2005 ANNUAL REPORT - Renault

Renault Sport Technologies
Success for the inaugural "World Series by Renault"
The "World Series
by Renault" got off
to a promising start.
This innovative motor sport
concept combines topclass
racing action
and an exciting program
of entertainment off
the track.
Launched in May 2005 at the Belgian circuit of Zolder,
the new "World Series by Renault" was an immediate hit
across Europe. The 2005 calendar's eight events
attracted more than 655,000 spectators who
represented a far broader audience than traditional
race-going fans. Indeed, some 60% of those who
attended had never previously been to a motor racing
meeting.
Each weekend sees three international championships
top the bill: the World Series Formula Renault 3.5 aimed
at Formula 1's stars of tomorrow, the Formula Renault
2.0 Eurocup, a long-time stepping stone for young
racers which has produced such top names as Kimi
Raikkonen, Felipe Massa and Christian Klein, and finally
the Eurocup Mégane Trophy, Renault's new flagship
single-make hatchback car series. In between races,
spectators are kept entertained with demonstration runs
by the Renault F1 Team, parade laps, collectors' car
shows, pit-stop contests, driving simulators and road
safety workshops, plus a wide variety of more general
entertainment in the form of concerts, celebrity
autograph-signing sessions and fairground attractions.
Entry is free of charge.
"World Series by Renault" events have emerged as an
effective marketing tool which not only generates
interest in the brand but also plays a positive role in
enhancing the image of Renault products. Indeed, more
than 40% of visitors received their invitation through
their Renault dealership, while media coverage (TV, print
media, etc.) represented the equivalent of advertising
valued at 543.9 million. In the future, new partnerships
will be developed at local level and efforts to consolidate
customer bases will be stepped up.
"World Series by Renault"
events provide effective
promotional support for
the brand's sports models.
The hot hatch with passion
and driving pleasure
The challenge faced by Renault Sport Technologies'
engineers when first penning New Clio Renault Sport was
to respect the original personality of Clio III while at the same
time highlighting the sports version's own intrinsic strengths
and dynamism. The result is an outstanding car which puts
the accent firmly on performance, passion and driving
pleasure.
New Clio Renault Sport features a groundbreaking first
in its segment in the form of a rear air diffuser which uses
technology derived directly from Formula 1. In association
with the extractor vents in the front wings, it ensures excellent
aerodynamic performance.
Sportier than ever, New Clio Renault Sport is powered
by an evolution of the normally-aspirated 2.0 16V engine,
the power of which has been increased to 200hp. This is
equivalent to 100hp/liter, making it the highest specific power
output of its category.
Coupled with a six-speed gearbox, this powerful, responsive
engine offers first-class sports performance and driving
pleasure, while the double-axis strut system guarantees
sharp and extremely precise handling.
New Clio Renault Sport is a worthy successor
to the Clio II Renault Sport 2.0 16V.
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2005 Renault Annual Report