Renault’s involvement in Formula One has crossed over into its production car business at various points in the past. Now, the French automaker is dipping into that pond again with the launch of the Clio R.S.18, a new iteration of Renault’s feisty five-door hatchback that traces its roots to the Clio 220 EDC Trophy.

2018 Renault Clio R.S.18

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2018 Renault Clio R.S.18
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 220
  • Torque: 280
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

What makes the 2018 Renault Clio R.S.18 special

Before you get excited about the thought of a new hot hatch from Renault, the Clio R.S.18 isn’t exactly a new and improved version of the Clio 220 EDC Trophy. It’s actually still the Clip 220 EDC Trophy, albeit wrapped in a different stylistic package that commemorates Renault’s upcoming 2018 Formula One car.

The nods to the team’s F1 challenger starts off in the exterior where “R.S.18” badges can be seen on the front doors. The front bumper gets a model-exclusive black theme to go with some grey decals. Even the F1-styled front blade gets painted in Sirius Yellow, a hat tip to the base color of the upcoming Formula One racer. The same yellow shade can also be seen on the sides where it creates a nice contrast with the hot hatch’s predominantly black exterior. The references to the new F1 racer continue in the cabin of the hatch. Numbered door sills denote its limited availability and the faux carbon fiber theme for the air vent surrounds is another nice touch. The steering wheel also gets dressed in fancy leather and Alcantara while the carpet mats come bearing the logo of Renault Sport.

Under its hood, the Clio R.S.18 retains a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine that produces 220 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This should allow the special edition variant to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 146 mph. An Akrapovic exhaust system comes standard on the R.S.18, a small victory over the Clio 220 EDC Trophy, which offers the same exhaust system as an option.

The Renault Clio R.S.18 is also tipped to be the last special edition dedicated to the current-generation Clio. The new model isn’t going to arrive until the Paris Motor Show in October, but that’s soon enough to consider the R.S.18 as a last hurrah before the hatchback enters a new chapter in its life.

References

Renault Clio

Read our full review on the 2015 Renault Clio 220 EDC Trophy.

Read our full review on the 2017 Renault Clio R.S.

Read more Renault news.