New Member - Clio RS

[nicf23]

One other thing that I thought was interesting. People hate getting overtaken by the Clio! They just refuse to get out of the way and get grumpy when you push past. Major contrast to the GT-R, where other cars almost go off the road trying to get out of your way, even though they don't need to (600bhp makes courtesy from others irrelevant). Funny. I think blokes that think they are going quickly hate a tiny, tall French car with rear doors harassing them. Which is half the fun of course.


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[rolly]

Yup, I've aggrieved many a large horsepower machine in the Clio and as you say most do not take lightly to being passed by a cute little shopping basket.

Great to see you choosing the clio as your track weapon, they really are a versatile little machine. I still can't give up my three door even with kids with car seats and a dog, because they all fit in!

[eye.double.you]

Photos of the RS! Plus a bonus photo to explain why there's a Holden parked in the background.

All were taken from turn 3. Sadly I neglected to remember my trackside pass to get shots from anywhere else...

[Mungous]

Those VK Holdens make excellent farm implements!

[nicf23]

Brilliant photos, thanks for posting. Interesting to see it loading the tires even in the wet. I don't love the dunlops it came on (planning on going to MPSS) but they were good in the rain.

I have just got back from Rally Whangerei. Didn't even think about taking the GT-R and the Clio was just so so good. Rolled up there comfortably at  illegal velocities with the cruise control on, then entertained in the twisties. Now enough power to drop almost anything in passing lanes. And of course the small size was a massive advantage parking on each stage. I really am quite in love with the car at the moment and the GT-R seems a bit silly and over the top by comparison. Which I hate to say. I should probably drag it out of the garage and see how I feel after a proper drive.


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Note the small French city car surrounded by 4WDs. Just like in Remuera.

[eye.double.you]

No worries. PM you email address if you want higher-res copies.

[nicf23]

Just done a couple of track days in just over a week- first Taupo then Pukekohe. The Clio went really, really well. Suits both tracks. At Taupo you do wish you had a proper LSD with those long slow corners, butt at Pukekohe today just perfect. It ripped round there and absolutely nothing got past (ok, a R35 GT-R did).

The tires are toast now though. Thinking I might go to Michelin Pilot Super Sports for the extra track day grip. The car is a little traction limited since the remap and while I am learning to drive around it it would nice to have to do so less. It is such a different car to the GT-R: all about conserving speed and getting it rotated. It is very oversteery for a FWD car...

And in other news the GT-R is gone. It had its two years and I have moved in a complete different direction. Italian, V8, and no roof.


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[rolly]

Wished I had popped down to take a look, but too busy getting the pug ready for cage tomorrow.  What kind of lap times were you getting?

Puke is a courage track, so if your cars handling gives you confidence you can really push over the hill and through turn 1. It is also more suited to more road orientated suspension than race car due to the bumps.

[dowleh]

if you don't mind me asking, what is the so-called roofless Italian?

[nicf23]

Ran reliably 1.26.xx- I would say there is another second in the car with a clear track and a perfect lap but a lot of traffic so never quite got a run on. As you say, a track that is all about confidence and speed, not at all technical, and so much fun. The Clio managed the bumps well and fast enough that traction not an issue (which was a problem in Taupo).

This should get the internet going but it would have been much slower and less fun with a manual box. The ability to grab a gear without upsetting the balance is important around there and in race mode the box is every bit as quick as you would want. The bores who claim a manual is essential need to join the 21st century.



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[nicf23]

On the new car: first correct guess wins a prize.


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[MYRUSH]

458 Spider?

[dowleh]

Maserati GranCabrio?

[rolly]

At a guess there is more like another 3-4 seconds in the car ;-) probabably limtied by the standard seat and belts. Get a 4 point clip in harness, it is amazing how much quicker you can go when not having to HANG ON!

[nicf23]

Ha, no way there is 3-4 seconds left. Next time I am at the track I will invite you down to see if you can just keep up!

GranCabrio is 90% right. GranCabrio Sport (google the difference). Sadly it was hit by a minivan on day 1 and is in the panelbeaters... so no pics till I am back from overseas in January. Bugger.


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