2009 Clio Renault Sport F1 Team R27 To Shine At Melbourne Motor Show

Renault's power-punching hot-hatch, the Clio Renault Sport 197 F1 Team R27 has been confirmed for the Renault stand at the Melbourne International Motor Show.

The Clio Renault Sport 197, for those of you who are unfamiliar with it, is already a dynamic mini-missile. Adding 'F1 Team R27' to its expanding moniker adds 'Cup Chassis' suspension settings, signature 17-inch charcoal-coloured alloy wheels, red brake calipers, Recaro front seats and Renault F1 Team decals.

The R27's 'Cup Chassis' suspension is fettled for sharper track and road driving. Ride height is dropped by 7mm compared to the standard Clio Renault Sport 197 while spring rates have been stiffened by 27 percent at the front and 30 percent at the rear for reduced body roll and pitch when cornering.

The double-axis strut suspension system is also re-jigged for greater stability under braking and for greater steering precision when "negotiating bends in quick succession" (Renault-speak for "c'est fun").

Up front, under that deceptively compact bonnet, sits a normally-aspirated 2.0 16V engine mated to a slick six-speed manual gearbox. It's a wonderful free-spinning and grunty unit with 145kW available at 7250rpm and 215Nm of torque at 5,550rpm.

Pulling up the R27 is the standard Clio Renault Sport 197's Brembo brake system, with four-piston brake calipers and 312mm ventilated discs up front and 300mm solid discs at the rear.

Inside, the Clio Renault Sport 197 F1 Team R27 comes with the standard equipment list of the Sport 197, but in addition to climate-control air conditioning, cruise control (with speed-limiter) and ESP, the R27 adds Recaro front seats as standard (with harness cut-outs), a numbered plaque and F1 Team decals.

The recommended retail price* of the Clio Renault Sport 197 F1 Team R27 is $39,990.00. The R27 will be available in three colours, Toro Red, Glacier White and Victory Yellow (a $1000 option).

Due to go on sale in April, you can check it out at the Motor Show. But If you want to join the exclusive few who know what the Clio Sport 197 is all about, you'll need to be quick - only 40 R27s will be imported into Australia.

You can by your Motor Show tickets online by clicking here - 2009 Melbourne Motor Show Online ticket sales