The brand new turbo-powered Clio Cup race car made its British track debut at Snetterton 300 Circuit this week.
Driven by Josh Files, the fourth-generation car, which will make its Renault UK Clio Cup debut in 2014, lapped the 2.97-mile track in 2m 07.001s, almost two seconds faster than the current lap record in the third-generation car, held by James Colburn.
The car was run by reigning champions Team Pyro, who are entering two of the cars for Files and David Dickenson in the Eurocup Clio series this year.
“The thing that impresses you the most when you first drive the new Clio is the engine power and the gearbox, there’s so much more power than the existing car and the gearbox is really good – the changes are lightning fast with the paddle shift,” said Files.
“The brakes do take a while to get used to but they are better once you’ve got your head around them, and they stop the car in the same distance as the other Clio which, considering you’re going so much faster, really is something. It really looks awesome, very aggressive, and the whole car is properly like a touring car now. You can change so much more with this Clio, such as the dampers and things like that. It’s a real piece of kit and, to be honest, I didn’t think I’d like it as much as I do. It’s an amazing car.”
