Renault unveiled their latest hot hatch at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the new Megane RS. This is the 3rd generation of the iconic hatchback which gave other car makers hell when it comes to setting the best times at the Nurburgring for front-wheel-drive hatchbacks.
In the new Megane RS, you get a turbocharged four-cylinder 1.8L engine which produces up to 280hp at 6,000rpm and a torque of 390Nm. A bit of a change compared to previous generations which used a 2.0L turbocharged engine. Renault saw it fit to equip the Megane RS with a four-wheel steering to give it better agility through tight turns and even better stability at high speeds.
“Performance is the chief reason our customers cite for purchasing the MÉGANE R.S. and the All-New MÉGANE R.S. takes the styling and technologies even further to deliver truly exceptional driving enjoyment. Our intention is to see the All-New MÉGANE R.S., with its chassis and 4CONTROL, remain THE C-segment hot hatch benchmark,” says Patrice Ratti, General Manager of Renault Sport Cars.
A car that benefits from Renault’s expertise in and passion for motorsport
The All-New MÉGANE R.S. is differentiated by four hydraulic compression bump stops, inspired by rally driving. This configuration provides the Cup version of the car with optimal handling efficiency on all types of road, plus a level of comfort that is unprecedented in the car’s class for the Sport version. Combined with entirely redesigned independent steering axis front suspension for even sharper precision, the Cup version’s new Torsen limited slip differential improves traction and cornering speeds. FSportse first time, the All-New MÉGANE R.S. can be specified with a choice of two types of transmission, namely a six-speed manual gearbox or six-speed EDC dual clutch transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle-shift gear changes.
Customers are also treated to R.S. Monitor onboard telemetry technology which, in additional to being more user-friendly than ever, has been upgraded to incorporate an ‘Expert’ mode that allows users to connect a camera, film their drive, play back and analyse their data, and share their images on social media.
For even greater road-hugging performance and high-quality dynamics, the New MÉGANE R.S. is wider, features wider tracks and sits on new 18- or 19-inch wheels. A wide air intake feeds airflow to the heat-exchangers for efficient engine cooling and the rear lip spoiler has been redesigned to generate additional downforce.
In keeping with the rest of the Mégane range, the All-New MÉGANE R.S. is equipped with Renault’s MULTI-SENSE system which provides drivers with a choice between five driving modes: Comfort, Normal, Sport, Race and Perso. It also comes with a suite of driver aids (ADAS) that can be activated or switched off using the R-LINK 2 tablet.
Renault Sport will be introducing a 300-horsepower ‘Trophy’ version of the New MÉGANE R.S. at the end of 2018.
