The new generation Renault Megane RS was spotted lapping the Nurburgring, likely trying to set a new record for front-wheel drive production cars.
To do so, it needs to go around the iconic track faster than the Honda Civic Type R, which posted an record time of 7 minutes and 43.8 seconds earlier this year, when it stole the crown from the VW Golf GTI Clubsport.
Whether it will succeed is a good question, but Renault’s latest compact hot hatch is 40PS (39hp) and 10Nm (7lb-ft) less powerful than its Japanese rival. This means that it puts down 280PS (276hp) and 390Nm (lb-ft) of torque, from a 1.8-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine that comes straight from the Alpine A110.
Despite falling behind of the Civic Type R in terms of power, the Megane RS comes with a few tricks up its sleeves, such as two chassis settings, a clever suspension inspired from motorsport, and four-wheel steering, combined with new aerodynamics that improve its cornering abilities.
Renault will open the order books for the new Megane RS in Europe this December, and a few months later, the car will arrive in the United Kingdom. No pricing details have been announced yet.