Renault Toughens Up New Clio RS 220 Trophy

But when Renault switched from the previous model with its naturally aspirated engine, manual gearbox and three doors to the new Clio RS 200 Turbo with forced induction, dual-clutch transmission and five doors... well, let's just say some of the most hardcore enthusiasts were not enthused. That's where the new Clio RS 220 Trophy comes in.

It's still a five-door with a turbo engine and dual-clutch transmission, but it's been toughened up. For starters, the engine has been retuned to deliver 10 percent more power, now up to 220 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque (boosted to 206 lb-ft in fourth and fifth gears). The redline has been upped from 6,500 rpm to 6,800. The transmission has been recalibrated to shift up to 50 percent faster with shorter throws on the paddle shifters. The suspension has been dropped by 0.8 inches at the front and 0.4 inches at the rear, and stiffened by up to 40 percent. The steering rack is quicker, the new 18-inch alloys wear Michelin Pilot Super Sport rubber, and the styling inside and out has been revised to reflect its more focused attitude.