Performance car enthusiasts can look forward to even greater performance and more dynamic design, as the New Renault Mégane RS Trophy boosts the Renault Sport line-up by extending the family of Trophy versions produced since the first generation of Mégane RS. New Renault Mégane RS Trophy debuts a brand-new version of the 1.8-litre turbo engine, delivering increased power output of 300hp – the first time a R.S model has produced this level of power – and torque of 420Nm. The significant rise in power is largely thanks to the use of pioneering technologies, especially for the turbocharger and exhaust system, which again are firsts in the new Mégane RS Trophy, including the ability to alter the engine note. This new engine can be combined with a six-speed manual or six-speed EDC (Efficient dual-clutch) gearbox.
Together with the new power unit, a host of additional performance-focused features differentiate the Renault Mégane RS Trophy from the standard Mégane RS. Based on the Cup chassis, which boasts stiffer suspension and a Torsen® mechanical limited slip differential, the Renault Mégane RS Trophy is further enhanced with bi-material front brake discs, specific 19-inch ‘Jerez’ alloy wheels and high performance Bridgestone tyres, which can be paired with new, exclusive lighter wheels that reduce total unsprung weight by 8kg. For increased support, and also exclusive to the New Mégane RS Trophy are optional new Recaro front seats, covered with Alcantara® upholstery and positioned 20 mm lower for a greater driver experience.
Available in the iconic Liquid Yellow that is synonymous with Trophy models, the New Renault Mégane RS Trophy is further identified with Trophy stripes added to its F1-style front spoiler. Naturally, the latest and most powerful R.S ever benefits from the advanced technology and Renault Sport innovations that already exist in the Mégane R.S, including the 4CONTROL four-wheel steering system and four hydraulic bump stop shock absorbers. Whilst honed for track use and to answer the needs of enthusiasts looking for exclusivity, New Mégane RS Trophy remains perfectly suited to everyday use, offering such features as:
- The ability to select different driving modes using the Multi-Sense system
- The exceptional performances of the lighting system, RS Vision
- The telemetry and data acquisition system, RS Monitor
First seen in the New Mégane RS, the 1.8-litre direct injection turbo engine, derived from synergies in the Renault-Nissan Alliance, comes with an upgrade that enables it to pass the symbolic 300hp (220kW) mark for the first time in the RS range. Torque has also been increased, reaching 420Nm (+20Nm) with the EDC gearbox and 400Nm with the manual version. The increased power delivers better acceleration, including at high revs, whilst the torque – one of the best in class – contributes to driving pleasure and comfort behind the wheel. These improved performances comply with the new emission control standard, Euro6d-Temp, which comes into force on 1 September 2018.
In order to offset the substantial increase in exhaust back pressure, related to the addition of a particulate filter, Renault Sport engineers concentrated in particular on the efficiency of the turbocharger by deploying a technology taken directly from Formula 1. The turbine – which rotates at close to 200,000rpm – is therefore now fitted on a ceramic ball bearing system. Lighter, harder and smoother than steel, ceramic helps reduce friction. In fact, this technology reduces friction by a third compared with a traditional ball bearing system (oil film). This in turn ensures that the turbo is able to spool quicker, aiding acceleration and responsiveness. In addition to the turbo, the new exhaust system is the second area in which engine performance has been improved on New Renault Mégane RS Trophy. The rear silencer has been fitted with a mechanical valve that enables engine noise to be adjusted. Once again, this is a first in the RS range.
As standard, New Renault Mégane RS Trophy is fitted with bi-material 355mm front brake discs. Whilst reducing unsprung mass by 1.8kg per wheel, these discs deliver greater heat dissipation during intensive use, making them more resilient for track outings and vastly reducing the possibility of brake fade. A distinctive feature of the Cup chassis, the Brembo® callipers are painted red. Instantly recognisable thanks to its exclusive 19-inch ‘Jerez’ alloy wheels, New Renault Mégane RS Trophy comes fitted with 245/35 Bridgestone Potenza S001 tyres, which are renowned for offering a high level of grip.
Available in 2019, the lighter 19-inch ‘Fuji’ Light alloy wheels – reducing weight by 2kg per wheel – are fitted with Bridgestone Potenza S007 tyres. These tyres, a specific version of which has been developed for Renault Sport, provide New Mégane RS Trophy with even more direct steering, increased cornering grip and greater durability for sports driving. New Renault Mégane RS Trophy also comes with all the new features introduced on Mégane RS, starting with the 4CONTROL technology. This four-wheel steering system delivers outstanding agility through tight turns and impressive cornering stability at higher speeds.
New Renault Mégane RS Trophy may be fitted with optional new Recaro seats, redesigned from those fitted on Mégane III RS. The structure of the original seat base has been revised to offer drivers an even sportier feel, whilst maintaining a high level of safety. Combined with the increase in travel on the height setting, this design offers drivers a seating position that is up to 20mm lower and therefore an even more thrilling, sports driving experience. Meanwhile, the hard shell backrest and integrated headrest have been enhanced to adapt the driving position more precisely, particularly thanks to dial-controlled continuous adjustment of the recline angle. The Recaro seats are covered with Alcantara® upholstery. Highly resistant to wear and tear, largely unaffected by temperature variations and offering a high level of support whilst being twice as light as leather, this product possesses unique properties that are perfectly-suited to the needs of performance car enthusiasts.
The first Mégane RS Trophy appeared in 2005, just nine months after the first Mégane II RS went on sale. The modifications were focused on the chassis, called Sport2. Lighter wheels, stiffer springs, specific shock absorber stops and ESP that could be inhibited all helped to improve performances. After the production version went on sale in 2009, a 265 Trophy version of Mégane III RS was introduced in 2011. Based on the Cup chassis, it was fitted with an upgraded engine, with the power output upped from 250 to 265hp. Its performances made it the quickest front-wheel drive production model on the market, as proven by the lap record of 8:07.97 set by Laurent Hurgon on the Nordschleife at the Nürburgring. It was also a commercial success, with sales ending up twice the level that had been forecast. The final iteration based on Mégane III went even further in the quest for performance. As its name suggests, the 275 Trophy boasted an upgraded engine, with additional power. This Trophy also featured an Akrapovi titanium exhaust system, reduced weight and Öhlins shock absorbers as an option.
