2008 Paris Auto Show: Renault Mégane Trophy

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PARIS — The French automaker unveiled its updated Mégane Trophy at the 2008 Paris Auto Show. The car features many exterior upgrades and an extra 30 horses.

The body takes its design cues from the new Mégane Coupe and includes additions like a front splitter and rear diffuser and wing. A 20 percent improvement in downforce and 15 percent reduction in drag combine to create an aerodynamic machine. A set of 18-inch wheels and butterfly doors finish off the list of exterior modifications.

Under the hood, the hot hatch features a mid-mounted 3.5-liter V6 from Nissan that gets a 30-horsepower boost (bringing total power up to 360 hp) thanks to the new inlet manifold fed by roof-mounted air ducts. It also features an FIA-homologated sports-prototype tubular chassis, semi-automatic gearbox with paddle shifters and a double-wishbone suspension with adjustable dampers.

After the program reaches completion at the end of the year, the Mégane Trophy will go on sale as an upgrade kit for existing models, although the extensive work required can only be done at the Alpine factory in Dieppe.

The updated Trophy stars in this year's World Series by Renault (WSR), a single-seater European competition that gives people the chance to hit the tarmac with a Renault factory racing car.

What this means to you: Although extensive bodywork is required, the extra power and sporty look that comes with the package make it well worth it. — Mike Lysaght, Correspondent