This year marks two decades since Evo Magazine first went to press and to commemorate the petrolhead-friendly publication, it has named what it deems to be the most significant car maker during that period.
As you’d imagine, the Evo team are spoiled for choice. Would they go for McLaren? Porsche? Ferrari? Audi? BMW? No, Evo Magazine’s ‘company of the past 20 years’ was none other than Renault Sport.
Announced during a ceremony in London that celebrated two decades of Evo Magazine, Renault’s performance division was praised for “always challenging itself and responding to feedback like no other manufacturer”.
Evo holds Renault Sport responsible for some of its favourite hot hatches, namely the Clio V6, Clio 172 Cup, Clio 182 Trophy, Clio 200 Cup, Mégane 275 Trophy-R and the Mégane R26.R, which ranked fifth in the magazine’s ‘best car ever’ test.
The past 20 years have been particularly notable for Renault Sport too, becoming a three-time holder of the Nürburgring Nordschleife front-wheel-drive lap record with Mégane R26.R, Mégane 265 Trophy, and Mégane 275 Trophy-R.
Evo editor Stuart Gallagher highlighted why Renault Sport elevated itself above the competition. “What makes Renault Sport a standout company for Evo is how it responds to new rivals and feedback from Evo and its readers,” he explained. He also explained that “Where others would consider throwing in the towel, Renault Sport accepts every challenge.”
Patrice Ratti, managing director of Renault Sport, responded to the win by saying: “We know Evo readers are true car fans who appreciate the thrill of driving and as such, we value the magazine’s opinions greatly.” Renault Sport was born in 1998 when the Clio V6 was unveiled at Paris Motor Show.
Today, it builds R.S. versions of Mégane and Clio and GT versions of Mégane, Clio and Twingo, as well as race versions and single seaters in several successful formulae across the world.
Do you agree with Evo’s decision? Let us know in the comments below!
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