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2018 Renault Megane RS: two chassis and four-wheel steering confirmed for French hot hatch

With anticipation building ahead of its expected 2017 Frankfurt motor show unveiling, Renault has officially announced that its all-new 2018 Renault Megane RS will not only feature a choice of two chassis setups, but also the first-time addition of four-wheel steering.


As with past iterations of the fan-favourite Renault Megane RS, the new fourth-generation Megane-based RS will be available with a track-focussed Cup chassis and a more forgiving Sport chassis – the latter aimed at combining high performance dynamics with everyday ride comfort.

In what Renault claims to be a hot-hatch segment first though, the new Megane RS promises enhanced agility, cornering performance, and steering precision thanks to the inclusion of four-wheel steering.

Dubbed ‘4CONTROL’, the system works by “enabling the car’s rear wheels to assist in steering by means of an electromagnetic actuator mounted on the rear axle”.

Apart from improving the car’s agility, the French carmaker says its Renault Sport engineers have also specifically calibrated the system to aid high-speed cornering stability.

After time driving both chassis, Renault Sport Formula One team driver, and new Megane RS technical adviser, Nico Hulkenberg, said while the Cup chassis is significantly stiffer than the Sport chassis, its purpose is clear.

“It’s a lot more [like] what you have in a racing car,” Hulkenberg said.

“So if you’re going to track days, drive on racing tracks, obviously this is a lot more performance. But everyday on the road, obviously it’s pretty stiff, maybe after a while you get annoyed from it, but that’s why you have the two different [chassis] on the market. But this is definitely the ultimate performance one.

“[The Sport chassis] is a bit more performance but with everyday comfort.”

In late May, Renault confirmed the upcoming Megane RS would be offered with both a manual and a dual-clutch automatic transmission, however, the number of gears and details of the French hot hatch's powerplant are still yet to be disclosed.

Once launched, the feisty Megane RS will need to be good, with rivals such as the new 235kW Honda Civic Type R and updated 169kW Volkswagen Golf GTI already promising enthusiasts plenty to smile about.

Stay tuned to CarAdvice for more information and details on the new 2018 Renault Megane RS as it comes to hand.

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