The Renault Clio RS 220 Trophy has managed to set a new record for the B-segment (compact hot hatch) around the famous Nurburgring. This RS 220 is a five-door hot hatch with a turbo engine and dual-clutch transmission, but it’s been toughened up for its ‘Trophy’ title.
The engine has been retuned to deliver 10% more power, which is 220horsepower and 192 pound-feet (260Nm up 20Nm) of torque (boosted to 206 lb-ft in fourth and fifth gears). The redline has been pushed up from 6,500 rpm to 6,800. The transmission has been recalibrated to shift up to 50% faster with shorter throws on the paddle shifters. The Clio is lower by 20mm at the front, 10mm at the rear. Firmer shock absorbers, and revised springs (40 per cent stiffer at the rear), have been fitted and are coupled to the existing motorsport-derived hydraulic bump stops.
The steering rack is quicker with ratio reduced from 14.5:1 to 13.2:1, which makes steering even more precise and incredibly direct – the best system on the market. There are new 18-inch alloys that wear Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, and the styling inside and out has been revised to reflect its more focused track ready attitude.
The Honda Civic Type R is currently holding the fastest lap record for a FWD car on the German track but the Clio RS 220 Trophy is now the fastest small hot hatch (B segment) on the circuit, according to the French company. The pocket-rocket has managed to lap the ‘Ring in 8:32 minutes which is some 36 seconds faster than the standard Clio RS 200 EDC.
