Yes, yes, another batch of fast Megane pictures. But we make no apologies for featuring them because a) it's replacing one of the best hot hatches ever made and b) we're still a little wary of what it might be like.
One for the exhaust hall of shame
When the previous-gen Clio was replaced by the current car, its range of abilities was broadened but its raw edge was lost. While it would be understandable for that to happen to an extent with this Megane - how many of the previous model did you actually see on the road - let's hope the magic is not smothered quite as much as with the smaller car.
So far we know the Megane will be five-door only, have a dual-clutch gearbox option and be revealed at the Frankfurt motor show. Here we have our first look at the car on the Nurburgring and the roads around it; Meganes and the Nordschleife of course have some history, with both the R26.R and Trophy-R claiming FWD lap records in their time. Could Renault Sport now be attempting the record with the first of a new generation, rather than the last?
We'll have to wait and see, but the test laps have at least afforded us a better look at the car. New details that have emerged on this mule include a rather dubious fake exhaust/diffuser combo but also big Brembo brake calipers and some more aggressive (disguised) front intakes. There are also a selection of wheels on show here, suggesting there could be a more focused track package of wheel and tyre.
Whatever is offered, this is going to be a different Renault Sport Megane to the cars we have become used to. Will that make it a better Renault Sport Megane? We can't wait to find out!
[Photos: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien]