The new Renault Megane R.S. Trophy-R, revealed in official images for the first time, has claimed the Nurburgring lap record for front-wheel-drive production cars, with a time of 7:40.100 minutes. Renault’s effort is more than three seconds quicker than the previous lap record holder, the Honda Civic Type R.
It’s powered by the same turbocharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine as the Megane R.S Trophy, producing 296bhp and 400Nm of torque. To clinch the Nurburgring record, Renault’s engineers have thrown 130kg of weight out of the Megane’s interior, chassis and bodywork, as well as fit it with redesigned aerodynamics.
Other updates over the standard Megane R.S. include a freer-flowing Akrapovic exhaust system, Brembo brakes, new adjustable Ohlins suspension, lighter alloy wheels, grippier Bridgestone tyres and a pair of carbon-backed Sabelt bucket seats. Like the previous hot Megane Trophy-R, the rear seats have also been removed in the interest of weight reduction.
The interior has been treated to a new Alcantara-trimmed sports steering wheel, a pair of racing harnesses and a harness bar. As more images of the new Megane R.S. are revealed, we expect to also find a luggage net, a set of aluminium pedals and a vastly-reduced amount of sound deadening.
Renault’s new range-topping Megane R.S. will reach the UK market by the end of 2019. It will be limited to a few hundred units, with prices set to start from around £48,000.
Now read our review of the standard Renaultsport Megane 300 R.S. Trophy. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below…