Miguel Sánchez
Renault is one of the sportiest brands on the European scene. Said like this, many of you may be surprised by the statement. However, beyond its character as a generalist manufacturer for the day to day, Renault has many glorious moments in competition. On the F1 tracks she will always be remembered for the introduction of the turbo with the RS01, also writing pages of glory in rallies thanks to the Alpine A110. In addition, the technical advances of its racing cars have always reverted to a wide sports range with such beloved models as the Supercinco GT Turbo or the Clio Williams.
And if this were not enough, those of Renault were pioneers in establishing the one-brand cups. Specifically in 1966, when a championship began in France with the R8 Gordini that would have its echo in Spain three years later. A great idea not only from the advertising point of view, but also as a pool of drivers who would later end up triumphing in other categories. In the Spanish case we have examples such as Salvador Canellas or Carlos Sainz, while Fittipaldi himself began to emerge thanks to the Renault Cup in Brazil. A breed of champions that further demonstrates how much Renault has done for motorsports.
In fact, one of the most interesting divisions in the organization chart of the company is Renault Sport. Dedicated to coordinating interests in competition, It had never brought a car to series until the Renault Sport Spider was presented in 1996.. Spartan and light, this barchetta was conceived for a one-brand glass with it as the protagonist, following in the footsteps of the 1990 Laguna Concept prototype.
However, the seductiveness of the model made it series. Not so much for its sales potential as for the advertising image that this radical model would give the brand. Perhaps because of this, their just over 1800 units They are cult cars 25 years after their introduction.
RENAULT SPORT SPIDER. FOR STREET AND CIRCUIT
Although it was finally designed for series production, the truth is that the Renault Sport Spider has circuit genetics. Lightened as much as possible, it even lacks a radio. A spirit that not only stays in aesthetics, since the aluminum chassis and the plastic composite body panels reduce the weight to 930 kilos. All with contained measures: 3 meters long and 8 meters wide. If we add to that its short wheelbase, the rear central transverse arrangement of the engine and a very low center of gravity… What we have is a very efficient sports car in curves.
Equipped with a two-liter four-cylinder engine, its 150CV is capable of launching the Renault Sport Spider up to 215 km / h. Making the 0 to 100 in 6'9 seconds. More than interesting performance for such a light car, which transmits the power to the ground thanks to a 5-speed manual transmission direct to rear axle. Regarding aerodynamics, its height of minus 1 meters even counting the safety arch provides good effectiveness.
Something that could only be seen slightly diminished by the windshield, which by the way was an option, since it came without it as standard. Yes indeed, this fifties barchetta sensation legally requires the use of a helmet. A radicalism sought after by its buyers, who could enjoy an almost tailor-made driving position thanks to the adjustable seat and pedals. A design assembled at the Alpine factory in Dieppe, uniting the Renault Sport Spider with the brand that Renault is using at the moment to revitalize its sportier side.
25 YEARS OF THE RENAULT SPORT SPIDER. BORN CLASSIC
25 years is a pretty tight figure to consider a truly classic car. However, the truth is that not a few models are born with the virtue of knowing future classics in complete safety. To do this, various criteria must be met. One of them is being a great model of a great brand, something like what can happen with whatever the latest Ferrari or the latest version of the 911 is. However, other much more modest models also have that future condition. classic just born. Obviously the Renault Sport Spider was one of them. And it is that, although today the small boat It has become fashionable again, the truth is that in the 90s there were very few brands that dared with such radical bodies.
Beyond the lightweight Lotus sports cars, Few were the projects within well-known brands that put cars like this Spartan within a more or less manageable reach for fans.. In fact, even at Alfa Romeo there was a Spider-based barchetta prototype that eventually became a museum piece in Arese. Perhaps for all this the Renault Sport Spider is such a special car and admired among lovers of old-fashioned driving. Precisely because of this condition of "Rare avis", which is even more noticeable among the competition versions, which increased the power to 180CV reducing the weight to 930 kilos. Another milestone in the sports saga set by Renault.
Photographs: Renault
