Renault launches #Under8

You think this had something to do with the Nurburgring?

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!

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Dan Trent

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