Sunday 25th June 2017

New Renault Sport Megane details

Four-wheel steer for the first time, plus the return of the Cup chassis

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This is good timing, and makes PH look remarkably prescient for once. Just yesterday we saw spy shots of the new Megane Renault Sport, with different wheels suggesting that some kind of track package might be offered.

Wouldn't leave the windows down in there...

Today, there's official confirmation from Renault that both a Sport and a Cup chassis will be offered on the next Renault Sport Megane. This has been a mainstay of the Megane range for a while of course, the first Cup arriving in 2005 and taking on the improvements introduced by the contemporary Trophy.

It doesn't sound like much is changing in terms of aim for the two chassis set ups, Sport described as combining "high performance and ride comfort in everyday use" and Cup billed as "engineered to deliver the ultimate track performance experience." In addition, with Renault stating a choice between the two chassis rather than models, it sounds like the cars will be identical bar chassis tune - a 'Full Fat' model, as seen in the past where a Cup chassis is added to the standard model, looks unlikely this time. However, that has not been confirmed yet.

Also announced today for the next Megane is the 4Control four-wheel steer, as seen on the Megane GT and described on these pages as "an effective alternative but a less engaging one." Hmm. Renault says the car has a specific tune for this model and that it takes the car's performance "to new limits".

And that's it for now, the full reveal still a couple of months away at Frankfurt. More news as it becomes available...

[KPB1973]

No further word of adaptive dampers then? Surely they would combine the advantages of 'cup' and 'sport' into one setup and given everyone the best of both worlds (and simplified the range offering, production processes etc).

[KPB1973]

Krikkit said:

I'd much rather have fixed-rate with proper setup done.

I think this looks rather smashing, even the standard cars look pretty good for a humdrum-mobile.

Fair enough, as long as RenaultSport define 'proper' this time around as having enough compliance on the Cup model to be a credible all-rounder on UK roads.

Sadly some us have family duties, and my lot dreaded going out in my last two Megs.

Agree on the last point, can't wait to see it in the flesh.

[KPB1973]

Krikkit said:

That's what the "Sport" is for, no?

Not if they follow the same principle as last time - because you probably won't get the magic diff unless you opt for the Cup.