Renault has lifted the veils off its hardcore Mégane RS 275 Trophy, the most powerful version of the compact hot-hatch that promises to lap the Nurburgring Nordschleife in under eight minutes.
As the name suggests, the Mégane RS 275 Trophy is powered by a 275PS (271hp) 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and sits on a Cup chassis with limited slip differential. The model also features new focused performance parts including an titanium exhaust system from Akrapovič, Öhlins dampers and Michelin tyres.
The engine produces its peak power at 5,500 rpm, with the maximum torque of 360Nm (265 lb-ft) being available from 3,000 to 5,000 rpm. Despite the 10hp increase over the Mégane RS Trophy, fuel consumption and emissions have been maintained at 7.5 l/ 100km (31.3 mpg US) and 174g of CO2/km respectively.
Optionally, the Mégane RS 275 Trophy can be fitted with adjustable Öhlins Road & Track dampers with steel springs and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres developed specifically for this car. Optional 19-inch black Speedline Turini wheels derived from those used by competition versions of Mégane can also be ordered.
Styling-wise, the limited edition Mégane RS features a new livery featuring Trophy branding on the Platine Grey F1-type front blade, Trophy decals on the personalized body sides and chequered flag graphic at the bottom of the doors.
Open the doors and the numbered sill guards hint at the car’s exclusivity. The cabin comes with leather and Alcantara Recaro bucket seats with visible red stitching and Renault Sport badging on the headrests. Red stitching is also used on the Alcantara wheel trim and hand brake bellow, as well as on the Zamac gear lever knob.
The Mégane RS 275 Trophy will be sold in around 20 markets on five continents, including Australia, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Germany and South Africa. Order books open on June 3 in France, where the tax-paid base price will be €38,000 ($52,120).
Oh, and if you were curious about the Nürburgring lap time, Renault will announce it on June 16.
By Dan Mihalascu
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