A few days after its unveiling at the Paris Motor Show, Renault Clio RS200 now gets a racing version courtesy of Renault UK for 2014 motor racing season. The brand new turbo-powered race car will make its debut early next year. Until then it will continue its tough testing routine, which has already covered 3,500 kilometres at different French circuits.

The Clio RS race car is powered by a 1.6-litre turbo engine tuned by Oreca Magny-Cours, which at 220hp and 270Nm of torque is a bit more powerful than the road-going version.

It is a greater performer than the normal Clio though, because it’s lighter and has stuff like a six-speed sequential gearbox with an AP Racing clutch and limited slip differential. Professional suspension is provided as well, with one-way adjustable dampers from ZF-Sachs featuring specific aluminium wishbones. The car also has a complete data acquisition system integrated into the TFT full colour dash display.

Meanwhile a racing aero kit with front and rear spoilers and roof scoop generate lots of downforce to keep the car on the ground at high speed. 17-inch Speedline Corse racing alloys have the job of delivering the power to the ground.

The new car’s lap records are about one second quicker than the old Clio Cup models.