Renaultsport F1 Team R26
August 9, 2007 by George Skentzos
Perhaps the most underrated hot-hatch – the Megane Renaultsport 225 three-door – has been given an overhaul to celebrate dual 2006 F1 World Championships and the result is the R26.
Available in either Deep Black or an exclusive Victory Yellow exterior colour, the R26 boasts a two-litre turbocharged engine, uprated by a further 3kW to 168kW and peak torque of 310Nm at 3,000rpm through a new sports-exhaust system which delivers a sporty rasp from the engine. Also included in the R26 is a Limited Slip Differential to keep the engine power channelled to the road.
With 90 per cent of peak torque available from 2,000 to 6,000rpm, this engine provides instant response and exhilarating acceleration.
The R26’s features a unique set-up of the “Cup” chassis suspension system which is optional on the Mégane Renaultsport 225 five-door. The modified version has specific dampers and stiffer springs, while damper travel has been slightly increased by reducing the size of the bump stops to optimise handling on poor surfaces. The new diameter front anti-roll bar and rear suspension layout ensure stiffer anti-roll characteristics for enhanced handling under cornering.
To match the performance, the R26 is fitted with Brembo four-pot front callipers and vented 312mm diameter discs. and in place of the previous Dunlop SportMaxx tyres, Mégane F1 Team R26 is equipped with Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tyres (235/40 R18).
Mégane F1 Team R26 is distinguishable from the 225 with its unique Renault F1 Team decals on the bumpers, doors and roof, and 18-inch alloy wheels as standard.
The R26 also comes with a matching level of equipment: de-connectable ESP, xenon headlamps, automatic headlamps and wipers, climate control, cruise control with speed limiter, and electric windows with driver’s one touch controls.
R26 RRP
Deep Black $43,990
Victory Yellow $44,990
Print it: 
Renault’s hot hatch is a good thing and in some respects is more fun to drive that Golf’s GTI but would you buy one?
Why not ?
Renault were among the Hot hatch pioneers. This car has it all standout looks, awsome power, LSD and 5 star safety…… sounds like a good package !
HELL YES PLEASE!!!
I’d buy one in a heartbeat! …if I had the garage space :(
This creams the Golf GTi in so many areas, and shows it up for the bland box that it is.
I’m a French car buff. I just recently returned from a holiday lap around Tassie in a 307. I own a 405 Mi16.
I will always opt for handling over power. Although with most French cars you get a little from both worlds. Renault has always shoehorned powerful engines into little hatchbacks. They’re good at it.
Unfortunately being French, things fall off, you will have headaches, electrical issues and us enthusiasts will always call it “character”. We have a bumper sticker that every Froggy driver some how acquires. “This car has character, my other car works.”
The thing to remember is, French cars in Australia carry a premium badge. French cars in France are like Barinas and excels, shit boxes people buy and throw away after 5 years.
Still, they are weapons, and I wouldn’t trade my 405 in for anything when it decides to start.
Steve
steve your right in most senses the megane is a new breed where build aint so bad at all, I have a 225 cup and its been given some stick yet nothing has fallen off and its quieter inside than my mates audi a4.
sure in ultimate terms renaults arent built great but the factor in this was until recently on 1 in 9 cars were screened for quality. as renault improve there game with the new focus on quality im sad to say we may see the end of lary hatches in place of golf rivaling build and even more safety gadgets.