RE: Renaultsport Megane R26.R | Spotted
Discussion
On paper a £20k R26R is pretty daft - a £5k R26 with £5k spent on it would be better in pretty much every way - but that's not the point. It's become a collectors car for starting (or at least, elevanting) the serious hot hatch trend, hence the price.
Look at the silly money RS Fords sell for.
Look at the silly money RS Fords sell for.
Water Fairy said:
IMHO I cannot understand the idea of a 2 seater HH regardless of hoe good it is to drive.
Yes it sounds like a contradiction in terms, granted. The thing is, you don't actually know how good it is to drive. I am confident that a couple of laps as the passenger of someone with the right skillset may help you understand the point of this car, and despite the lack of rear seats. jms1 said:
In short YES. Having never driven one explains a lot. You’re entitled to your own opinion, but at least get your facts right. Most people reading this article will actually be interested in this car and some might even be contemplating buying one. All R26.Rs had aircon; some however were optioned with climate control. The R26.R offers a level of driver involvement and composure, which is simply off the scale for the price.
It is the working mans’ GT3 without a doubt and by that I mean it’s way more affordable and attainable for most people. This was one of the best driver focussed cars I’ve ever had the fortune to own. Spanked mine round the Ring countless times and had endless amounts of fun in it. Massive boot, aircon as standard, stunning Sabelt seats and 6-point harnesses, CF bonnet, lightweight plastic windows, R888 tyres and roll-cage - Hats off to Renaultsport for having the wherewithal to build this car in the first place.
I don’t normally comment on PH, but now and again some balance needs to be maintained by someone whose actually owned one of these cars. If anyone is looking at buying one of these they are utterly fantastic.
I would love to try one sometime.It is the working mans’ GT3 without a doubt and by that I mean it’s way more affordable and attainable for most people. This was one of the best driver focussed cars I’ve ever had the fortune to own. Spanked mine round the Ring countless times and had endless amounts of fun in it. Massive boot, aircon as standard, stunning Sabelt seats and 6-point harnesses, CF bonnet, lightweight plastic windows, R888 tyres and roll-cage - Hats off to Renaultsport for having the wherewithal to build this car in the first place.
I don’t normally comment on PH, but now and again some balance needs to be maintained by someone whose actually owned one of these cars. If anyone is looking at buying one of these they are utterly fantastic.
Edited by jms1 on Sunday 22 March 19:18
Just wondering if you have tried tyres like Good Year Asymetric 5 or Michelin PS4 tyres on yours?
Have they made much difference compared to the R888?
nickfrog said:
Water Fairy said:
IMHO I cannot understand the idea of a 2 seater HH regardless of hoe good it is to drive.
Yes it sounds like a contradiction in terms, granted. The thing is, you don't actually know how good it is to drive. I am confident that a couple of laps as the passenger of someone with the right skillset may help you understand the point of this car, and despite the lack of rear seats. They were a hanful of incredibly track focussed machines developed by the renaultsport division.
The aim was to take their last few hatches and let the engineers loose.
They removed over 100kg and produced the fastest FWD hatch to lap the ring at the time.
They were and still are the most focussed 'R' ou of the megs and despite average joe not seeing the point they will alway be held in high regard and value.
The drive is nothing like anything Ive owned and driven and they are a true event just to look at neve mind climb in and drive.
Utterly awesome and never to be found again
They are highly coveted and will always command strong money - they always have
Ultimately it doesn't really matter whether someone doesn't 'get' cars like the R26.R. To view them as a hatchback with 2 seats missing is not the point and I'd argue that someone who can't see past that, isn't really a proper car enthusiast.
Does a Porsche 911 GT3 RS become less of a 911 with scaffold in the back instead of seats?
Does a Clio V6 suddenly become pointless because it has a 3 litre engine where the rear seats are?
As we move ever closer to a full EV future, cars like the Megane should be rightly revered because they represent an era where engineers had as much say as marketeers. Where dynamics gave way to emissions and, above all, where cars were able to be made with a pure focus on driving.
I hope I am wrong, but its going to be a bloody long time before we see manufacturers pull this sort of wizardry on a battery powered car. For that alone, that makes the R26.R worth a spot in any enthusiast's garage.
Does a Porsche 911 GT3 RS become less of a 911 with scaffold in the back instead of seats?
Does a Clio V6 suddenly become pointless because it has a 3 litre engine where the rear seats are?
As we move ever closer to a full EV future, cars like the Megane should be rightly revered because they represent an era where engineers had as much say as marketeers. Where dynamics gave way to emissions and, above all, where cars were able to be made with a pure focus on driving.
I hope I am wrong, but its going to be a bloody long time before we see manufacturers pull this sort of wizardry on a battery powered car. For that alone, that makes the R26.R worth a spot in any enthusiast's garage.
snorkel sucker said:
Ultimately it doesn't really matter whether someone doesn't 'get' cars like the R26.R. To view them as a hatchback with 2 seats missing is not the point and I'd argue that someone who can't see past that, isn't really a proper car enthusiast.
