2020 Renault Megane RS Trophy-R

Over the last 15 years, the Megane-based Renault Sport versions have set the hot hatch standard for ultimate performance and driving thrills. In that time the most radical versions of the Megane RS have successively beaten the front-wheel drive production car lap record for the hugely challenging Nürburgring, a circuit that's recognised around the world as the ultimate proving ground for a car's performance.

WEIGHT-SAVING

The New Renault Megane RS Trophy-R benefits from a truly remarkable weight reduction of 130kg, when configured with its lightest equipment and compared to the standard Trophy version without options. As a result it tips the scales at just 1,306 kg, representing a power to weight ratio of 230 PS/per ton compared to 209 PS/per ton for the Trophy, despite both sharing the same impressive 300 PS turbocharged 1.8-litre engine. As a result, the 0-62mph sprint now takes just 5.4 seconds - a full three-tenths faster than the Trophy.

SUSPENSION

With the same engine power as the standard Trophy, the New Megane RS Trophy-R has been developed to deliver its increased performance through the corners. Not only has the axle geometry been revised to increase speed through the bends and traction on the exit, there are also many options for fine-tuning adjustments by the driver, essentially making the new New Renault Megane RS Trophy-R a true racing car for the road. In their pursuit of maximum suspension performance on road and track Renault Sport's engineers.

AERODYNAMICS

As with the rest of the car, the aerodynamic performance of the New Megane RS Trophy-R was put under the microscope. Any design choices made were done so with the sole aim of optimising performance. As a result, engineers were able to deliver greater front and rear downforce while limiting aerodynamic drag. All changes made were verified both using CFD (computational fluid dynamics) and results gained in the wind tunnel. At the front the New Megane RS Trophy-R benefits from a new bonnet with NACA intake, which combines with a similar vent under the engine to improve the air flow by seven percent and optimise cooling of the engine compartment during extreme hard driving. When at a standstill the new lateral louvres set into the bonnet work in combination with the NACA duct to provide a natural escape for engine heat build-up.

ENGINE AND GEARBOX

Given the high specific power rating already achieved by the the Megane RS Trophy's MR18 engine (with 300 PS it delivers an extremely impressive 167 PS per litre), Renault Sport concluded that it had more than enough performance for the lighter and even more focused New Renault Megane RS Trophy-R. To recap, however, the 1.8-litre direct injection turbo four-cylinder unit develops 300 PS at 6,000 rpm and delivers a muscular of 400 Nm of torque. Its turbocharger makes use of a technology originating directly from Formula 1, the ceramic ball bearing coating both reducing response time and easily coping with the heat and stresses of spinning at up to 200,000rpm.