Nürburgring: Fastest Production FF Car in the World Debuts | Renault

Renault Megane Renault Sport

Nürburgring: World's Fastest FWD Production Car Arrives

As we reported the other day,the Japanese launch of the "Renault Mégane Renault Sport" has finally begun. With improvements to its engine and chassis performance, it's become even more refined to drive, and a right-hand drive model has also been added to the lineup.

Text by OTSUKI Takuma (OPENERS)

The Fastest Mégane Lands in Japan

On June 17, 2011, a car set the world's fastest lap time for a front-wheel-drive production car at the Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany, with a time of 8 minutes and 7.97 seconds. That car was the "Renault Mégane RS (Renault Sport) Trophy." The "Renault Mégane RS," which inherits that performance, has finally gone on sale in Japan.

The engine is still a 2-liter inline-4 turbo, unchanged from the previous model, but maximum output has increased by 15ps and maximum torque by 20Nm. Paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, it achieves 0-100 km/h in 6.0 seconds and covers 1,000 meters in 25.4 seconds.

The chassis continues to use the "Chassis Cup," optimized for sporty driving. The "R.S. Dynamic Management" electronic control system centrally manages the ESP (Electronic Stability Program) and ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation). Drivers can select between "Normal Mode," suitable for everyday driving, and "Sport Mode," which weakens ESP and ASR control and sharpens throttle response. There is also an "Off Mode" that completely disengages the electronic controls. This Off Mode is recommended for use outside of public roads.

In Normal Mode, maximum output and torque are limited to 250ps and 340Nm respectively, with idling set around 750rpm. In Sport and Off modes, it delivers its full potential of 270ps and 360Nm, with idling set around 1,025rpm.

Additionally, systems previously featured on the outgoing model, such as the "R.S. Monitor" which displays various data like 0-100 km/h and 0-400m times, and the "Sound Pipe" acoustic device that channels engine noise into the cabin, are carried over to the new model. The price is 3.85 million yen.

Nürburgring: World's Fastest FWD Production Car Arrives

A Special Edition "Trophy" Also Released in Limited Numbers!

To commemorate the launch of this new model, a limited edition "Mégane R.S. Trophy" has also been released in Japan, separate from the standard Renault Sport model.

Compared to the standard model, there are no changes to the engine or suspension, and the specifications are the same. However, it is equipped with 19-inch wheels and Bridgestone "Potenza RE050A" tires, the same as used for the Nürburgring time attack, and features "Trophy" exclusive badging and a serial number plate.

This is a limited run of 30 units, priced at 4.08 million yen.