A New Generation Engine Optimized for Combustion and Intake/Exhaust Efficiency

The Mégane Renault Sport is the culmination of know-how cultivated through years of racing by Renault Sport Technologies and the technical prowess of the Renault Group. Between 2003 and 2009, over 22,500 units were sold in 30 countries worldwide, making it a particularly popular model, especially in France, where it holds a 44 percent share in its category.

The exterior design, like the new Mégane Coupé not yet introduced in Japan, features a coupe style with a hatchback-like rear end. Compared to the standard body, its lower and wider stance gives it an impression of being ready to perform.

The newly updated Mégane Renault Sport is powered by a new-generation 2-liter 16-valve twin-scroll turbo engine that complies with Euro 5 emissions standards. While the basic block is the same as the previous generation, approximately 25 percent of the parts are new. This boosts maximum output to 250ps (187kW) at 5,500rpm and maximum torque to 340Nm (34.7kgm) at 3,000rpm.

The twin-scroll turbocharger, which enhances intake efficiency, has had its boost pressure increased from 2.1 bar in the previous model to 2.5 bar. Further tuning, including the adoption of a continuously variable intake valve timing mechanism and revised fuel injection programming, not only improves output and torque but also enhances responsiveness, particularly in the low-RPM range.

Additionally, components such as tumble-generating cylinder heads for improved combustion efficiency, hard carbon-coated pistons, and sodium-filled valves for superior cooling have been incorporated. Despite its high power, the focus is on usability, with 80 percent of the maximum torque available from 1,900rpm. It is paired with a conventional 6-speed manual transmission.

The chassis that handles this power features a double-axle strut front suspension. While the format is the same as the previous generation, the lower arms have been changed from steel to aluminum for weight reduction. This double-axle strut system, which adds a dedicated axle to the strut suspension, ensures that load is constantly applied to the center of the tire without being affected by vertical suspension movement during rapid acceleration or sharp steering inputs, enabling precise steering control. The caster angle of the front suspension is 9 degrees, exceeding the average for FF vehicles, further enhancing straight-line stability. The rear suspension is a trailing arm setup.

The brakes consist of 340mm diameter, 28mm thick Brembo ventilated slit discs at the front, and 290mm diameter, 11mm thick Brembo slit discs at the rear. The calipers are Brembo 4-piston monobloc calipers at the front and TRW calipers at the rear. The brake pads are semi-racing type from Ferodo.

Enhanced Sound and Interior for Added Value

Furthermore, meticulous attention has been paid to tuning the engine and exhaust sounds, crucial elements for driving enjoyment. Engine noise is transmitted to the driver through a bypass in the intake system, a membrane (amplifier), and across the bulkhead. The exhaust system employs a type with low back pressure and high efficiency. The exhaust note, characterized by a deep resonance, is said to have been tuned to achieve its best sound at maximum output.

The new Mégane Renault Sport introduced in Japan is exclusively the 'Chassis Cup' specification, which also features improvements in body rigidity. The 24.2mm diameter anti-roll bar is 13 percent stiffer than that of the 'Chassis Sport' model. The dampers are 35 percent stiffer at the front and 38 percent stiffer at the rear, resulting in a 15 percent increase in anti-roll rigidity. The 'Chassis Cup' also comes equipped with an LSD. Thanks to the synergistic effect of the double-axle strut front suspension and the LSD, torque steer is minimized, and drive power loss is reduced.

The interior is finished in a dark carbon color scheme, with accents of sport yellow on the tachometer face, center stitching on the steering wheel, and seatbelts, creating a sporty atmosphere that matches the car's image. It also features aluminum drilled pedals and footrest, as well as Recaro seats.

Another appealing aspect is its comprehensive functionality, including the 3-mode ESP (R.S. Dynamic Management), which allows the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) to be switched between three levels.

Comprehensive Equipment for Driving Enjoyment

The Normal mode is suitable for everyday driving, with the ESP and Traction Control System (ASR) active. In Sport mode, the activation thresholds for ESP and ASR are delayed compared to Normal mode, allowing the driver to more actively control the car's movements. In this mode, even the accelerator pedal mapping, which controls throttle opening, is automatically adjusted to provide a quicker engine response to throttle inputs. The Off mode, where ESP and ASR are deactivated, is intended for serious sports driving on circuits or closed courses. The accelerator pedal mapping is also adjusted, similar to Sport mode, for a quicker engine response.

In addition, the 'R.S. Monitor' equipped in this car displays various vehicle data in real-time, allowing drivers to improve their skills based on this information. The displayed data includes turbo boost pressure, throttle opening, torque, output, brake pressure, oil temperature, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, 0-100km/h times, 0-400m times, and a stopwatch. It also features an accelerator pedal mapping function that can be adjusted in five stages, offering five patterns—Snow, Progressive, Linear, Sport, and Extreme—to achieve flexible driving tailored to the conditions.

With its enhanced driving stability and comprehensive equipment while maintaining its racing pedigree, this Mégane Renault Sport, which also emphasizes practicality, is available for reservation at 3.85 million yen.

RENAULT MEGANE RENAULT SPORT | Renault Mégane Renault Sport
Body | Length 4,320 x Width 1,850 x Height 1,435mm
Wheelbase | 2,640mm
Engine | 2.0-liter DOHC Inline-4 16-valve Turbo
Transmission | 6-speed Manual
Maximum Output | 250ps / 5,500rpm
Maximum Torque | 340Nm (34.7kgm) / 3,000rpm
Vehicle Weight | 1,430kg
Steering | Left
Price | 3.85 million yen (Recycling fee total: 19,330 yen *Vehicles equipped with optional 19-inch wheels are made-to-order and cost an additional 120,000 yen)