The track-focused version of Renault Megane R.S. hot hatch set an FWD Nürburgring lap time of 07:40.100 recently, beating Civic Type R’s 07:43.80 time. In order to achieve such a performance, the new Megane R.S. Trophy-R loses a lot of weight.
According to Renault, the Trophy-R is 130 kg lighter compared with the Trophy version without options. The components that help shave weight are a carbon composite bonnet, a carbon rear diffuser, Fuji Light 19-inch alloy wheels that save 2 kg/wheel, optional carbon wheels that further save 2 kg/wheel, an Akrapovič titanium exhaust line that saves 6 kg, a lighter rear axle for a 38 kg weight saving, optional air intakes replacing the R.S. Vision headlights delivering 2 kg weight saving, and a high-performance DESS (Dual Energy Storage System) lead battery that offers 4.5 kg weight saving. Aerodynamic improvements include a NACA duct on the bonnet.
Interiors get Sabelt composite monocoque racing seats with Alcantara that save 7 kg per seat, holding subframe instead of rear seats that save 25 kg, and a lighter 7-inch display that saves 250 grams compared with an 8.7-inch screen. The reversing camera is retained to avoid any risk of damaging the carbon diffuser.
The suspension is taken care of by Öhlins, which can be adjusted for body height and compression/expansion. The front discs measure 355 mm with Brembo 4-piston 42 mm calipers, which can be upgraded to 390 mm carbon-ceramic rotors with Brembo Gold 4-piston calipers. Rear discs measure 290 mm.
The car features a Torsen limited slip differential, and the negative camber on the front axle increased by 1° compared to that of the Megane R.S. Trophy: -2.05° in total.
The new Megane R.S. Trophy-R has the same 1.8L turbocharged petrol engine as the Trophy version; it develops 220 kW (300 hp) at 6000 rpm and 400 Nm of torque at 3200 rpm, paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox. The hot hatch is claimed to sprint from 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 262 km/h. As for weights, the unladed kerb weight is 1,306 kg while the gross vehicle weight is 1,650 kg.
Only 500 units of Megane R.S. Trophy-R will be built and will go on sale by the end of 2019.
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