Renault debuts its Clio Renaultsport 220 Trophy in Geneva

Following in the slipstream of other Trophy models such as the 2005 Clio Renaultsport 182 Trophy, the Megane Renaultsport 265 Trophy and the current Megane Renaultsport 275 Trophy, the Clio Renaultsport 220 Trophy has been finely honed by Renaultsport's passionate engineers to add even sharper handling, improved driving characteristics and increased performance coupled with exclusivity and distinctive styling.

Thanks to revised engine mapping, the 220 Trophy now has 10 percent more power (220bhp) and up to an extra 40Nm of torque (280Nm). It also benefits from a larger turbo, an air intake designed to minimise pressure losses and a revised exhaust system to accommodate the latest Euro6 catalytic converter and minimise back pressure losses. Maximum revs has also increased from 6,500rpm to 6,800rpm.

Gear shifts are now up to 40 percent faster in 'Normal' and 'Sport' modes, and 50 percent faster in 'Race' mode thanks to software recalibration. Earlier downshifts, for example under heavy braking on track, are permitted by optimised software calibration and the raised rev limit.

The Clio Renaultsport 220 Trophy retains the R.S. Drive system that allows one powertrain to have three different behaviours: Normal, Sport and Race. R.S. Drive also adds Launch Control and the ability to perform multiple downshifts at once by keeping the paddle held. Race mode is fully manual only, has the fastest shift times, no 'creep' function and will not change up or down without intervention. 

Like the rest of its Trophy models, it also receives refinements that further sharpen its handling. Other than being lower by 20mm at the front and 10mm at the rear, firmer shock absorbers and revised springs (40 percent stiffer at the rear) have been fitted and are coupled to the existing motorsport-derived hydraulic bump stops. A new, faster rack (with ratio reduced from 14.5:1 to 13.2:1) makes steering even more precise and incredibly direct.

The Clio Renaultsport 220 Trophy EDC is a numbered special edition that provides value for money in performance terms. It is aimed at the most demanding customers, such as track day enthusiasts and those who appreciate the cutting-edge manner of Renaultsport's unrivalled expertise.