The new Megane RS debuted at the Geneva Motor Show 2009 comes in two guises, Sport or Cup. Both receive the same 184kW (250hp) turbocharged 2.0 litre engine and both are driven through the front wheels. The Cup, however, gets a limited-slip differential, which no doubt helps channel all 340Nm (251lb-ft) of torque through both wheels evenly.
Power is now 15kW (20hp) and 40Nm (29.5 lb-ft) higher than that of the old Megane RS, and 80 percent of peak torque is available from as low as 1900rpm thanks to its twin-scroll turbocharger. A six-speed manual is the only gearbox on offer.
Renault Megane RS
As the latest in a long line of Renault sporting models, Renault Mégane RS stands out through its exhilarating performance and handling. The cocktail of its 250hp engine, unmistakable sporting coupé credentials and choice of two chassis ('Sport' and 'Cup' with limited slip differential) is clear evidence that Renault Mégane RS has been honed to offer an extreme ride.
Coming after Mégane F1 Team R26 and Megane R26.R, Renault Mégane RS profits fully from Renault Sport Technologies' extensive experience when it comes to manufacturing production sporting models.
Powerful
New Mégane Renault Sport is powered by a new-generation 2-litre 16-valve turbocharged petrol engine which boasts maximum power of 250hp (184kW) at 5,500rpm and peak torque of 340Nm from 3,000rpm. The sum of the different improvements made to this engine has produced a gain of 20hp and 40Nm over Mégane R26.R which itself emerged as the yardstick in the world of performance hatches. The Renault Sport 2.0 T engine's twin-scroll turbo is exceptionally responsive and is particularly flexible at lows revs, with 80 per cent of maximum torque available from 1,900 rpm. Its broad useful rev band makes it a genuine joy to drive in everyday use, and the pleasure remains all the way up to the rev-limiter whenever it is pushed a little harder. The engine of New Mégane RS drives through a six-speed manual gearbox.
Work has also gone into the acoustics of the Renault Sport 2.0 T engine to produce a telltale sporty pitch audible inside the cabin under acceleration.
Efficient
Renault Mégane RS has inherited the same suspension arrangement as the current Mégane RS. Thanks to an independent steering axis layout at the front, the suspension and steering functions have been separated to ensure a particularly high standard of handling and traction performance.
Like the sporting versions of the Renault Clio and Renault Twingo ranges, New Mégane RS is available with a choice of two chassis: the 'Sport' chassis or the 'Cup' chassis, which comes with a limited slip differential for even greater traction.
The electric power steering features specific, sportier calibration and benefits from the latest improvements seen on new Renault Megane aimed at achieving greater precision and even more feedback from the road.
Renault Mégane RS is equipped with ESC which is fully disconnectable in order to enable owners to sample the pleasure of enjoying their car's full potential round a circuit.
Provocative
New Mégane RS benefits from undeniably sporty looks. The front bumper incorporates the LED daytime running lights, as well as the splitter which recalls the low-slung nose of the R28 Formula 1 car. The sporty calling of this Renault Sport-badged model is further emphasized by its 18-inch aluminium alloy rims, central exhaust tailpipe and rear diffuser.
The interior appointments, too, exude the world of motor sport, from the extra lateral support for the seats, to the analogue rev-counter with visual and audible gearshift indicator, the aluminium pedal cover and the specific steering wheel complete with thumb rests. The Renault Sport signature is also visible inside the car: on the headrests, rev-counter background and dashboard.
Renault Mégane RS profits fully from Renault Sport Technologies' extensive experience when it comes to manufacturing production sporting models
Renault Sport Technologies has combined its experience of motor sport with its longstanding production expertise to develop a comprehensive range of sporting cars. The hallmarks of Renault Sport models are their pedigree engines and efficient chassis which together deliver an undeniably high level of sports performance, as testified by the reputation forged by Mégane F1 Team R26 and Mégane R26.R which were voted 'Sporting Car of the Year' in France in 2007 and 2008 respectively.
