Renault Clio RenaultSport R.S.16 2016 review - pictures

New track focused Clio Renaultsport R.S.16 offers 271bhp

Officially it is only a concept but Auto Express got behind the wheel to give it a try at France’s Circuit des Ecuyers 

Engine and gearbox is borrowed from the Megane RS

Huge rear wing and gold livery make the R.S.16 stand out

The R.S.16 darts between corners with real agility

Low down driving position is perfect on the track

Suspension and brakes have been uprated

Straight line performance is stronger than the Megane RS

The R.S.16 gains no extra weight over the standard Clio RS

Power-to-weight ratio stands at 221bhp per tonne compared with the 164bhp per tonne of the standard Clio RS

Engine sounds more like a jet engine than a four-cylinder turbo

No rear seats are fitted in this concept but Renault bosses hinted the R.S.16 could become a four-seater should it reach production

The R.S.16 aims to be fastest Renaultsport model ever

Interior is mostly standard Clio RS with the seats and harnesses from the Megane Trophy-R

Renault's R-LINK touchscreen Infotainment system has been kept

‘RS Drive’ button allows you to select between driving modes

Racing seats and harnesses sit prominently up front

Owing to the lack of rear seats luggage capacity is significantly increased from the standard car