With the launch of the new Renault Clio, it was only right for Renault->ke72 to also give an update to its existing rally car->ke191, the Clio Renaultsport R3. After all, it's been seven years since the R3 first hit the rally scene so it's high time that a new one shows its face, right?

Well, Renault Sport Technologies is acquiescing and has released new information about the R3's successor, the Clio Renaultsport R3T rally car. Set to launch in 2014, the R3T was built to comply with current FIA R3 regulations, which will now come with at least a turbocharged version of the car's existing 1.6-liter engine that Renault Sport engineers have continuously adapted to racing specifications.

In addition to the revised engine, the R3T will also come with a host of modifications, specifically built and developed for rally purposes. Among these include a new six-speed sequential transmission with optional steering-wheel paddle shifters in the asphalt version, as well as specialized equipment, including Sadev gearboxes, Sachs shock absorbers, PFC brakes, and Cosworth electronics.

All these updates should give the Clio Renaultsport R3T an impressive package that will create interest from rally teams all over the world. The model isn't expected to gain approval until the latter part of 2014, but Renault wants to make sure that the returns end up becoming worth the wait.

Click past the jump to read about the 2014 Renault Clio

2013 Renault Clio R3T Rally Car

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Renault Clio R3T Rally Car
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 120
  • Torque: 140
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

2013 Renault Clio

Renault's flagship compact car, the Clio, has become quite a popular model for the French automaker.Drawing similar body lines to the 2012 model, the 2013 Clio does have a hint of aggressiveness to it, even if some people believe that it orders on exaggeration.

But hey, the Clio still looks a lot like what you'd expect from Renault, and for better or worse, that's a good thing.

Just like the 2012 Clio, the 2013 Clio will be available as a 5-door hatchback, but unlike the 2012 model, there is no 3-door option.

Under the hood, the 2013 Clio will come standard with a 0.9-liter (900 cc) three-cylinder engine that uses a tiny turbocharger to pump its output to an impressive-for-its-size 90 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 99 pound-feet of torque at 2,500 rpm. There is also an optional 1.5-liter dCi turbo diesel engine that delivers 90 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 220Nm/162 lb-ft of torque available from 1,750rpm. And finally, the car will also have a normally-aspirated 1.6 turbocharged engine that produces 120 horsepower and 140 pound-ft of torque from 1,750rpm.