Renault has caused quite a stir in the hot hatch segment with the introduction of the Mégane RS and its more focused Cup sibling. Now the company has released a special edition version for Group R tarmac rallying - the Mégane RS N4.
In addition to stripping out excess trim and bolting a roll cage and six-point Sabelt racing harness into the cabin, Renault has upped the output from the turbocharged 2,0-litre engine from 184 kW/340 N.m to 199 kW/470 N.m thanks, in part, to a Cosworth Electronics Management system for the fuel injection module. Given the standard car’s impressive turn of pace (a claimed 0-100 km/h time of 6,1 seconds and a top whack of 250 km/h), this model’s hike in power and pared-down construction should return some eyebrow-raising performance figures, when Renault releases them.
The engine is mated with an uprated version of the six-speed manual gearbox from the standard RS, which features configurable final gear ratios, an AP Racing-sourced clutch and a self-locking limited-slip differential.
The suspension set-up comprises a “Cup” upgrade reworked by Swedish suspension specialist Öhlins. The four spring-shock absorbers feature three-way rebound adjustment that aids the driver in getting the most out of the BF Goodrich rubber fitted to the N4’s 18-inch rims.
The brakes have also received attention, with the fitment of 355 mm discs and 4-piston Brembo calipers to the front and 290 mm units for the rear wheels.
Intended for private teams and drivers in Europe, Renault South Africa currently does not have any plans to launch the Mégane RS N4 here.
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