Hot Renault Megane R.S Trophy gets more power and uprated brakes in bid to dethrone the Honda Civic Type R

Renault has upped the ante with a Trophy version of its latest Megane R.S, which boasts more power than the standard car, a new exhaust system, improved brakes and some very subtle design changes.

It uses a revised version of the regular car’s 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, now developing 296bhp and up to 420Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels through either a six-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox with paddle shifters. Torque for the manual car is slightly down on the automatic, developing 20Nm less at 400Nm.

Renault says that the extra power is down to a revised turbocharger system and a new exhaust. The ball bearings attached to the turbine are now ceramic, with the lighter weight and reduced friction allowing the turbo to spool up quicker.

The new exhaust system improves power too, while it’s also equipped with a mechanical valve enabling the volume of the exhaust note to be altered.

With the extra grunt on board, Renault claims 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds, while top speed is up to 162mph. That’s a tenth quicker to 62mph from standstill, and 7mph faster than the base car.

The Megane R.S Trophy uses the Cup chassis as standard. Compared to the regular chassis it boasts 25 per cent firmer shock absorbers, 30 per cent tighter springs and ten per cent stiffer anti-roll bars, while the mechanical limited slip differential is equipped on the front axle.

The R.S Trophy gets new brakes at the front, supplied by Brembo. The discs measure 355mm, while Renault claims that they’re 1.8kg lighter than the standard brakes, too. They’re housed behind new, exclusive 19-inch alloy wheels, while a lighter wheel design – saving 2kg at each corner – will become available in 2019.

Like the regular Megane R.S, the Trophy comes with 4CONTROL four-wheel steering. It works like any other four-wheel steering setup, turning the front and rear axle in opposite directions in slow, tight corners for increased agility, while turning both axles in the same direction at high speeds to aid stability.

To look at, you’ll struggle to pick out the Trophy from the regular car. The only giveaway design changes are the unique alloy wheels, plus a Trophy graphic added to the front chin spoiler. Inside though, buyers will be able to spec new Recaro sports seats, trimmed in Alcantara.

The new Megane R.S Trophy goes on sale this autumn, with Renault claiming customers will begin to receive their cars come winter.

If you love the Renault Megane and want to know more about the Megane’s specifications and improvements – contact a Group 1 Renault near you and book a test drive today!

Article source: https://devotedtorenaultautomobiles.weebly.com/blog/new-2018-renault-megane-rs-trophy-arrives-with-296bhp