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The Franken-freak monster Renault R.S. 16 concept car - basically a huffing Megane RS engine and H-pattern manual transmission stuffed into a Clio body - looks set for production, and certain to come to Australia.
Speaking at the Paris Motor Show, Renault Sport boss Patrice Ratti was reluctant to confirm that this exciting car, which should be the fastest ever to bear an RS badge, was destined to hit public roads, but another company spokesman let the feral cat out of the bag.
“We are exploring whether a small run might be made for sale,” the loose-lipped spokesman announced.
Cornered shortly afterwards, Ratti admitted he was very keen to see the project approved, and that while its numbers would be limited they would not be confined to left-hand-drive markets.
“Every week I hope there will be a decision, we would really like to have it,” he said.
“Certainly it would be in right-hand drive as well; the demand from the UK and Australia would justify right-hand drive, although in Japan they actually prefer their Renault Sport cars in left-hand drive.” The fact that the proposed and supposedly unconfirmed model is already being considered for so many markets suggest the decision is already made, and the limited numbers might well be in the hundreds. “More than 100,” is all Ratti would say. Which sounds like a lot more than one for-show car. The R.S. 16 concept was launched in May at the famous Monaco street circuit to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Renault Sport, and the return of the French marque’s return to Formula One. Underneath its wild yellow body, and a big F1-shaped rear wing, is the 2.0-litre turbo engine from the Megane RS275 Trophy-R, making 201kW and 360Nm, as well as the bigger car’s six-speed H-pattern manual gearbox and limited slip diff (the normal RS Clio is a dual-clutch auto only, and offers just 147kW and 240Nm). The Clio version would also weigh around 100kg less than its bulked-up big brother. A 0-100km/h time of less than five seconds is expected, even with the manual gearbox. Renault Australia managing director Justin Hocevar confirmed he has both its hands in the air, waving like crazy, to get its hands on the R.S. 16 down under. “We know our customers would love this car, we’re an enthusiast market (last year Australians were the second biggest buyers of Renault Sport models in the world, behind only France) and there’d be plenty of interest in it locally,” he said. “It looks amazing, and it’s a car that’s got cult classic written all over it.”Renault Australia managing director Justin Hocevar confirmed he has both its hands in the air, waving like crazy, to get its hands on the R.S. 16 down under.
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