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August 20, 2021
Test Drive: The Renault Mégane R.S. – A Pinnacle of Handling Refinement | Renault
300ps/420Nm Powertrain Paired with Chassis Sport for the First Time
However, the Mégane R.S. minor change isn't solely about the Trophy 6-speed manual. The standard model, featuring a more road-oriented Chassis Sport setup, has also been upgraded to match the engine specifications of the previous Trophy model, now boasting 300ps and 420Nm. This version is exclusively available with the 6-speed EDC.
Incidentally, due to clutch capacity limitations, the maximum torque for the Trophy's manual transmission is limited to 400Nm, compared to the 420Nm of the 6-speed EDC. To compensate, the manual version features slightly lower gearing in 1st through 3rd gears, bringing it almost in line with the EDC's gear ratio of 1.028 in 4th gear, which has a ratio of 1.026. However, the final drive ratio for the manual transmission is consistently 4.187 through 6th gear. In contrast, the EDC uses a final drive of 4.357 for gears 1 through 4, with a uniquely lower gear ratio for 5th gear and an overdrive 6th gear using a different final drive of 2.904.
The most significant difference between the EDC and manual transmissions in this minor change may lie in the ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) features. The former now includes a Stop & Go function that allows the vehicle to restart automatically in traffic jams or at traffic lights without manual accelerator input when adaptive cruise control is active. This feature enhances daily usability, or conversely, highlights the stoic nature of the 6-speed manual version.
Common changes across all grades include redesigned front and rear LED lamps, with sequential turn signals at the rear. To complement the flush integration of the rear LED lamps with the body lines, the Renault logo in the center of the front grille also features a smoother surface treatment. Inside, two USB ports have been added for rear passengers, and the climate control interface below the touchscreen has been updated to a triple-dial setup.
The core performance enhancement in this minor change is the powertrain, now boosted to 300ps and 420Nm, paired with the Chassis Sport setup for the first time. The fundamental suspension components, including the double-wishbone front suspension and the four-wheel HCC (Hydraulic Compression Control) dampers, remain unchanged from the previous model. The damper settings and spring rates, as well as the 4Control system, which switches between counter-phase and in-phase steering at speeds around 60-100 km/h, are also carried over.