Those engineers at Renaultsport, the subsidiary of Renault where all
the motorsport and performance road cars are developed, have been busy
producing another update of the turbo-charged Mégane – which is perfect
for us here in the UK as we buy more Renaultsport cars than anyone else
in the world – even the French! The result is Mégane Renaultsport 230
F1 Team R26, the most potent and driver-focused Mégane yet.
Aimed at track-day enthusiasts and derived from Mégane Renaultsport 225
Cup, the latest version features a limited slip differential to keep
the engine power channelled to the road even in slippery conditions
where previously power may have spun away or been killed by the
traction control, whether driven on open roads or round a circuit. Its
two-litre turbo engine, uprated by a further 5hp to 230hp, plus a
development of the revised "Cup" chassis and Brembo brakes make it one
of the quickest hot hatches on the market while its distinctive lines
reinforce its positioning as a true performance car.
Building on the sell-out success enjoyed by the special edition Mégane
Renaultsport 225 Renault F1 Team since its launch in January 2006,
Renault continues in the same spirit with its replacement - the Mégane
Renaultsport 230 F1 Team R26. The name of which refers of course to the
current R26 F1 car that has put Renault at the top of the Formula 1
World Championship standings. Developed by Renault Sport Technologies,
Mégane F1 Team R26 is the hottest version of the Mégane Renaultsport
range.
Sporting style – inside and out
Mégane F1 Team R26 is distinguishable from other Mégane Renaultsport
models with its unique Renault F1 Team decals on the bumpers, doors and
roof (optional but free of charge) and its red-painted brake callipers.
It is equipped as standard with "Anthracite" 18-inch alloy wheels which
reflect the colour of the exterior mirrors. Mégane F1 Team R26 can be
ordered with optional Liquid Yellow i.d. metallic paint, previously
seen on Clio Renaultsport V6 255.
Inside, an F1-style numbered plaque reinforces Mégane F1 Team R26's
exclusivity. Recaro bucket seats are standard, guaranteeing an optimal
driving position and enabling the driver and front passenger to feel
more at one with the car, edging Mégane F1 Team R26 even closer to the
world of motor sport.
As well as being the most comprehensively specified Mégane road car
from a technical perspective, it comes with a matching level of
equipment, including 60W RDS-radio CD-MP3 with six speakers, automatic
double optic headlamps with “See me home” function and headlamp
washers, climate control, cruise control with speed limiter,
de-connectable ESP and electric windows with driver’s one touch
controls.
