly lit cup holders and 12V power outlet organized into a graphically unified shape. The upper portion of the instrument panel, including the cluster brow, is accented by a stitched seam with contrasting silver thread.

The steering wheel employs an aluminum open-spoke design with each of the three spokes intersecting the small circular hub for a timeless sports car look. The wheel rim itself is brushed aluminum on the inside, complemented with stitched vinyl on the outer rim. Immediately forward of the wheel, the four-gauge cluster features classic white-on-black dials with graphics inspired by sports watches. Each circular gauge is set handsomely inside a finely detailed silver and chrome bezel ring, while gauge pointers are colored to match the exterior.

The Dodge Demon’s seats feature contoured bolsters that are just high enough to provide support when cornering, yet do not hinder ingress or egress. Set in exposed low-gloss carbon fiber shells, the black seats with integral head restraints feature inserts of textured “Momentum” fabric mated to fabric bolsters, with specific sew lines accented by silver thread. Individual brushed aluminum and carbon fiber roll bars are positioned directly behind the bucket seats. With long seat tracks, there is ample storage behind the seats. Additional covered storage is provided in the bulkhead between the seats.

Opel Builds Most Powerful Corsa Ever

Opel has shifted into top gear with the new Corsa OPC. The Opel Corsa OPC model is the quintessential expression of the Corsa’s dynamic character, with top-level agility and vehicle control promising pure driving fun. Its 1.6-liter turbo engine with 192 bhp accelerates the compact three-door from zero to 62 mph in 7.2 seconds and enables a top speed of 140 mph. The maximum torque of 170 lb-ft, which can be temporarily increased to over 192 lb-ft via an 'overboost' function, is delivered to the front wheels by the standard six-speed transmission. This level of performance provides the newest member of the sporty OPC family with superb propulsion power in all driving situations. The Corsa OPC requires 7.9 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers, a moderate figure in this performance class. It makes its world premiere at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show in early March, shortly before its market launch.

The top-of-the-line Corsa OPC’s look also reflects pure sportiness. The roof spoiler, as well as the powerful front and rear aprons with distinctive gill-like air intakes and outlets make the OPC a real eye-catcher. Elements such as the darkly contrasting diffuser with integrated, centrally located triangular tailpipe and specially designed exterior mirrors are just a few examples of how much attention to detail was put into further developing the Corsa’s bold, sporty character.

The Corsa OPC’s chassis has a unique, even sportier character thanks to extensive modifications. Through intensive tuning drives on the Nurburgring Nordschleife, engineers were able to achieve a sophisticated balance of agile handling and pronounced vehicle control. Key modifications include a stronger rear axle profile and adjusted torsion beam rear axle weld-in angle, new spring/dampener tuning, lowering of the chassis by 0.4 inch and a larger stabilizer. The standard ESP system, which can be deactivated, has also been tuned to the car’s sporty character. The new Corsa OPC comes with 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/45 R17 tires ex works, while 18-inch rims and size 225 tires are available as an option. The large 16-inch brake system with blue painted brake calipers ensures powerful deceleration: the Corsa OPC boasts internally ventilated, 308 mm front disk brakes and 264 mm disk brakes at the rear.

Sportiness also dominates the Corsa OPC’s cockpit. In addition to the typical OPC door sills, chrome-ringed instruments with red pointers and blue-ringed air vents (also available in silver), the flat-bottomed leather sports steering wheel is especially eye-catching. Also reminiscent of motor sport vehicles, the steering wheel features a blue (or optionally silver) ring at its crown, while the center console in piano lacquer finish and aluminum pedals underline the sporty, high quality ambience. Particularly striking are the newly developed Recaro sports seats with integrated head restraints. The race-car-like seats protect both the driver and front passenger with integrated side airbags - a world premiere for this type of seat.

“The OPC models embody pure sportiness, infusing the brand with emotion and passion. That is why the OPC version fits brilliantly to the new Corsa, which is positioned as a young car offering plenty of fun,” says Alain Visser, Executive Director, European Opel Marketing.

Seat Leon Cupra

The new Leon Cupra is hitting the roads – a vehicle in which Seat has implemented all of the knowledge gained during the current World Touring Car Championship season. For Seat, whose goal is to create sporty cars with cutting-edge design and the latest technology, the arrival of the new Leon Cupra is not just a source of satisfaction and pride; it is also essential.

The new Cupra is also a record-breaking car: it is the most powerful Seat passenger car to date. With 240 bhp, the new model sits at the top of Seat’s sporty range. The Leon Cupra’s advanced engineering, allied to its agile chassis, looks set to create a stir in the increasingly competitive hot hatch market.

Sporty Looks

One outstanding feature of the Cupra series has been its powerful and aggressive styling compared with the rest of the range. This is also the case for the new Leon Cupra.

From the outside, the Leon Cupra demands attention. Its exclusive front bumper has larger air intakes than usual in order to enable sufficient airflow to cool the 240 bhp engine, which purrs away under the chiseled bonnet.

An outstanding feature at the rear of the car is the lower section’s black finish, which emulates the Leon WTCC’s diffusers. Another unique Cupra feature is the polished steel oval exhaust pipe. The word “CUPRA”, which appears below the rear logo, marks out the new model from other versions. In profile, the Cupra’s most striking feature is its stunning, exclusively designed 7.5J x 18” wheels, as well as the ‘ébano’ black door mirrors.

