Meet the most powerful Renault Sport model ever produced. While other manufacturers are putting a lid on their most powerful models, Renault apparently didn’t get the memo. It’s introduced this 296hp version of the Megane.
In line with tradition, it’s called the Megane Trophy. Renault Sport takes the recipe of the regular Megane RS and tweaks it a little in every department.
To start with, Renault Sport uses the Cup chassis for the Trophy. This includes stiffer suspension, with 25% firmer shock absorbers, 30% tighter springs and 10% stiffer anti-roll bars, and a Torsen limited slip differential. To this, Renault Sport adds new “bi-material” front brake discs, coming in at 355mm each. These reduce the car’s unsprung mass by nearly 8lb.
Another weight-reducing option is the new 19-inch “Fuji” alloys. Each is around 4.5lb lighter than the standard 19-inch “Jerez” wheels. The standard wheels, inspired by the RS01 concept car, use Bridgestone Potenza S001 tires, while the options — available in 2019 — get an upgrade to S007 items. Bridgestone specifically developed these for Renault Sport.
The car retains the standard Megane RS’s 4CONTROL steering system. It’s a four-wheel steering technology that turns the rear wheels in opposition to the front wheels at low speeds, and with them at higher speeds. This makes the car more nimble in tight corners, and better to crawl around a car park, while improving high speed stability.
The core of the Trophy is a new version of the 1.8-liter turbo engine. This uses a new turbocharger with ceramic bearings, reducing friction and aiding responsiveness. There’s also a new exhaust system, featuring a mechanical valve that allows the Megane Trophy to be either a little quieter and more civilized or, with the valve open, deliver maximum power.
These changes bring the Megane Trophy up to 296hp, from the 276hp of the standard car, with up to 310lbft of torque — although this is reduced to 295lbft if you choose the manual version. The exhaust also helps to offset the particulate filter required to help the Megane meet the latest emission standards.
All in, these changes help drop the Trophy’s 0-60mph time to 5.5 seconds — a tenth quicker than before — while the top speed rises from 155mph to 162mph.
The Trophy also features some subtle changes to the interior. Most significant is a new seat option. This consists of a new design of Recaro seats, with a redesigned base that Renault Sport mounts 20mm lower in the cabin than on the standard car. They’re trimmed with alcantara too, of course.
It’s available in Liquid Yellow, along with other, more ordinary Megane RS colors. If you don’t go for the distinctive, unique color, onlookers can spot your Trophy by new stripes on the front splitter.
Renault will start taking orders in the autumn, with deliveries getting underway in the winter. There’s no word on pricing just yet though.
