Formula 1 special editions always tempt cynicism. Often they're just a shameless attempt to cash in on the popularity of a team or driver (Stilo Schumacher anyone?) with little tangible improvement on the standard car but a significant price hike. And when was the last time anyone coveted an F1 gearbox?
Red Bull add-ons are actually quite subtle
Still, when the base car is a Renaultsport Megane, it's unlikely to be a spudder. The Red Bull RB8 has been produced to mark Red Bull's triple triumph in the F1 Drivers' and Constructors' titles, marked in 2012. The full story on the tweaks
is here
, but the RB8 is essentially a Twilight Blue
Megane 265 Cup
with the 19-inch Steev wheels and some Red Bull embellishments. The new Renault R-Link infotainment system and the second-gen Renaultsport Monitor also feature. Both of these will be available on the regular Megane 265 soon.
From the spec sheet then, it shouldn't be dissimilar to the standard 265. And yet... no, actually, it's just like the standard car in fact.
But then having a car just like a regular 265 is of course no bad thing. Not only did Chris Harris rate it over the Focus ST and Astra VXR, it's also seen off an M135i with us. Yet again, Renault has exhibited a hot hatch masterclass.
Brembos standard with Cup pack
It rained a lot during our time with the RB8, but if anything that shows off its dynamic excellence even further. A FWD car this powerful just shouldn't have the traction that it does, the combination of the LSD and PerfoHub suspension allowing huge amounts of power to be deployed in sodden conditions.
Wet or dry though, the RB8 is just so damn fast. That 2.0-litre turbo is indefatigable, pulling hard enough throughout the rev range to make the 6,500rpm limiter seem conservative. Here the change-up light isn't a gimmick It feels turbocharged in the best way, offering a big shove in the in the mid range but willingly revving out also. Allied to that diff, the Megane just chomps through tarmac, clawing at the road to find the next corner.
Then the real fun starts. Because everything the front end does is relayed so accurately, you can be confident it will go exactly where it's placed. Feeling fast? Pick up the throttle and the diff will haul the front round with maybe a hint of understeer. Come out of the throttle and the rear pushes wide, nosing the front in further; throttle pulls the car straight again and you'll feel like Francois Delecour bend after bend.
Still brilliant, but no better than a regular 265
The Recaros only enhance the tarmac rally car aura, giving great support at the shoulders, hips and thighs. The pedals are great for some fancy footwork too.
But we knew all this before, didn't we? That's because they're the same dynamic virtues shared with the standard 265. The new Renaultsport Monitor works very well, offering a wealth of information and USB-based options. The R-Link is intuitive also, but neither has fundamentally changed the Megane; for a cosseting hatch, look elsewhere.
Unless you're particularly keen on the Red Bull F1 team or want a very exclusive Megane, the RB8 doesn't offer anything significant over the standard car for a £3,405 premium.
RENAULTSPORT MEGANE 265 RB8
Engine: 1,998cc 4-cyl turbo
Transmission: 6-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Power (hp): 265@5,500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 265@3,000rpm
0-62mph: 6.0sec
Top speed: 158mph
Weight: 1,379kg
MPG: 37.7mpg (NEDC combined)
CO2: 174g/km
Price: £28,245 (£29,370 as tested inc. £200 for extra tinted rear and tailgate windows, £250 for keyless entry, £95 for spare wheel and £580 for Climate Pack inc. climate control, auto lights and wipers)