This is really interesting news! Renault has launched the all-new Megane R.S at the 2017 Frankfurt International Motor Show. This comes after quite a while after the launch of the regular Megane models and variants and the R.S is eagerly awaited by many enthusiasts around the world. Especially those who like hot hatches as this is one of the hottest around.
The Renault Megane R.S now comes with a new turbocharged direct injection 4 cylinder 1.8liter engine which makes 280hp and 390Nm torque. This time, the R.S can be had with something that isn't a 6 speed manual. You can either have the trad stick shift or a six-speed EDC dual clutch transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle-shift gear changes. Something like the one we see on the Clio R.S. It's going to be good especially for markets like Malaysia where a self shifting gearbox is wanted most of the time.
The R.S is still a front wheel drive hot hatch, but Renault has stated that it will have outstanding agility, improved driving dynamics on road and on track and it comes with 4CONTROL - Renault's latest 4 wheel steering system which should make cornering more precise and sharp. There will be Sport and Cup versions of the R.S with the Cup tuned for more serious drivers.
So as its a hot hatch, there are new (louder) colours, wider wheel tracks (the car is wider than the usual bread & butter Megane models), more aggressive bumpers, it sports wings according to Renault, R.S Vision lighting (which Renault claim will bring headlights to a class leading level and more) and that required hot hatch sporty stance too.
But do note one thing. It now comes in a 5 door form instead of the 3 door format. I suppose this is now becoming a trend where practicality has triumphed over outright styling. Sad, but true.
I truly hope to be able to try it out when it reaches our shores. I like the R.S models, both the Clio and also the Megane. They bring a certain air of uniqueness to the playing field, one which is usually filled with German or Japanese ones.
One more really juicy bit of news is the fact that Renault Sport will be introducing a 300-horsepower ‘Trophy’ version of the New MÉGANE R.S. at the end of 2018. 280hp isn't enough for some but I am also curious what would the other 'Trophy' tweaks be.
Media Release
Renault unveils the All-New Renault MÉGANE
R.S. at 2017 Frankfurt International Motor Show
Renault extends Mégane lineup with renewed iconic sports version
Packed with 4CONTROL, new engine, a choice of transmission and
chassis
Outstanding agility, improved dynamics driver appeal for both road and
track
New colour, wider tracks, bumper and wings, R.S. Vision lighting, sporty
stance
Technology brought from motorsport – for people who love to drive
Frankfurt, 12 September 2017 – Renault today unveiled the All-New MÉGANE R.S., the
third-generation of the iconic car now made even more powerful by a new turbocharged
engine with direct fuel injection. The four-cylinder 1.8-litre (1,798cc) unit combines
maximum power of 280hp (205kW) at 6,000rpm with peak torque of 390Nm, a figure that
puts it amongst the very best in its class. The New MÉGANE R.S. is equipped with
4CONTROL, with four-wheel steering, a global first for the segment, now affording the
car’s Sport and Cup versions outstanding agility through tight turns and impressive
cornering stability at higher speeds.
“Performance is the chief reason our customers cite for purchasing the MÉGANE R.S. and
the All-New MÉGANE R.S. takes the styling and technologies even further to deliver truly
exceptional driving enjoyment. Our intention is to see the All-New MÉGANE R.S., with its
chassis and 4CONTROL, remain THE C-segment hot hatch benchmark,” says Patrice
Ratti, General Manager of Renault Sport Cars.
A car that benefits from Renault’s expertise in and passion for motorsport
The All-New MÉGANE R.S. is differentiated by four hydraulic compression bump stops,
inspired by rally driving. This configuration provides the Cup version of the car with optimal
handling efficiency on all types of road, plus a level of comfort that is unprecedented in the
car’s class for the Sport version. Combined with entirely redesigned independent steering
axis front suspension for even sharper precision, the Cup version’s new Torsen limited slip
differential improves traction and cornering speeds. For the first time, the All-New
MÉGANE R.S. can be specified with a choice of two types of transmission, namely a six-
speed manual gearbox or six-speed EDC dual clutch transmission with steering wheel-
mounted paddle-shift gear changes.
Customers are also treated to R.S. Monitor onboard telemetry technology which, in
additional to being more user-friendly than ever, has been upgraded to incorporate an
‘Expert’ mode that allows users to connect a camera, film their drive, play back and
analyse their data, and share their images on social media.
Design geared for performance
For even greater road-hugging performance and high-quality dynamics, the New MÉGANE
R.S. is wider, features wider tracks and sits on new 18- or 19-inch wheels. A wide air
intake feeds airflow to the heat-exchangers for efficient engine cooling and the rear lip
spoiler has been redesigned to generate additional downforce.
The styling of the All-New MÉGANE R.S. incorporates numerous cues from the world of
motorsport, including a rear diffusor, an F1-style front blade and a 3D honeycomb-pattern
grill mesh that has been revisited by Renault Sport. Meanwhile, the sculpted, sensuous
flanks that are a hallmark of the Renault Mégane are accentuated by the R.S. version’s
wider wings and tracks. Renault Sport’s exclusive, patented R.S. Vision lighting technology
recalls the world of motorsport and delivers a degree of visibility that is unprecedented in
the car’s segment.
The All-New MEGANE R.S. is the first production car to feature the new Renault Sport
badging which is common to both Renault Sport Racing and Renault Sport Cars, while a
new dynamic body colour – Tonic Orange – has been added to the catalogue. Careful
attention has been paid to the interior which comes with sports front seats complete with
integrated head rests, a charcoal grey trim, red top-stitching, fabric or Alcantara®
upholstery, R.S. badging, etc.
A sporty Mégane
In keeping with the rest of the Mégane range, the All-New MÉGANE R.S. is equipped with
Renault’s MULTI-SENSE system which provides drivers with a choice between five driving
modes: Comfort, Normal, Sport, Race and Perso. It also comes with a suite of driver aids
(ADAS) that can be activated or switched off using the R-LINK 2 tablet.
Renault Sport will be introducing a 300-horsepower ‘Trophy’ version of the New MÉGANE
R.S. at the end of 2018.
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