Want to enter the world of SCCA racing, but want to be different than all the Miatas and Jettas in the entry level class, why not try importing something from the not-sold-in-U.S. Renault. The new Clio Renault Sport R3 Access represents an entry level version for those folks who wish to compete in rallies. The new car features everything needed to make you a winner: a Clio Renault->ke1021 Sport bodyshell strengthened by a welded roll-cage that incorporates more than 40 meters of tubing. The new Renault is powered by a 2.0-liter F4 RS engine with 200 hp connected to a six-speed sequential gearbox.

Also, a new suspension system was installed as well as a new set of 17 inch one-piece aluminium alloy wheels. The new Clio Renault Sport R3 Access kit is offered at a pre-tax price of €32,600 or $45,157.

Press release after the jump.

Press release:

Clio Renault Sport R3 Access is the new entry level version of the model developed for customers wishing to compete in rallies. Renault Sport Technologies has used the R3 Maxi as a base to produce an extremely competitive Access version which has opened up the world of rallying to an even broader audience.

The 2007 season saw Renault Sport Technologies introduce regular changes to the specification of Clio Renault Sport R3 Maxi in collaboration with its customers who in turn profited from the reliability and performance potential of the brand's latest rally challenger to secure some 20 two-wheel drive category wins, including two overall victories.

The 2008 season has seen the Clio Renault Sport R3 range extended with the introduction of the entry level Access version which enables rally drivers to compete for a lower initial investment and on a third of the budget required to campaign the Maxi-spec car.

Clio Renault Sport R3 Access shares many of the Maxi's basic features, including a Clio Renault Sport bodyshell strengthened by a welded roll-cage incorporating more than 40 meters of tubing. The clutch, six-speed sequential gearbox and limited slip differential are also common to both models, as are the steering rack, the electrical system and the Magneti-Marelli ECU which incorporates the data acquisition system.

Clio Renault Sport R3 Access benefits from the very latest developments, including a new reinforced subframe. The 1,998cc F4R RS engine (4 cylinders in line, 16 valves), which is derived from the powerplant of Clio Renault Sport, develops peak power of 200hp and features a specific camshaft and exhaust manifold, while the flywheel is the same as that seen on the Maxi version.

Developed exclusively for asphalt rallying, Clio Renault Sport R3 Access uses the same suspension of the standard car with strengthened struts and specific kinematics for the independent steering axis front suspension. The newcomer is fitted with Bilstein dampers all-round and profits from the high performance braking system featured on Clio Renault Sport, with standard front discs and four-piston Brembo callipers. The one-piece aluminum alloy 7x17-inch Speedline wheels and Michelin 19/62-17 tires are identical to those of Clio Renault Sport R3 Maxi.

There is no mistaking the competition pedigree of the Access version's upper-range interior which sees the gearshift control positioned right next to the steering wheel.

The kit also features Sabelt safety equipment, most of which is identical to that of the Maxi version. The standard pedal assembly has been reinforced.

To enable customers to improve the performance of their Clio Renault Sport R3 Access as a function of their ambitions and budget, it is possible to upgrade the basic spec thanks to Premium kits (chassis, brakes, engine) which ultimately permit it to reach the same specification as the Maxi version. As with all Renault Sport competition cars, the Rally Customer Competition department provides a broad range of services, including the extranet website which provides all the documentation required to build the Access and Premium kits.

The Clio Renault Sport R3 Access kit, including all the specific parts to be fitted to the car, comes at a pre-tax price of €32,600 in France. The cost of competing is estimated to be €17 per kilometer.