Back in May 2019, Renault revealed initial details of its new Mégane RS Trophy-R. Now the Boulogne-Billancourt-based firm has revealed more about the hottest of its modern hot hatches.
Just 500 units of the newcomer – which already holds the Nürburgring Nordschleife lap record for front-wheel-drive production vehicles – will be built (the main markets being France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Japan), with Renault South Africa telling CARmag.co.za a local introduction is not in its planning “to date”.
So, what sets the Mégane RS Trophy-R apart from the standard Trophy derivative (the latter now scheduled to hit local shores in the final quarter of 2019)? Well, for starters, it’s some 130 kg lighter, tipping the scales at a claimed 1 306 kg.
The weight savings come thanks to the adoption of a carbon-composite bonnet, a carbon rear diffuser, an Akrapovič titanium exhaust, a lighter bespoke rear axle (interestingly, ditching the four-wheel steering system) and a lightweight dual energy storage system lead battery.
Inside, you’ll find Sabelt composite monocoque racing seats, a distinct lack of rear seats (with the bench replaced by a strut brace), thinner glazing, sealed rear door windows and a 7,0-inch infotainment screen that saves 250 g over the Trophy’s 8,7-inch display. The vehicle also does without a rear wiper.
Despite employing the same turbocharged 1,8-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine (worth an unchanged 220 kW and 400 N.m) and six-speed manual gearbox as the Trophy, the new model hits 100 km/h from standstill in 5,4 seconds, which represents an improvement of three-tenths. Top speed comes in at 262 km/h.
Under the skin, the completely redesigned suspension features lighter, motorsport-inspired components, with more negative camber for the front axle and standard Ohlins adjustable dampers all round. Bridgestone S007 tyres have been adopted, along with various aerodynamic upgrades.
The Brembo four-piston callipers feature larger 42 mm pistons (as opposed to the Trophy’s 40 mm items), while the optional carbon-ceramic discs feature a diameter of 390 mm.