But to really appreciate the feeling of being in a true sports car, you actually need to step into the new Cupra. The ultra-sporty Seats are the first feature which catches the eye. In fact, the Cupra’s Seats are so focused that they could genuinely be racing car Seats. They surround the body and include an integrated head restraint.

The second feature that sets the Cupra apart from other versions of the Leon is its black interior. The car’s pillars and roof are black instead of the usual cream-grey combination. The Cupra’s interior color scheme perfectly sets off its key features: the striking leather perforated steering wheel against a red background, the gear stick, the white instrument panel and the sporty metal pedals. Each and every one of these parts bears the unmistakable Cupra logo.

A Racing Car at Heart

Now let’s turn to the Leon Cupra’s key feature, the reason why customers will go for this model over any other: its spectacular 2.0 TFSI 240 bhp engine. This is the most powerful engine ever installed in a Seat production car.

With this engine, the Leon Cupra achieves performance worthy of a WTCC track car with a top speed of 153 mph. The Cupra accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in only 6.2 seconds. Furthermore, it covers the first 1000 meters in only 26.4 seconds.

Circuit Sound

Another Leon Cupra feature worked on by Seat is the all-important soundtrack from the engine bay. New Seat SOUND exhaust systems have been developed so that drivers can really experience the sporty nature of the Cupra. These systems boost the richness of the engine sound and the feeling of power at low revs, and can be experienced both outside and inside the car.

The feeling of sporty acoustics and sheer engine power is accentuated when moving off from a standing start, performing low-speed maneuvers, accelerating and braking at full speed and at low revs.

Citroen C4 WRC

The Citroen C4 WRC - Citroen Sport's new weapon - made its debut in the Monte Carlo rally in 2007. It is the car to replace the Xsara WRC, winner of three world manufacturers crowns between 2003 and 2005. In the expert hands of Citroen Sport's engineers at Versailles Satory, the C4 Citroen Sport concept car became the C4 WRC.

Although the overall styling was maintained, the car had to be adapted to international regulations and performance requirements. This is where the design office of Citroen Sport stepped in. The project working group came up with a first rolling model of the Citroen C4 WRC that was already a long way from the original concept. The roof, for example, was no longer made of glass, since this is banned in rally racing. The front and rear wings, bumpers and spoiler were modified to satisfy regulations and performance criteria. To save time and money, a number of body parts were studied in wind tunnels on a scale of 1 before validation of the full-size parts at the end of the project.

The program role of the development program was to validate the parts and powertrain sub-systems developed by the design office. Reliability was the first factor and performance the second. To achieve the desired result, several working sessions were necessary on both asphalt and gravel. The technical team of Citroen Sport then compared the performance of the C4 WRC with that of the Xsara, which remained the standard, the absolute reference.

Designed to be as easy to drive and as reliable as the Xsara WRC, the C4 WRC aims to set even higher standards of efficiency and performance. A car built and developed to enable Citroen to target the "drivers" and "manufacturers" titles once more from 2007.

Like the Xsara, its glorious predecessor, the Citroen C4 WRC features four-wheel drive and a 2-liter turbocharged engine mated to a cross-mounted 6-speed gearbox. At 165.4 inches, the C4 WRC is longer than the Xsara and, in line with regulations, therefore has a larger width of 70.1 inches, compared with 67 inches for the Xsara. This change should provide better stability on bends.

As also laid down in the new regulations, the use of electronic driving aids is limited, in the same way as for the Xsara in its 2006 configuration. Referring again to the regulatory budget cuts, the sub-systems of the C4 WRC – such as the engines, gearboxes, front, central and rear differentials and dampers – must last longer and be more reliable.

Porsche 911 GT3

P
orsche has unveiled its 911 GT3 two-seater sports coupe: its aspirated engine with a specific output of 115hp/litre and its active chassis make it the more racy model in the 911 range.

According to Porsche, in the 911 range the GT3 version stands for "pure, unadulterated driving pleasure". An ambitious definition that is fully deserved thanks to its 415hp (305 kW) 3.6 liters flat-twin engine, with a stunning specific output of 115.3 hp/litre - a record for a series production aspirated engine.

Compared with its predecessor, the engine features variable a new intake system with a throttle valve enlarged from 76 to 82 millimetres, optimised cylinder heads and an exhaust system with low backpressure.

This allows for an engine speed limit of 8,400 rpm, while the nominal output is reached at 7,600 rpm.

The GT3 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 4.3 seconds, and reaches 160 km/h (100mph) from a standing start in 8.7 seconds. Its top speed is 310 km/h (194mph).

The new 911 GT3 boasts an active chassis for the first time. Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) offers two sporty chassis in one: the basic configuration is largely similar to that of the previous model and is suitable for driving on alternating road surfaces. In sport mode, the system switches to harder damping, thereby enabling better dynamism on the racetrack.

Other notable technical features are the revised six-speed transmission, equipped with a change-up display, which lights up on the rev counter shortly before the relevant engine speed is reached and provides an additional signal at the best time to change gear, the mechanical limited slip differential and the new electronic Traction Control – adapted from the Carrera GT high-performance sports car: it features traction-slip and drag-torque control functions, and can be switched off completely if required.