A few weeks after the hot hatch’s public debut at the Monaco Grand Prix, Renault took a pair of Megane RS prototypes to the Nurburgring for some high-speed testing.
It’s not exactly a secret that Renault wants to return on top of the relevant chart with the fastest lap times set by a production front-drive vehicle, a trend that was kickstarted by them in 2008 with the then-new Megane R26R.
Renault was sitting at the Nurburgring throne as the undisputed speed king for almost six years before Seat entered the scene with the Leon Cupra in 2014. Since then the record for the fastest front-drive production vehicle has exchanged hands no less than four times, with the current champion being the Honda Civic Type-R.
Hot hatch fans of the Renault Megane will be delighted to learn that the new-generation model will keep using only its front axle for transmitting the power to the ground, with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder delivering around 300hp via a standard six-speed manual or an optional dual-clutch automatic.
The chassis will feature a limited-slip differential for better grip and handling, a bespoke suspension setup and an aero agenda that actually provide real downforce in the pursuit of creating the most capable hot hatch in the market.
The bodywork is also going to be slightly wider, thanks to those fender flares, and for the first time in a Megane RS ever, will come with five doors only.
Renault is expected to free the new Megane RS off its camouflage wrap at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, but if you feel like you can’t wait until then, you can always click here to see it without any camo.
Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoops
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