'#Under8' teasing
will continue until an official announcement on June 16 but Renault has confirmed details of a new limited edition Megane Renaultsport 275 Trophy. Aforementioned teaser hinted at involvement from partners like Ohlins, Akrapovic and Michelin and, sure enough, the 275 Trophy features upgrades from all of those companies.
Lap records in air-conditioned comfort, unlike SEAT
You can probably figure it out for yourself but, yes, this is a 275hp Megane based on the new facelifted look with an Akrapovic titanium exhaust, Ohlins 'Road & Track' dampers, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres and a mission to set the
front-wheel drive 'ring record
straight. The latter isn't discussed in the press release directly but even Inspector Clouseau probably could have figured that one out.
The 10hp upgrade, Cup chassis with limited-slip diff and Akrapovic exhaust are included in the standard spec - also featuring Alcantara trimmed Recaros, some relatively subtle decals and other visual tweaks - but you'll have to pay extra for the really juicy stuff. That includes the Ohlins dampers, fancy Michelins and 19-inch Speedline Turini wheels, as used by a number of iconic Renaultsport special editions like the Clio 172 Cup, Clio 182 Trophy and Clio V6.
Decal set relatively restrained for Renaultsport
Suitably specced up will the Megane have enough to beat the
SEAT Leon Cupra's
7min 58sec Nordschleife lap and reclaim the record for front-driven cars previously held by its
Megane 265 Trophy
There was controversy
when it became apparent SEAT had stripped the air con out of its 'record' car and equipped it with an as-yet unavailable 'performance pack' to achieve the time; if Renault does go faster and stake a new claim on the record the Leon's time in the spotlight will have been short lived.
Meanwhile Honda will be nervously watching the stopwatches having boldly promised the new Civic Type R will be the fastest front-driven car around the 'ring, a development goal Renaultsport will delight in making as tough as possible with this new Megane.
Renault has confirmed the 275 Trophy will be sold in 20 countries but hasn't said how many Trophy editions will be built, how much they'll cost or how much extra you'll have to pay for all the fancy additional kit. Expect confirmation of that around that June date for the #Under8 with first deliveries in October.