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The Renault Megane RS 265 Trophy has been heralded by many as a rather incredible hot hatch. It was king of the Nurburgring’s FWD division for quite some time, until Seat beat it earlier this year.
But Renault want their title back, and have recently started a social media movement with the hashtag #Under8, hinting at their goal to match Seat in running the ‘Ring in under 8 minutes, and signalling their intent to recapture the record. Their weapon of choice, the new Megane RS 275 Trophy, limited edition version of the Megane RS.
Renault have collaborated on this model with several manufacturers, including Akrapovic, Ohlins, Michelin, and Recaro, on the RS 275 Trophy, with each supplier adding a little something extra to the already successful Megane RS. Using the foundation of the Cup chassis, with limited slip differential, the Renault Sport boffins have tweaked the engine to develop more power, Akrapovic have produced a light weight titanium exhaust system with a supposedly “more raucous bark”, Ohlins have donated the option to spec adjustable Road & Track dampers with steel springs, and Michelin have made available the option of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, developed specifically for the RS 275 Cup.
The result? Well, the 2-litre turbocharged engine now develops 206kW (275hp) and 360Nm, reached at 5500 RPM and 3000-5000RPM respectively. No performance figures have been released yet, but expect the RS 275 Cup to sprint from 0-100km/h in around 5.6 seconds with the Michelin Cup tyres, and expect a Nurburgring time of, you guessed it, under 8 minutes.
Additionally, the Megane RS 275 Cup benefits from a series of visual upgrades too. A new livery includes Trophy branding on a Platine Grey front splitter, while personalised sides feature Trophy decals. A Platine Grey checquered flag graphic has been added to the bottom of the doors. The door sills receive a numbered plaque, specific to each of the limited-edition models. Additional visual enhancements include a carbon fibre tailpipe and optional 19-inch black Speedline Turini wheels externally, while internal updates include leather and Alcantara Recaro bucket seats with red stitching, Renault Sport badging on the headrests, a red stitched, Alcantara clad steering wheel, and a Zamac gear lever knob.
The Megane RS 275 Cup is Renault’s chosen weapon to tackle the Nurburgring, with the result due on June 16. Can Renault reclaim the title? We reckon they can, but even if they can’t, the fact that the RS 275 Trophy is coming to South Africa is enough to make us wet ourselves with excitement.