Does a Porsche 911 GT3 RS become less of a 911 with scaffold in the back instead of seats?
Does a Clio V6 suddenly become pointless because it has a 3 litre engine where the rear seats are?
As we move ever closer to a full EV future, cars like the Megane should be rightly revered because they represent an era where engineers had as much say as marketeers. Where dynamics gave way to emissions and, above all, where cars were able to be made with a pure focus on driving.
I hope I am wrong, but its going to be a bloody long time before we see manufacturers pull this sort of wizardry on a battery powered car. For that alone, that makes the R26.R worth a spot in any enthusiast's garage.
Totally agree Does a Porsche 911 GT3 RS become less of a 911 with scaffold in the back instead of seats?
Does a Clio V6 suddenly become pointless because it has a 3 litre engine where the rear seats are?
As we move ever closer to a full EV future, cars like the Megane should be rightly revered because they represent an era where engineers had as much say as marketeers. Where dynamics gave way to emissions and, above all, where cars were able to be made with a pure focus on driving.
I hope I am wrong, but its going to be a bloody long time before we see manufacturers pull this sort of wizardry on a battery powered car. For that alone, that makes the R26.R worth a spot in any enthusiast's garage.
snorkel sucker said:
Ultimately it doesn't really matter whether someone doesn't 'get' cars like the R26.R. To view them as a hatchback with 2 seats missing is not the point and I'd argue that someone who can't see past that, isn't really a proper car enthusiast.
Does a Porsche 911 GT3 RS become less of a 911 with scaffold in the back instead of seats?
Does a Clio V6 suddenly become pointless because it has a 3 litre engine where the rear seats are?
As we move ever closer to a full EV future, cars like the Megane should be rightly revered because they represent an era where engineers had as much say as marketeers. Where dynamics gave way to emissions and, above all, where cars were able to be made with a pure focus on driving.
I hope I am wrong, but its going to be a bloody long time before we see manufacturers pull this sort of wizardry on a battery powered car. For that alone, that makes the R26.R worth a spot in any enthusiast's garage.
Exactly right!Does a Porsche 911 GT3 RS become less of a 911 with scaffold in the back instead of seats?
Does a Clio V6 suddenly become pointless because it has a 3 litre engine where the rear seats are?
As we move ever closer to a full EV future, cars like the Megane should be rightly revered because they represent an era where engineers had as much say as marketeers. Where dynamics gave way to emissions and, above all, where cars were able to be made with a pure focus on driving.
I hope I am wrong, but its going to be a bloody long time before we see manufacturers pull this sort of wizardry on a battery powered car. For that alone, that makes the R26.R worth a spot in any enthusiast's garage.
snorkel sucker said:
Ultimately it doesn't really matter whether someone doesn't 'get' cars like the R26.R. To view them as a hatchback with 2 seats missing is not the point and I'd argue that someone who can't see past that, isn't really a proper car enthusiast.
Does a Porsche 911 GT3 RS become less of a 911 with scaffold in the back instead of seats?
Does a Clio V6 suddenly become pointless because it has a 3 litre engine where the rear seats are?
As we move ever closer to a full EV future, cars like the Megane should be rightly revered because they represent an era where engineers had as much say as marketeers. Where dynamics gave way to emissions and, above all, where cars were able to be made with a pure focus on driving.
I hope I am wrong, but its going to be a bloody long time before we see manufacturers pull this sort of wizardry on a battery powered car. For that alone, that makes the R26.R worth a spot in any enthusiast's garage.
I’d actually go a step further than that, as 2-seat hot hatches have great practicality due to the relatively large boot space. It’s not like there’s a lot of room in the back seats of many older hatchbacks anywayDoes a Porsche 911 GT3 RS become less of a 911 with scaffold in the back instead of seats?
Does a Clio V6 suddenly become pointless because it has a 3 litre engine where the rear seats are?
As we move ever closer to a full EV future, cars like the Megane should be rightly revered because they represent an era where engineers had as much say as marketeers. Where dynamics gave way to emissions and, above all, where cars were able to be made with a pure focus on driving.
I hope I am wrong, but its going to be a bloody long time before we see manufacturers pull this sort of wizardry on a battery powered car. For that alone, that makes the R26.R worth a spot in any enthusiast's garage.
Some fair points made but how often is a 911 bought with the rear seats in mind, or used as a daily? They are effectively useless any case (and I have sat in the back of one). Totally different car to a Megane or any hatch.
Any way each to their own.I can assure you that I am a car enthusiast just not an enthusiast of all cars. Which is allowed.
I find it a little sad that because some people don't 'get' a certain type of car, the ones that do/own one get all sniffy and accuse us of not being enthusiasts.
In any case we all have far more important things to worry about right now wouldn't you agree?
Any way each to their own.I can assure you that I am a car enthusiast just not an enthusiast of all cars. Which is allowed.
