- The French automaker will build a limited run of 500 units of what is billed as "the fastest-ever roadgoing Renault."
- The turbocharged 2.0 engine now produces 265 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque.
- Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires provide additional grip.
PARIS — French automaker Renault has unveiled what it bills as "the fastest-ever roadgoing Renault" — the new Mégane R.S. Trophy, with tuning by Renault Sport.
The Mégane R.S. Trophy — called Mégane Renaultsport 265 Trophy in the U.K. — will make its world debut next weekend at the Renault Sport Day at Nürburgring. Renault plans a production run of 500 units, to be marketed in France, the U.K., Germany, Belgium, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia, with prices starting from around $45,000.
The Mégane R.S. Trophy builds on the current Mégane Renaultsport. By increasing boost, Renault has increased output on the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine to 265 horsepower and torque to 266 pound-feet, enabling 0-60 acceleration in less than 6.0 seconds and a top speed of 158 mph.
The Mégane R.S. Trophy is built on a track-tuned Mégane Cup chassis and wears Bridgestone Potenza RE050A performance tires mounted on gloss-black alloy rims with red trim. A rear lip spoiler, a black roof (optional in some markets), LED running lights, Recaro seats and Trophy decals are part of the package.
Inside Line says: For European customers, this is a Gallic alternative to the Volkswagen GTI.
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juan_mx says:
02:44 PM, 06/14/2011
" this is a Gallic alternative to the Volkswagen GTI"
Actually, this Renault is the french alternative to the Golf R (2.0TSI with 266hp / 258lb-ft), that has a price in Europe of around $52,000 (37,000 euro).
roscoe108 says:
09:57 AM, 06/14/2011
Much as I'd like to see Renault return to the North American market, I don't think it's going to happen. Too bad. They've nailed the hot-hatch so completely...
marcos9 says:
09:54 AM, 06/14/2011
Sweet - a bit pricey for this hot hatch though.
blueprint1 says:
09:27 AM, 06/14/2011
We do have the Megane at Nissan dealerships, but it's the previous-gen "Megane berline" ... the current Nissan Sentra. Even the basic bodyshell is the same.
icecubefosho says:
08:59 AM, 06/14/2011
Amen, Nissan would have a great Mazda 3 hatch competitor if they brought the Megane here.
90in55 says:
08:21 AM, 06/14/2011
It's not fair how many great hot hatches are available in Europe.
90in55 says:
08:14 AM, 06/14/2011
Darn, that beats the Fuego.
cjasis says:
07:31 AM, 06/14/2011
Wow... a good looking French car.
gtrguy2012 says:
07:13 AM, 06/14/2011
Put a Nissan badge on that and sell it here.