[Williams]PCD-site speedline article

[speedline]

My article on the Clio Williams as quoted on Pure Clio 16v Drivers...

Clio Williams

This is the best Clio ever; it features a 2 liter F7R-700 engine that produces 108kW or 147hp/ 6100rpm and 175Nm/ 4500rpm of torque.

ItŽs basically a larger stroked F7P 1.8 16v engine but the engine featured a larger crankhousing, a 1.9 F8Q dieseltype crankshaft, 0.7mm bigger bore pistons, larger intake valves, and camshafts with different profiles.
The fuel injection system was uprated with a different ecu and higher flow-rate injectors. A different integrated fuel pump/ level sensor was also used.

This engine features a flat torque curve and a high maximum value of 175Nm. Of which 85% is available at 2500rpm and 95% at only 3500rpm. The rev limiter was set to 6600rpm.

In the Clio Williams a 5-speed, more robust, JC5-015 gearbox was adopted. With a longer final drive and revised internal gears, with slightly different ratios, it lenghtens the overall gearing to compensate for the lower maximum rpm. This in comparison to the JB3-039 unit used previously in the Clio 16v. The selector movements have been reduced and the stops are more pronounced. These changes significantly improved ease and precision of gearchanging.

The further developed suspension benefits from a 34mm larger front track, a stiffer subframe, a 23mm front stabilizer bar, and 7-inch wide alloys. The 34mm wider front track was realized with the lower wishbones of the 19 16v. The steering rack featured longer track rod ens to cope with the wider track. The steering rack ratio remained the same as the 16v.

The brakes were continued from the 16v model. ABS was an option on the last batch only ! Configuration remained the same; 259mm ventilated discs at the front, and 238mm discs at the rear.

The interior featured blue dials, blue seatbelts, and a special gray upholstery with Williams embroidery. Weight was up 33-kilograms compared to the Clio 16v.

In the first period of production, due to homologation reasons, only 2500 cars were planned. Thanks to the large demand for this special version, a second batch was made containing 3500 cars. This batch was a huge succes also, and another and last batch was produced containing 3800cars. The Clio Williams was introduced in June 1993 and had a minor restyling in September 1994 when the phase 2 was introduced. Production stopped in late 1996, and wasnŽt continued during phase 3.

Performance is among the best GTIŽs. 0-100kph takes just under 8 seconds with 7.72s. The 400 and 1000 meters with standing start take only 15.61 and 28.57 seconds. Topspeed is 215.7kph at the rev limiter !

This the most pure hot-hatch for every day use Renault has ever produced. The engine is a masterpiece with high torque levels across the rev range. The tweaked suspension achieves a more progressive response in the transient phase and in extreme conditions of use. This by limiting power-understeer and providing a better balance by limiting throttle lift-off oversteer compared to Clio 16v. ItŽs an easier car on the limit because itŽs less nervous compared to its 16v sibbling.

Kind regards,

Speedline.

[Tom]

mooi artikeltje !!

[Robert dB.]

klopt het dat dit artikel al een paar jaartjes op RCD staat? Heb namelijk een dergelijk artikel destijds gebruikt om de 16v en willi te vergelijken....nadat ik het gelezen had wist ik zeker dat een willi een goede aankoop zou zijn!

[Haas]

ben t inderdaad ook al eens eerder tegengekomen volgens mij...

[Menno]

mooie story

kleine correctie: de toerenbegrenser staat op 6500, en de injectoren zijn hetzelfde als van een 16V.

[Dr.Turbostein]

Very nice. Het was eens interessant