The Renault Clio RS 220 Trophy promises to eradicate all doubts and criticisms that the current Renault Clio RS 200 EDC has generated. More sharpness is what the RS 220 Trophy promises at all levels.
Sports little ones, pocket-rockets, hot-hatches, call them what you like. Renault Sport has been queen in executing these adrenaline concentrates, remaining at the top for decades despite fierce competition always looking to usurp the kingdom. The strong personality of its machines, increasingly refined with each version presented, has had the unconditional support of enthusiasts, petrolheads and the media. At Reason Automobile it is no different. The latest case of pure submission to the French machine involves a Megane RS 275 Trophy and an excited editorial director.
The “Normal” mode is now as fast on the RS 220 Trophy as the “Race” mode on the RS 200. And what about the “Race” mode on the Trophy? 50% faster cash transfers!
But sometimes detours happen and something gets lost along the way. And that's the story of the current Renault Clio RS 200 EDC. The change from its frenzied predecessor was drastic: the atmospheric 2 liters were swapped for a lazier 1.6 liters Turbo, the interactive manual transmission was swapped for a more distant dual clutch. And, perhaps signs of the times, we can even simulate the sound of a Nissan GT-R in the cabin. The driver-machine relationship was hurt, not for the better, and the more civilized and comprehensive character of the Renault Clio RS was criticized by enthusiasts and the press alike.
SEE ALSO: Our trial of the Renault Mégane RS Trophy
In response to criticism, Renault Sport unveils the Clio RS 220 Trophy, an extensive and detailed refinement work that comes from the RS 200. Nothing has been left to chance, with the engine, transmission and chassis receiving the attention of Renault Sport engineers.
As the name suggests, the 220 refers to the power drawn from the 1.6 liter 4-cylinder. The extra 20hp is achieved using optimized electronics and a revised turbo, which responds and blows faster, rotating at 190,000 rpm, 5000 more than the previous one. Intake and exhaust are enlarged in the diameter of their tubes. The RS 220 Trophy also gets a new two-stage catalytic converter instead of the two separate and more restrictive RS 200 units. justified by the presence of a stop-start system.
The Clio RS 220 Trophy saw ground clearance reduced by 20mm at the front and 10mm at the rear. At the front the springs have not changed, but at the rear they are 40% stiffer. The shock absorbers have been recalibrated and the polyurethane bushings are bigger and firmer.
The result is 220hp at 6250rpm and 260Nm of torque available between 2000 and 5600rpm, 20Nm more than the RS 200. But it doesn't stop there, as the Clio RS 220 Trophy can deliver an extra 20Nm – 280Nm in total – in 4th and 5th gear, thanks to Torque Boost, in other words, the classic overboost. The maximum rev limit also goes up from 6500rpm to 6800rpm, but this is only allowed in the first three speeds. All accessible through a reconfigured electronic accelerator, which promises more immediate responses with less course.
This, of course, if the changes made to the controversial EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) – the main reason for criticism – have the desired effect. Gear changes are now 40% faster in “Normal” and “Sport” modes. Effectively, the “Normal” mode is now as fast in the RS 220 Trophy as the “Race” mode in the RS 200. And what about the “Race” mode in the Trophy? 50% faster cash transfers!
NOT TO BE MISSED: Here's how to connect a Renault Espace with an F1 engine
Not only the transmission saw its action be accelerated, as the paddles located behind the steering wheel saw its travel reduced by about 30% for greater immediacy between action and expected reaction.
One of the criticisms pointed out to the transmission referred to its use on the track or when traveling fast on the road, demonstrating a reluctance to reduce to the desired speed when under heavy braking when approaching a curve. Renault Sport itself admits its conservatism in defining the safety margins applied to more abrupt reductions in the tuning of the Clio RS 200. The recalibration of the transmission ECU's software allowed for fewer restrictions and now guarantee higher rates of compliance with the requests made.
With the powertrain resolved, the focus shifts to the chassis. Terry Baillon, who is responsible for chassis and dynamics of the Clio RS 220 Trophy, agrees with the criticism leveled at the Clio RS 200 – rare admission in the middle – presenting a list of points necessary to return the Clio RS to the dynamic excellence for which it is revered.
Improving cornering balance, increasing oversteer capability, increasing cornering, reducing body heel, improving steering response and tact, and, to top it off, maintaining suspension comfort at the same level as the Clio RS 200. Little thing!
To fulfill all these objectives, the Clio RS 220 Trophy saw its ground clearance reduced by 20mm at the front and 10mm at the rear. At the front the springs have not changed, but at the rear they are 40% stiffer. The shock absorbers have been recalibrated and the polyurethane bushings are bigger and firmer. According to Renault Sport, the Clio RS 220 Trophy will have a noticeably firmer step by 15%, but not at the expense of comfort.
Body roll has been reduced by 10% compared to the Clio RS 200 and 5% when equipped with the Cup option. Steering is more direct with a reduced ratio from 14.5:1 to 13.2:1, which should increase the immediacy of response this to our requests, enhancing agility. Finally, the 205/45 R18 tires are no longer Dunlop Sport Maxx and become Michelin Pilot Super Sport.
RENAULT NEWS: Kadjar is Qashqai's cousin
Official performance data have not yet been made available, but numbers have already been put forward to ascertain the gains of the RS 220 Trophy in relation to the RS 200. If the mere second gain in the 0-1000m acceleration is modest – 26.5 seconds against the 27.5 of the RS 200 – a more reliable scenario of the RS 220 Trophy's performance increase can be seen in the lap time achieved on the Renault test track.
The Clio RS 220 Trophy clocked a 3 second shorter time per lap than the RS 200, dropping from 1′ 47″ to 1′ 44″, demonstrating superior potential in dissecting any curvilinear road or circuit.
Finally, the RS 220 Trophy visually distinguishes itself from the RS 200, with new 18″ “Radical” wheels with diamond finishes on its coating and black accents and the addition of the Trophy name on the front blade, bumper and frame. and threshold of the doors. All Clio RS 220 Trophy will be individually numbered, visible on the doorstep. Although numbered, it is not a limited edition. Renault Sport will produce as many as needed.
Inside, the steering wheel has a new leather covering and the sports seats also differ by having integrated headrests and marked with the Trophy identifying the version. Other decorative touches mimic the texture of carbon fiber and elements of the ventilation outlets are now finished in satin chrome instead of anodized red.
The Clio RS 220 Trophy will start commercializing next June and we will be waiting for you to find out, enthusiastically, if what it promises is being fulfilled.
Stay with the gallery:
