Just as promised, Renault has shown a new RS model at the Geneva Motor Show. We are pleased to say that it's not a boring special edition, but an impressive update for the Clio, which now bears the moniker Renaultsport 220 Trophy EDC.
As the name suggests, the 1.6-liter turbo engine has been boosted from 200 PS to 220 PS. Torque is also up by 20 Nm to 260 Nm (192 lb-ft) while the rev limit has increased from 6,500 rpm to 6,800 rpm. For short bursts of overtaking in 4th and 5th gear, up to 280 Nm (207 lb-ft) is available thanks to an overboost function.
Getting this much power from the small engine is possible thanks to a larger turbocharger, new air intake system and revisions to the exhaust downpipe. The much-criticized EDC has also been updated and seems to be up to its job now. In Normal and Sport mode, shifts happen 40% faster, while in Race they're twice as fast.
The suspension setup is just as radical as the engine. A special Trophy chassis, like the one used by the Clio 182 Trophy, brings the car 20mm lower at the front and 10mm at the back. The springs are also stiffer and Michelin Pilot Super Sport 205/40R18 tires should improve traction and cornering.
Miraculously, even though the car is faster, it's also slightly more economical. CO2 emissions have gone down by 6 grams per km, thanks to a new stop/start system.
If old Clio Trophy models are anything to base our assumptions on, the 220 horsepower turbo will be absurdly fast on the track. Watch out MINI JCW, Renault may be after your titles.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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