Renault rolls out F1 GP attractions

RENAULT has marked its starring role at this weekend’s Australian Formula One Grand Prix by releasing a limited-edition AGP Clio RS 200 and announcing a racetrack-ready Red Bull Megane RS 250 give-away.

Launched with the help of Renault-powered Aussie F1 star Mark Webber on Renault-yellow carpet at Melbourne’s Government House last night, the AGP-edition Clio RS will be available exclusively to just 30 Australian customers.

Priced $1000 higher than the standard RS 200 Trophee upon which it is based at $39,990 plus on-road costs, the unique Clio carries a specially numbered (one to 30) plaque commemorating the 2011 Qantas Australian Formula One Grand Prix.

All 30 examples are finished in Renault’s traditional F1 racing colours of ‘liquid yellow’ and black paint, and also feature a black roof, racy rear roof spoiler and shiny black painted Speedline Cup alloy wheels.

As well as the shiny black exterior decor as on the Clio Renault Sport Cup and the ‘Carbone’ interior trim as seen on the Trophee, the AGP-edition Clio RS also comes with Renault Sport Recaro front seats and, for the first time on a Clio, a Renault Sport monitor.

Left:Mark Webber and the AGP Clio RS 200. Below: Red Bull Megane RS250.

Powered by an unchanged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that is matched with a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission and delivers 215Nm of torque at some 5400rpm and a 147.5kW of power at a peaky 7100rpm, the AGP Clio will not arrive in Renault dealerships across Australia until next month.

Like all Clio RS200s, the AGP version weighs just 1281kg and hits 100km/h in a claimed 6.9 seconds on its way to a stated top speed of 225km/h.

Other standard equipment includes Brembo brakes with red callipers, ABS with EBD and sports-tuned switchable ESC, six airbags, a quick steering rack, twin chromed exhaust outlets, cruise control with speed limiter and automatic headlights and wipers.

There is also a height and reach adjustable Renault Sport leather steering wheel with yellow centre band, a leather gear knob, drilled aluminium pedals, multi-function digital trip computer, climate-control air-conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity and 3.5mm and USB multimedia input for a four-speaker AM/FM/CD sound system with steering wheel controls.

“Renault has long been associated with success in Formula One and has been very popular at the Australian Grand Prix in particular,” said Renault Australia managing director Justin Hocevar at the official AGP welcome ceremony at Government House last night.

“Enthusiasm for Renault has also grown as a result of Mark Webber being powered by our Formula One engines over the past few seasons, and of course Renault powered Red Bull to the world constructors’ and drivers’ championships in 2010. In 2011 Renault is powering a full 25 percent of all entries in the Formula One championship.

“I am confident the new Clio RS 200 Australian Grand Prix Limited Edition car will become an instant classic, especially in Renault Sport’s signature liquid yellow and black paint scheme, and I am sure die-hard Renault Sport fans will find it hard to resist.”

Meantime, Renault Australia is also giving AGP goers the chance to win a track-ready Megane Renault Sport 250 hot-hatch at this weekend’s race at Albert Park.

One of four that participated in the Red Bull Race Off support event, it will be offered to the winner in “as raced” condition, complete with track-day additions such as a full six-point roll cage, window net, racing seat and five-point harness.

Renault says the winner of the Red Bull Megane RS 250, all modifications on which meets CAMS race car regulations in Australia, will be unable to drive the car legally on Australian roads if they choose to take the vehicle as is.

Alternatively, at the winner’s request, Renault will return the vehicle to its original as-new road-going specification (not condition), allowing it to be driven on public roads.

To be eligible to enter the competition, entrants must be aged 18 years and over and hold a full and current Australian driver’s licence.

To enter the competition, visitors to the Renault Experience Stand at the Grand Prix must be over 18 years of age, hold a current Australia full driver's license and attend the Renault Experience Stand located within F1 Central at the Albert Park circuit.

Australian world record motorcycle stunt rider Robbie Maddison, who will compete in the Red Bull Race Off himself, will conduct the live draw this Sunday at 2.30pm.