2013 Renault Sport Megane R26.R Mk2

[Lightningman]

Has anyone heard any news as to whether Renault are going to do a run-out R26.R with the current Megane?

I believe they are changing the Megane in 2013; therefore, if they were to do another track special, the timing would be right.

I've done some Google searches but the only thing that comes up is quite old and vague.

[Lightningman]

I believe the British chap who was the head of Renault Sport (and developed the R26.R) has moved to the Van Section of Renault, so that be another nail in the coffin. Another negative is, iirc, the Renault Sport cars are now being built on the mainstream production lines, rather than the old RS factory in Dieppe.

I was hoping someone would have some positive news but it looks like my fears of no new R26.R may be founded

[Lightningman]

BaronVonVaderham said:

Lightningman said:

I believe the British chap who was the head of Renault Sport (and developed the R26.R) has moved to the Van Section of Renault, so that be another nail in the coffin. Another negative is, iirc, the Renault Sport cars are now being built on the mainstream production lines, rather than the old RS factory in Dieppe.

I was hoping someone would have some positive news but it looks like my fears of no new R26.R may be founded

Not sure where you get your info from but can confirm that the old Alpine factory (now RS) at Dieppe still makes the Clio 200s and Clio cup race cars amongst other things http://www.cliosport.net/forum/showthread.php?3601... (see pictures halfway down). Meganes are built in Palencia http://www.renault.com/en/groupe/developpement-dur...

I'll try to dig out the article but the gist was that Renault were trying to reduce costs and mainstream the production of the Renault Sport models. I'm sure you're correct; however, if the Meganes (even the RS versions) are built in Palencia, perhaps that is still another tick against a new R26.R, which was a Dieppe build car?

[Lightningman]

framerateuk said:

"No" has been the official word from Renault.

I can't see it happening to be honest, it was a bit of a commercial flop for Renault, and not all of the cars sold. That said, it was good press to see them producing such a car.

A real shame if they take that approach.

The current line up hasn't had a halo niche vehicle like the Clio V6 and the R26.R and imho is all the worse for it. Renault may have struggled to sell all the R26.Rs they made but one look at the residual value shows you the high esteem in which they are held.

[Lightningman]

Dan911 said:

I hear it could be on way....

How so Dan?

I still miss mine and have looked at the classifieds a few times.

If they do it, it needs to be a proper no-rear seats, lightened and caged job.

[Lightningman]

matt1269 said:

Streamline carbon have revealed that they're sending off carbon samples to Renaultsport in relation to a Megane project

Hmmn... long jump to R26.R Mk2 but fingers crossed.