Since the overhaul of the FIA Rally Pyramid in 2019, Renault has established itself as the benchmark in the world of traction, with the success of the two-wheel drive Clio Rally5 and Clio Rally4, launched in 2020 and 2021 respectively. Today, the sporty versions of the fifth generation Renault Clio continue with Clio Rally3.
Clio and the four-wheel drive challenge
The rally range is expanding with Clio Rally3, the first four-wheel drive Clio produced by the brand. Responding to the linear progression desired by the governing bodies of motorsport, the model is based on intelligent regulations allowing a manufacturer to decline the same model from the Rally5 to Rally3 categories. To put it simply, a Rally3 is a Rally4 that has rear-wheel drive to achieve four-wheel drive. The technical teams of Alpine Racing were therefore able to benefit from the proven structure and bank of components of the Cio Rally4 to develop Clio Rally3.
Clio Rally3 uses the 4-cylinder 1.3 l TCe 16-valve turbocharged direct injection engine with power and torque increased to 260 horsepower and 415 Nm after studying 299 maps. This block is associated with a five-speed SADEV gearbox equipped with a limited-slip self-locking differential. Particular care has been taken in the search for performance and reliability thanks to the experience of the Viry-Châtillon teams, combined with the skills of Castrol - partner of Renault competition-customer programs such as BWT Alpine F1 Team - who have optimized lubrication of the engine and transmission, a particularly important subject for a four-wheel drive car.
Assembled by the Manufacture Alpine Dieppe Jean Rédélé, Clio Rally3 is equipped with Michelin tyres, another loyal partner of Renault customer competition activities and a guarantee of performance that no longer needs to be demonstrated.
Aerodynamics benefited from numerous synergies within the Renault Group. Thanks to its privileged relationship with Enstone, Viry-Châtillon was able to rely on the expertise and calculation resources of BWT Alpine F1 Team to design the rear wing of Clio Rally3,
The versatility, performance and reliability of Clio Rally3 were also unanimously praised by prospects, beginners or experienced in four-wheel drive, who took turns at the wheel to discover it during a test session at the end of November.
FIA Rally3 approval in the viewfinder
It is in this spirit and respect for this tradition that Clio Rally3 will soon enter the scene. Since January 1, orders have been open directly with the Manufacture Alpine Dieppe Jean Rédélé. In its asphalt and dirt versions, the model is offered at €122,000 excluding tax, French registration included, car assembled and painted. The first deliveries and the debut in competition will follow in the wake of its homologation.
CLIO RALLY3 - TECHNICAL SHEET*
FRAME
Base - Clio R.S. Line with roll bar
Body/Type - Monocoque welded steel hoop
Safety - Multipoint roll bar
Aerodynamics - Rear spoiler
ENGINE
Type - Renault HR13 4 cylinder, 16 valve
Layout - Front
Displacement - 1330 cc
Max power - 260 hp
Torque - 415Nm
Max rpm - 7400 rpm
Turbocharger - 31mm Flange
Feed - Direct Injection
Cooling - Series derivative
Electronic Management - Life Racing
Fuel - SP98 trade
Lubricants - Castrol
TRANSMISSION
Type - Integral, four-wheel drive
Gearbox - Sadev ST4-82, 5-speed sequential + reverse
Selector - Lever with electric release MAR
Bridge - Sadev SP02
Front/rear differential - ZF type limited slip
Clutch - Twin-disc Sachs
RUNNING GEAR AND SUSPENSION
Front/rear axle - Pseudo McPherson
Shock absorbers - Bos Suspension with three way adjustment and hydraulic stopper
Asphalt front brakes - Ø 330 x 28 mm, PFC Brakes 4-piston calipers
Ground front brakes - Ø 294 x 28 mm, PFC Brakes 4-piston calipers
Asphalt/Dirt rear brakes - Ø 294 x 28 mm, PFC Brakes 4-piston calipers
Handbrake - Hydraulic
Steering - Electric Power
WHEELS
Wheels - Aluminum, 6x15'' (dirt) and 7x17'' (asphalt)
Tires - Michelin
DIMENSIONS, MASS AND CAPACITIES
Length / width / height - 4050 / 1988 / 1400 mm
Wheelbase - 2585mm
Front / rear tracks - 1520 / 1520 mm
Fuel tank - 62 litres, FIA FT3 homologated
Empty weight - 1,210 kg (FIA minimum)