Renault Megane RS 275 Trophy :: 202kW limited edition hot-hatch is model’s most powerful ever
The new Renault Megane RS 275 Trophy will take its place atop the benchmark hot-hatch's range later this year, armed with technical and aesthetic upgrades and the performance model's highest-ever power output.
Set to take the fight to the likes of the 169kW/350Nm Volkswagen Golf GTI Performance, circa 206kW/400Nm Honda Civic Type R and 206kW/350Nm Nurburgring acing Seat Leon Cupra 280, the limited edition Renault Megane RS 275 is powered by a 202kW version of the outgoing 195kW Megane RS 265’s turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine.
Up 7kW – to now reach 275hp – but with torque maintained at 360Nm, the new Renault Megane RS 275 Trophy is based on the new-look Megane range due to start arriving on local shores in July (of which Renault Australia managing director Justin Hocevar said late last month would again be topped by the Renault Megane RS 265).
Underpinned by the Megane RS's Cup chassis and featuring a limited-slip front differential as standard, the hottest-ever Megane also brings with it reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of 0.7 litres per 100km and 16 grams per kilometre respectively – now 7.5L/100km and 174g/km.
With its sights clearly set on reclaiming the Nurburgring lap record for the fastest front-wheel-drive production car, Renault has further increased the RS275’s potential by fitting a lightweight carbonfibre-tipped titanium exhaust system as standard. Sourced from exhaust specialists Akrapovic, and coming with the promise of a “more raucous bark”.
Enthusiasts will also have the option of fitting up adjustable Road and Track dampers with steel springs from suspension gurus Ohlins and black 19-inch Speedline Turini wheels wrapped in sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres.
Distinguished by its Trophy-branded Platine Grey F1-inspired front blade and numbered door sill plates, the limited edition Renault Megane RS 275 Trophy also gains side-body Trophy decals and door-mounted Platine Grey chequered flag graphics.
Inside, the RS 275 Trophy has Renault Sport-stamped red-stitched leather and Alcantara Recaro front bucket seats and a red-stitched rear bench seat. An Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, handbrake and Zamac gear lever all continue the theme.
To be sold in 20 countries across five continents, including Australia, the Renault Megane RS 275 Trophy follows in the footsteps of other limited edition Megane RS-based variants such as Red Bull Racing specials from 2011, 2012 and 2013.
Once again hinting at the brand's upcoming attack on the Nurburgring record it claimed back in 2011 but lost earlier this year, the French car maker says more details related to its #under8 social media campaign will be released on June 16.
Orders for the new Renault Megane RS 275 Trophy open in France on June 3, with prices starting at 38,000 euro ($55,488).
Locally, the cheapest way into a current-spec Renault Megane RS 265 is via the LSD-free RS 265 Sport, priced from $36,990 driveaway. The most expensive is the RS 265 Trophy+, which is listed at $51,640 plus on-road costs.
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