Renault Sandero RS 2.0 Racing Spirit Special Edition offers old-school vibe and more tech

Let us welcome the latest special version of the Renault Sandero RS 2.0 - the new Renault Sandero RS 2.0 Racing Spirit - that has become sportier in both performance and looks.

Nowadays, most hot hatches are powered by engines boosted by turbochargers. This way, these powerplants could produce more output and torque without having to employ more displacement. Moreover, these turbocharged mills are usually paired to automatic transmissions, allowing for a more convenient and easier drive.

But that doesn’t mean that hot hatches have lost their old-school feel. This is powered by a naturally aspirated engine paired to a manual gearbox. The Renault Sandero RS 2.0’s appeal is made stronger by the addition of the Renault Sandero RS 2.0 Racing Spirit, which like the regular version, is only available in Brazil.

This special edition of the Renault Sandero RS 2.0 is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter gasoline engine that is also found in the regular version. This engine is tuned to deliver 150 PS of max output and 205 Nm (151 lb.-ft. -feet) of peak torque available at 4,000 rpm.

The naturally aspirated motor sends power to the wheels through a six-speed short-ratio manual gearbox – an old-school combo that is no longer available in the carmaker’s RS offerings in Europe. With this powertrain, the new Renault Sandero RS 2.0 Racing Spirit could sprint from zero to 62 mph (100 kph) in just eight seconds flat, on the way to achieving a top speed of around 125 mph (202 kph).

To distinguish the Racing Spirit version from a regular Renault Sandero RS 2.0, Renault gave the special edition an extensive visual makeover both inside and out. For instance, the Renault Sandero RS 2.0 Racing Spirit version features a black finish with a number of red accents. These red accents are found on its F1-style blade, side mirror caps and on the rear diffuser.

Completing the exterior visual modifications are the red “Racing Spirit” side stripes along with red checkered flag pattern. Likewise, the new Renault Sandero RS 2.0 Racing Spirit version features a new set of 17-inch alloy wheels with red and black center caps as well as red brake calipers. These hot-looking wheels are wrapped with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires that measure 205/45 R17.

The racy black and red theme of the exterior is carried into the interior. For instance, the special edition features a black roof while gloss black trim is found on the center console and door grips.

Red trim, meanwhile, is found on the side vents for the air-con and on the speedometer. Likewise, the seats feature red stripes and stitching. In between the seats is a numbered plate indicating the unit’s limited edition serial number, thereby denoting that only 1,500 examples are available. The limited edition also features LED daytime running lights, automatic air conditioning and front electric windows as standard.

Renault is selling the Renault Sandero RS 2.0 Racing Spirit for BRL66,400 ($21,300).

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Renault Sandero R.S. 2.0 gets new Racing Spirit limited edition in Brazil

Infused with the DNA of Renault Sport, the Renault Sandero R.S. 2.0 gets spiced up with a new limited edition named Racing Spirit.

The Brazilian best-selling hot hatch now offers new Michelin PS4 tires paired with 17’’ alloy wheels, red brake calipers and wheel center caps. Red is also spread on the F1-style blade, side-view mirrors, along with the diffuser and new “Racing Spirit” side stripes.

The cockpit-inspired cabin adds sportiveness to the Sandero R.S. 2.0, beginning with the numbered plate near the gearshift lever which records the serial number of this Limited Edition. Red side air vents and speedometer trim ring embellish the all-new black roof; seats also feature red stripes and stitches. Glossy black center fascia and inner door handles complete the Black & Red sport harmony inside.

Designed and styled by Renault Sport Cars engineers working as a team with their Latin-American colleagues from Renault Design Latin America and Renault Technocentre America, the Sandero R.S. 2.0. is a genuine sports car. Manufactured at the Renault plant of Curitiba, the Sandero R.S. 2.0 Racing Spirit Limited will be displayed at Buenos Aires Motorshow from June 10th to 20th 2017.