Renault introduced its all-new Megane at the Paris Motor Show late last year and decided to launch the hotter version of the hatch at this week’s Geneva Motor Show. Dubbed the Megane Renaultsport, the hopped-up three door took to the show floor earlier on Tuesday.
The Megane RS will carry on the tradition of the current Megane R26, but takes many cues from the recently unveiled Megane Trophy race car. The Renaultsport option will only be available on the three-door model.
The Renaultsport Megane will borrow the Trophy’s radical front end – including its ‘aero blade’ styling – and also features a more radical rear end with center-mounted exhaust. Flared wheel arches and a wider track will round out the Renaultsport’s package.
The new Renaultsport Megane uses the same turbocharged 2.0L engine found under the hood of the R26, but power grows from 230 horsepower to 250. Power will be routed to the car’s front wheels – via a six-speed manual gearbox – but torque steer should be kept in check by Renault’s ‘double axis’ front suspension design, and an optional limited-slip differential. The sprint from 0-60 will be dealt with in 6 seconds, with upgrade Brembo brakes handling the stopping duties.
The Renaultsport Megane is expected to hit European showrooms in mid-2009.
