Parked in what looks to be an exhibition space for Renault design is possibly our first glimpse of the new Renault Clio Concept (its unofficial name). The image comes from the Autoscoops website and shows the Renault Frendzy ZE Concept, the R-Space and the Captur models, and a new model at the far end in the form of a small red hatchback.

If this does prove to be a new Clio, the model is looking sportier than normal (or is it just the colour?) and our only doubt is on the headlights - even so far away they look pretty large compared to the bonnet. Previous rumours on the model suggest we’ll get an entry level one-litre TCe engine with 85 hp, followed by the 1.2 TCe with 105 hp and the 1.4 TCe with 136 hp.

A new Renault Clio Gordini version will have the Nissan Juke’s 1.6-litre petrol unit with 190 hp while the Clio RS should have more than 200 hp. Four diesel engine options will be on offer. The 1.5 dCi will come in three powersteps of 75, 90 and 105 hp, and the 1.6 dCi has 130 hp. New three-cylinder engines are expected to be unveiled in 2014. The Renault Clio Concept will be at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show this month.

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The Renault Clio Gordini has been released. Based on the Clio GT (which it will substitute), the new car is available in three- or five-door versions with two engine options on offer: the 1.6 16V with 128 hp, and the 1.5 DCI diesel with 105 hp. The updated package is inspired by the RS Gordini version, which made for 27 percent of total European Renault RS sales.

The Renault Clio Gordini will go on sale in France for a price between 18,450 and 21,350 euros. It has the classic Gordini contrasting stripe across the bonnet and roof, and on the interior contrasting stitching, a leather steering wheel with silver stripe, sports pedals, glossy black trim and personalised mats.

Other features of the Clio Gordini include twin exhaust pipes, fog lights, aerodynamic kit, audio system with steering wheel commands, 16-inch Turini wheels with diamond finish, Tom Tom Live nav system and cruise control. The same suspension setup as the previous GT version is used.

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The Renault Gordini brand will be revived with a new Twingo Gordini to be revealed on November 25, ready for the market in spring next year. It will be followed by the Renault Clio Gordini and then a Megane Gordini version. The models will appear alonside the Renault Sport models already available, and will come into direct competition with Abarth and John Cooper Works models.

To celebrate the return of the Gordini brand, here’s a historic gallery for you. The new models will take on the same classic blue tint with two white stripes. The first Renault Gordini model that was produced was the Dauphine Gordini back in 1958, with an 845 engine producing 38 hp. It was the start of a successful brand, with four of five top places in the 1964 Tour de Corsica going to Gordini, leading to the inauguration of the Gordini cup in 1966.

The Gordini looks very much like the French version of the Italian job, and the classic model was the Gordini R8 with four round headlights and the exclusive “bleu de France” livery. The 1964 model of the Corsica rally was equipped with a 1100 engine with 90 hp and a five-speed gearbox. In 1966 the first 1300 Gordini R8 was used with 100 hp. About 11,500 Renault 8 Gordini models were produced, and about 9,000 of these were the 1300 version.

The R8 was replaced by the Renault 12 Gordini in 1971 which had a 1.6-litre engine and 125 hp. Competition models were equipped with a 1.6-litre engine with 160 hp which achieved a top speed of more than 200 km/hr. The last Renault Gordini model produced was the 17 Gordini, which didn’t have the same success as previous models, with production ending in 1979.

Renault Gordini history

Source | Autoblog.it

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