Ive not driven a Normal 225, but as I said, the Trophy version was very impressive. For the money you get one hell of a car, and personally I really love the way it looks. That dam arse grew on me in the end!
I can see exactly where you are coming from mate. I was convinced the 172 Cup was nothing more than some creative marketing, but it was a better car to drive than the 172. Provided of course thats where your emphasis lies. Some people bought the Cup as it was cheaper, others for the drive, some got 172s because it had the spec of a luxury car.
On face value the Trophy looks like the same thing, in fact it looks more like a parts bin special due to it being end of line and having what appear to be the same wheels that were on the Cup and V6 spoiler. I think there are 2 reasons why the Trophy wasnt done earlier and isnt being made in large numbers. Firstly, look how they have made improvements to the chassis and handling of the car during its life, its only really now they know exactly what to do to get the most out of it. But the main reason is as with all cars like this they are compromised some more obviously than others. The Trophy is without a shadow of doubt the hardest road car I have ever owned or driven in standard trim, except maybe an Elise. To most people that wouldnt appeal. The majority of buyers wouldnt want to pay a higher price for a car which looks, in the brochure, to be a lower spec(no xenons, climate, autowipers or leather rear seats), when in reality its that the cars primary focus has been shifted to the driving experience and edged closer to track.
The visible changes are minimum but under the surface a lot has gone on and its noticable in the driving experience. The real reason it exists and costs so much:
http://www.leemather.plus.com/cliosport/Oulton190605/oulton_08.htmlSachs racing dampers
Plus if it helps them clear out some of the old shells as production slows then its a bonus.
Hope that makes sense, it does in my head anyway.
