Renault are quite unique among car manufacturers in that they offer a cup version with less equipment/weight for less money. Car companies are usually quick to charge extra for more performance even it is brought about by less kit. Porsche used to be good for offering cheaper Club Sport cars. If my Clio/Megane isn't arriving with glass rear windows, a stereo, rear seats or air con I don't want to pay more pennies for it...I want to pay less.
The fact of the matter is that most people like their little luxuries and mainly use their cars for getting them from A to B. A lot of people like the idea of a stripped out track biased car, but actually living with one when your not always out for b-road runs, track days or even grass roots motorsport is difficult. Someone made a good point about hot hatches just slotting into your life.
Removing every scrap of interior might make you feel like a track day hero but if your using your car everyday it's pretty silly.
Honda offered a light weight Civic Type R with no rear parcel shelf and air con deleted I think...I'm pretty sure they sold 1...yes 1...just as well they came up with the Championship White edition. They had it spot on with the DC2 Integra...Renault aren't too far off the mark with the 200 Cup...but wtf. is up with no adjustable steering collum...idiots!
As for the R27 I'd easily pick one out over the other 197's because I really like LY. It's nice to know it has the proper suspenion and seats as well. Could always buy a regular 197 and try to get a hold of Clio 200 Cup spec. dampers and springs...yeee hah!
