New 2019 Renault Megane R.S. Trophy-R spied testing ~ station of gear

Luke Wilkinson 2019-03-26 16:30

The new Renault Megane R.S. Trophy-R has a score to settle, aiming to break the front-wheel-drive lap record at the Nurburgring

What looks like the next Renault Megane R.S. Trophy-R has been spied testing at the Nurburgring. This stripped-out version of the Megane R.S. 300 Trophy will likely aim to retake Renault’s place as holder of the front-wheel-drive Nurburgring lap record; a record which it hasn’t held since June 2014 with the previous-generation Megane 275 Trophy-R.

This mule seems to follow the same formula as the 275 Trophy-R, with larger front brakes, lighter Carbon Revolution alloy wheels and slightly tweaked panelling. The rear seats have also been binned in the interest of weight loss, too.

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We expect it to be powered by a reworked version of the R.S. 300 Trophy’s 1.8-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, potentially improving on its 296bhp and 400Nm of torque. A manual gearbox option should be retained, too, following the critical backlash Renault received for the automatic-only Clio R.S. 220 Trophy.

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Renault Megane R.S. Trophy-R - spyshot 4

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Inside, we can just about identify a pair of carbon-fibre backed racing seats. Eventually, we expect to also find a pair of racing harnesses, a harness bar, a luggage net, an Alcantara steering wheel and aluminium pedals.

Other, less noticeable, additions will include adjustable dampers, a range of chassis bracing, composite springs, stripped-out sound deadening, a freer-flowing exhaust system and grippy tyres.

Like the old Megane 275 Trophy-R, we’re anticipating the R.S. 300 Trophy-R will be sold in limited numbers, and will likely break cover towards the end of 2019.

Now read our review of the standard Renaultsport Megane 300 R.S. Trophy and let us know your thoughts in the comments section below…

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New 2019 Renault Megane R.S. Trophy-R spied testing - pictures

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