Nother CarGuy

Having presented the new generation Megane RS last fall in Frankfurt, Renault has now dropped the veil off the Trophy version. Essentially a more track-focused (and extreme) derivative of the hot hatch, the new Renault Megane RS Trophy is based on the Cup chassis, which gets a Torsen mechanical limited-slip differential and a stiffer suspension among other upgrades. In particular, it also adds improved brakes, lightweight 19-inch wheels shod in high-performance Bridgestone tires, and a bump in power from the turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. The unit now makes 300PS (296hp / 221kW) and 400Nm (295lb-ft) of torque when paired with the six-speed manual gearbox, or 420Nm (310lb-ft) when selected with the dual-clutch six-speed automatic transmission. The additional 20PS (20hp / 15kW) and up to 30Nm (22lb-ft) of torque over the regular Megane RS, achieved by upgrading the turbocharger and exhaust system, allows the Trophy to sprint from 0 to 100km/h (0-62mph) in ...

Contrary to some previous reports, the new generation Renault Megane RS features a 1.8-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine, and not a 2.0-liter unit. The powertrain, which comes straight from the Alpine A110, has been massaged to deliver 280PS (276hp) and 390Nm (288lb-ft) of torque, channeled to the front wheels through either a manual or an automatic dual-clutch transmission, both of them offered with six ratios. Renault says that the EDC (Efficient Dual Clutch) stands out through a number of specific features, such as the special paddle shifters, similar to those used in motorsport, allowing the driver to change gear without taking his/hers hands off the steering wheel when cornering. It also gets 'Launch Control', for almost perfect getaways, and 'Multi-Change Down' technology, for fast sequential down-changing that allows those behind the wheel to downshift several gears in quick succession, under braking. The all-new Renault-Megane RS is offer...

The 2018 Renault Megane RS won't be officially revealed until September's Frankfurt Motor Show but a number of patent images have just leaked online, showing off the new hot hatch in full. Published by the World Intellectual Property Organization, these images show that the new Megane RS will adopt a number of aggressive touches. According to the French marque, it aimed to combine simple and sensual shapes with elements of aggression in designing the new car. Some of the key differences between the RS and run-of-the-mill Megane models include new air intakes and an overhauled front bumper to give it the sporty feel you'd expect. At the sides, we see a bold wheel design and new air gill just behind the front wheels, shooting a sharp crease along the first half of the front doors. Renault has then finished its styling modifications at the rear by implementing a large central-exiting tailpipe, a functional diffuser and a widened bumper. As previously reported, the car...

Renault has offered a sneak peek of the new Megane R.S. at the Monaco GP circuit, giving us a first chance to see the new hot hatch in action. With Renault F1 pilot Nico Hülkenberg sitting behind the wheel, the new Megane R.S. completed a couple of laps in front of the audience, sporting a special black and yellow livery as a nod to the 40th anniversary of the company’s involvement in F1. Renault didn’t reveal any technical details at this point, apart from offering for the first time customers the choice between a manual or dual-clutch EDC transmission. “I don’t think we could have chosen a more appropriate or more impactful moment than the 40th anniversary of Renault’s involvement in F1 to launch a new model,” said Renault Sport Cars’ Managing Director Patrice Ratti. “I got an opportunity to test New Mégane R.S. during its development and I was hooked first time out by the excellence of its chassis,” said Nico Hülkenberg. “Renault Sport has done a tremendous job on its ...

Renault will reveal the new Megane R.S. for the first time in public this Friday, on May 26, at F1’s Monaco grand prix and with Nico Hülkenberg behind the wheel. Renault’s new flagship hot hatch will sport a yellow and black livery for the occasion as the company celebrates 40 years of involvement in Formula 1. “Renault Sport’s staff are continually exploring new frontiers when it comes to providing customers with exceptional suspension and engine performance, along with aerodynamics honed for efficiency and the best of F1 technology”, the company said in their press release. The new Renault Megane RS is expected to remain front-driven, with a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine producing around 300hp. The chassis is likely to get a bespoke rear-wheel steering system to make the new hot hatch feel more agile and stable, depending on the driving conditions. A six-speed manual gearbox is going to be offered as standard, with a dual-clutch automatic offered as an option for th...

Last week I was fortunate enough to attend my first proper car launch with Renault. The car in question was the all-new Megane sedan, which replaces the outgoing Fluence. The Fluence has been on sale since 2009, and despite recieving a facelift in 2012, and further enhancements in 2015, so it was about time for its replacement. This new Megane sedan will be made in Turkey for global markets, unlike the Fluence, which was imported from Korea, for the MENA region, China as well as Mexico. Powered by Renault's 1.6L SCe 115 4-Cylinder engine, the new Megane sedan produces 115bhp @ 5,500rpm and 156nm of torque @ 4,000rpm. A turbocharged 1.6L TCe205 engine will become available later in the year, followed by the Megane GT Line Hatchback early next year. All Megane versions will be fitted with CVT as standard, for the MENA region. There are 3 trim lines available: PE, SE (PE+), and LE (SE+). A GT Line version will come out later with the aforementioned turbocharged engine. Base p...