The Renault Megane RS Trophy R
The 2019 Renault Megane RS Trophy R is the flagship of all flagships. While details were scarce earlier this year, we now have all the information you need. Not only is it more powerful but they have also added a host of “additional performance-focused” features as described by the French automaker.
Several high-quality standard features are included such as Öhlins dampers, Akrapovic lightweight titanium exhaust, RS Monitor and a carbon bonnet with NACA duct and carbon rear diffuser. Considering that the Renault Megane RS Trophy R holds the record as the fastest front-wheel-drive production car around the Nürburgring and Spa Francorchamps, it is a seriously hot hatch.
What’s New On The Renault Megane RS Trophy R?
While it’s no lightweight, the new model weighs around 130 kg less totalling 1 306 kg. In addition to the aforementioned standard features, it the 2019 Renault Megane RS Trophy R also has a lightweight dual energy storage system lead battery.
The new model has all the good bits from the previous Trophy RS including the Cup chassis. With it comes stiffer springs (up 30%), dampers (25%), anti-roll bars (10%) and front diff. The lighter braking system saves nearly 2 kg per corner while 19-inch wheels do the trick on track and on the road along with the F1 Blade front splitter.
There are some Trophy-specific options like lighter rims, 20mm lower mounting and stylish Alcantara sports seats. Features on the current RS come as standard extending to the 4Control four-wheel steering and hydraulic bump stops, and an Efficient Double Clutch (EDC) gearbox if you like flappy paddles. The gearbox allows for faster shifts and puts out an extra 20Nm of torque from the engine.
Renault Megane RS Trophy R Specs And Performance
As the record holder around the Nürburgring and Spa Francorchamps, you can imagine the speed and agility this hot hatch has to offer. In order to achieve this, the Renault Megane RS Trophy R had to undergo meticulous planning and modifications with winning results.
Under the hood is a new ceramic ball-bearing turbo 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 221kW (15 more than the standard RS) coupled with a crispier exhaust system. It can hit 100 km/h from a standing start in just 5.4 seconds which is three-tenths faster than the RS. The claimed top speed is an impressively quick 262 km/h.
On the inside, you’ll find composite monocoque racing seats and no rear seats which has been replaced by a strut brace. The hot hatch also has thinner glazing, sealed rear door windows and to save weight, there is no rear wiper. They also shaved off 250 g with a 7.0-inch infotainment screen compared to the Trophy’s 8.7-inch display.
Is It Good On The Road?
There’s no denying that the Renault Megane RS Trophy R is quick and powerful around the track but it handles itself pretty well on the road. It actually makes a whole lot of sense as it rolls along absorbing whatever the road surface has to offer thanks to the standard hydraulic dampeners. One might imagine that the power could result in torque steer but the diff takes care of that.
The French automaker has certainly imposed themselves on the hot hatch scene with the new Renault Megane RS Trophy R. With the added power, sportier exhaust, stylish looks and loads of standard features, the Trophy-R makes for a good contender in a hotly contested segment.
As it stands, it will be available in France, Germany, the UK, Switzerland, and Japan with no indication of whether it will come to South Africa. Stay up to date with motoring news from around the world by reading our blog and following us on Facebook.