I find it a little sad that because some people don't 'get' a certain type of car, the ones that do/own one get all sniffy and accuse us of not being enthusiasts.
In any case we all have far more important things to worry about right now wouldn't you agree?
My issue with something like the Mégane does come back to the 2 seats. For the money, you are squarely in Elise territory.
And whilst the Meg is great to drive, it ultimately lacks immersion and challenge next to the Lotus. You can buy an Elise and learn it for years to come. With the Renault, you will master it very quickly.
Depends what you want in a car.
And whilst the Meg is great to drive, it ultimately lacks immersion and challenge next to the Lotus. You can buy an Elise and learn it for years to come. With the Renault, you will master it very quickly.
Depends what you want in a car.
Water Fairy said:
I find it a little sad that because some people don't 'get' a certain type of car, the ones that do/own one get all sniffy and accuse us of not being enthusiasts.
Isn't it also sad when folks loudly proclaim "I don't get it" then get all sniffy when challenged?IMO a "proper" car enthusiast doesn't discriminate. If you immediately reject something based on its form factor or driven wheels then I won't take you seriously. Sorry.
SidewaysSi said:
And whilst the Meg is great to drive, it ultimately lacks immersion and challenge next to the Lotus. You can buy an Elise and learn it for years to come. With the Renault, you will master it very quickly.
Depends what you want in a car.
That's a fair comment, but not all of us want to be challenged all the time. I want a car that I can climb in, drive at eight tenths and enjoy every time. With an Elise you need to be in the right mood on the right road in the right conditions, therefore its operating window is rather narrow. I sold an Evora to make room for an R26.R - did consider an Elise or Exige but decided against it for the above reasons.Depends what you want in a car.
Titan2 said:
I would love to try one sometime.
Just wondering if you have tried tyres like Good Year Asymetric 5 or Michelin PS4 tyres on yours?
Have they made much difference compared to the R888?
Only ever ran mine on R888s at the time. Sold it a few years ago to make way for a GT3; the only drivers car I could find to better the Megane, albeit at a much greater price. If I had one now I would look to put some Michelin Cup2s or PS4S on one. The howl of the R888s however, will always be remembered. Just wondering if you have tried tyres like Good Year Asymetric 5 or Michelin PS4 tyres on yours?
Have they made much difference compared to the R888?
Still an awesome car and definitely my COT 🙂
plenty said:
Water Fairy said:
I find it a little sad that because some people don't 'get' a certain type of car, the ones that do/own one get all sniffy and accuse us of not being enthusiasts.
Isn't it also sad when folks loudly proclaim "I don't get it" then get all sniffy when challenged?IMO a "proper" car enthusiast doesn't discriminate. If you immediately reject something based on its form factor or driven wheels then I won't take you seriously. Sorry.
SidewaysSi said:
And whilst the Meg is great to drive, it ultimately lacks immersion and challenge next to the Lotus. You can buy an Elise and learn it for years to come. With the Renault, you will master it very quickly.
Depends what you want in a car.
That's a fair comment, but not all of us want to be challenged all the time. I want a car that I can climb in, drive at eight tenths and enjoy every time. With an Elise you need to be in the right mood on the right road in the right conditions, therefore its operating window is rather narrow. I sold an Evora to make room for an R26.R - did consider an Elise or Exige but decided against it for the above reasons.Depends what you want in a car.
The Lotus demands more concentration/skill to extract its highs which is good or bad, depending on one's viewpoint.
Part of the reason I sold the Evora was that its limits were so high and I never felt fully confident exploiting its RWD and mid-engine configuration. It didn't help that I once accompanied an Evora 400 on a wet Welsh weekend driveout which aquaplaned into a ditch - the sight of which was seared into my memory.
If you have the skills and the confidence then a Lotus delivers like very few cars can. For me though, a Renault hatch is more fun more of the time.
If you have the skills and the confidence then a Lotus delivers like very few cars can. For me though, a Renault hatch is more fun more of the time.
plenty said:
Part of the reason I sold the Evora was that its limits were so high and I never felt fully confident exploiting its RWD and mid-engine configuration. It didn't help that I once accompanied an Evora 400 on a wet Welsh weekend driveout which aquaplaned into a ditch - the sight of which was seared into my memory.
If you have the skills and the confidence then a Lotus delivers like very few cars can. For me though, a Renault hatch is more fun more of the time.
It's also a skill flattering car to drive fast! If you have the skills and the confidence then a Lotus delivers like very few cars can. For me though, a Renault hatch is more fun more of the time.
Epic in every sense
Heres mine in the sun yesterday
https://youtu.be/Jpb8LUgIZQQ
Edited by lord trumpton on Monday 23 March 12:36
plenty said:
lord trumpton said:
It's also a skill flattering car to drive fast!
Exactly. In an RS I feel like a hero. In a Lotus I'm reminded that I'm very ordinary.Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff