Wednesday 23rd April 2014

Renault launches #Under8

You think this had something to do with the Nurburgring?

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What you see here might normally be classed a 'teaser image' which has been doing the rounds for a few days but dipped under PH radar while we scoffed easter eggs. There isn't a car on display, simply a collection of brands and the Twitter hashtag #Under8. But it doesn't take much to infer that this is Renault's attempt at besting its own Nurburgring FWD record with a faster Megane. That or a bid to get children thinking about cars and engineering from a very young age.

Because it was just a bit soft before

With all the noise around the SEAT Leon Cupra and its 7:58 lap, Renault is evidently running a little scared. It's important to note the SEAT didn't set a new record but no doubt it will be keen to get a sub-8 minute lap verified as soon as possible. Renault, it would seem, wants to set a benchmark that can't be beaten. One that will stand up to any threats from the Astra VXR Extreme and Civic Type R as well.

So the #Under8 production team includes Renaultsport (obviously), Michelin, Akrapovic and Ohlins. BRM makes the list too as timekeepers. So new tyres (perhaps the Pilot Sport Cup 2 as seen on the 991 GT3?), an exhaust to release a few more hp and drop a few kg plus some trick dampers. You'll remember the transformative effect the Sachs fitted to the Clio Trophy had but here the Ohlins units will likely be more track focused.

We can only speculate at present because Renault is being especially cagey with information; an update is due on June 16. Expect to see a few Nurburgring spy shots before then, as well as plenty of furious debate on how irrelevant the whole pursuit is and how heinously expensive the uber Megane will be. Please continue!

[Dan Trent]

...for the first to make any more unfortunate 'under 8' connections too, eh?

Dan

[menoy]

Already spotted at the N'ring some time ago;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaJafmnavy0

[clarki]

Just sold my R26R...

...could be the ideal replacement.

Lots of exciting new hot hatches due in the next 12 months - great news, always had one, always will.

[Chris71]

Funnily enough, it was only this morning I was saying that the current Megane had been around for a while now and must be due an R26.R-style send off.

[Sir_Dave]

Dan Trent said:

...for the first to make any more unfortunate 'under 8' connections too, eh?

From my understanding, its how many of the new Clio 200T's they've sold

[Dan Trent]

Sir_Dave said:

From my understanding, its how many of the new Clio 200T's they've sold

You can go about your business. Move along.

Dan

[VladD]

Dan Trent said:

Sir_Dave said:

From my understanding, its how many of the new Clio 200T's they've sold

You can go about your business. Move along.

Dan

Is it all they'll say about the 0-60 time?

[VladD]

Dan Trent said:

...for the first to make any more unfortunate 'under 8' connections too, eh?

Dan

Just out of interest Dan, how many other hot hatches would you buy before this?

[VladD]

menoy said:

Already spotted at the N'ring some time ago;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaJafmnavy0

That look better than I thought it would be. #Under8ted

[framerateuk]

I hope it does turn out to be a ridiculous 2 seater send-off model with plastic windows. I'm not in the market to buy one, but I applaud the fact that Renault has the nuts to produce these models. The 250/265 have been brilliant cars, and deserve this final model to really put the competition to shame.

[Axionknight]

#under8 people care about our cars these days.

[JsyM3]

Excuse my ignorance but are these "mines bigger than yours" exercises timed from bridge to gantry?

[lukefreeman]

JsyM3 said:

Excuse my ignorance but are these "mines bigger than yours" exercises timed from bridge to gantry?

Nope they're not.

[supertouring]

Was at the ring last week and surprised how many current shape meganes were there, a very popular car and giving the German marques a run for their money in terms of numbers present.

Only saw a few of the older models and around 4 other R26Rs like mine, which did attract more attention due to it's exclusivity.

Having struggled to sell all the R26Rs, would Renault go for the stripped out approach again? I hope they do.

[WCZ]

under 8 already been done with a fwd car by the cupra so this isn't a great marketing slogan/gimmick imo

[menoy]

WCZ said:

under 8 already been done with a fwd car by the cupra so this isn't a great marketing slogan/gimmick imo

Did you read the fineprint on the Cupra time?

[ukaskew]

supertouring said:

Was at the ring last week and surprised how many current shape meganes were there, a very popular car and giving the German marques a run for their money in terms of numbers present.

Only saw a few of the older models and around 4 other R26Rs like mine, which did attract more attention due to it's exclusivity.

Having struggled to sell all the R26Rs, would Renault go for the stripped out approach again? I hope they do.

Maybe a very limited production run, say 50 or so. Presumably the Akropovic titanium exhaust isn't going to be a cheap option.

[WCZ]

menoy said:

Did you read the fineprint on the Cupra time?

yes but either way it's taken the shine off this achievement

[loose cannon]

what the achievement that you don't even no what it is yet lol
What a ridiculous post

[Adrian250]

I currently have an RS250 as my daily driver. I think they are really under rated cars personally. Before the Meg I had a Clio R27 which I absolutely loved to bits. All my work colleagues have continuously taken the pee out of me for driving crap girly French cars, little do they know how much they are missing out on. I rarely see another RS250 on the road, having had mine for 2 years now I can count on 1 hand the number of others I have seen. Renault should be applauded for having the balls to stand up to all the other manufacturers challengers and take them on, there must be a strong market for this type of 'special' or other manufacturers wouldnt bother. The R26.R wasnt exactly launched at the right time (start of the recession), which in part led to it being a bit of a sales flop, but those who bought one and indeed own one now are onto a good thing ....