The Philosophy of Speed

Renault Japon held a special event today in Roppongi, Tokyo. Titled "Speed x Speed," the event featured Dai Tamesue, holder of the current Japanese record for the 400m hurdles, and current F1 driver Pastor Maldonado. The announcement of three special limited-edition models, including the one that set the world's fastest lap for a production FF car at the Nürburgring circuit, coincided with a talk show themed "The Philosophy of Speed."

"Originally, FF cars like this Mégane aren't suited for circuit driving. For cornering, a mid-engine layout would be ideal for car balance, like a supercar. But those aren't cars everyone can buy. How can we get closer to ideal performance within a production model? That's the mission of this Mégane Renault Sport Trophy R," says Frédéric Brien, Chief Product Manager at Renault Japon.



Regarding the model's record of 7 minutes 54.36 seconds, the fastest lap for a production FF car at the Nürburgring circuit, Dai Tamesue commented, "Cornering is also very important in track and field. You slightly lower your hips, ease off the power in your right leg. But the moment you hit the straight, you accelerate explosively like a spring. The way you control that power is very similar to a car. A speed record is something someone will eventually break through." He reflected on his own athletic career.

Maldonado, who is in Japan for this weekend's F1 Japanese Grand Prix, shared his "philosophy of speed," stating, "If you always approach racing with an open mind, the records will follow."

A Limited Run of Special Méganes

The models announced today are the "Mégane R.S. Trophy-R," which set the record of 7 minutes 54.36 seconds for a production FF car at the Nürburgring North Course in June 2014, its base model, the "Mégane R.S. Trophy," and the intermediate specification, the "Mégane R.S. Trophy S."

The Mégane R.S. Trophy is based on the chassis cup specification of the catalog model "Mégane R.S." It features an engine with a 8 ps increase in maximum output to 273 ps from its inline 4-cylinder turbo, tuned so that torque does not drop in the 5,000 rpm range and above. It also incorporates a titanium muffler with carbon ends for weight reduction.

Equipment includes Recaro seats with a leather-like/Alcantara combination, black 18-inch alloy wheels, and a specially designed F1 blade air intake, enhancing its special model status. The price is 4.26 million yen, with 90 units planned for sale.



The Mégane R.S. Trophy S adds Öhlins 1-way adjustable front dampers, 19-inch black alloy wheels, and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires to the Mégane R.S. Trophy. This model is limited to 60 units and priced at 4.77 million yen, an increase of 510,000 yen. It is available only in Sirius Yellow.

The Mégane R.S. Trophy-R, which set the Nürburgring production FF car record, is a two-seater version of the Trophy S, further reducing weight. It is equipped with composite front springs, 19-inch red alloy wheels, Alcantara monocoque Recaro seats, and Trophy-R specific red F1-type blade air intakes. The price is 4.99 million yen, with 60 units planned for sale. It is available only in Pearly White.



Renault Mégane Renault Sport Trophy
Renault Mégane Renault Sport Trophy S
Renault Mégane Renault Sport Trophy R
Body Dimensions | Length 4,299 × Width 1,848 × Height 1,435 mm
Curb Weight | (Trophy) (Trophy S) 1,376 kg (Trophy R) 1,297 kg
Engine | 1,998cc Inline 4-cylinder DOHC Turbo
Maximum Output | 201 kW (273 ps) / 5,500 rpm
Maximum Torque | 360 Nm (36.7 kgm) / 3,000-5,000 rpm
Drivetrain | FF
Transmission | 6-speed Manual
Suspension (Front/Rear) | MacPherson / Trailing Arm
Brakes (Front/Rear) | Ventilated Disc / Disc
Steering Position | (Trophy) (Trophy S) Right (Trophy R) Left
Tires | (Trophy) 235/40R18 (Trophy S) (Trophy R) 235/35R19
Sales Volume | (Trophy) 90 units (Trophy S) 60 units (Trophy R) 60 units
Price | (Trophy) 4.26 million yen (Trophy S) 4.77 million yen (Trophy R) 4.99 million yen
(All figures except price are manufacturer reference values for European specifications)

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