Renault Unleashes Super Hot Mégane RS Trophy with 265-Horses

With the Italians still trying to find their way and the Japanese being limited for now to the Mazda3 MPS, it’s up to the French to question the German leadership in the upper range of the hot hatchback segment. Now, Renault is raising the stakes with the presentation of a hotter version of its RenaultSport Mégane boasting more power under its hood.

The Mégane RS Trophy is a special edition version of the standard model with a limited production run of 500 cars. Renault is quick to note that the Trophy is not a successor to the hardcore R26R, which leaves the door open to a more extreme variant in the near future.

The most significant change brought by the Trophy is the modified 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine sporting a higher maximum turbo pressure (from 2.3 bar to 2.5 bar) and a new air intake system. As a result, output is boosted by 15HP and peak torque by 20Nm over the standard car for a total of 265-horses and 360Nm (265 lb-ft).

Renault says the RS Trophy completes the 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint 0.1 seconds faster than the standard car at 6.0 seconds, and reaches the 1,000 meter mark (0.62 miles) from standstill in 25.4 seconds (down 0.3 seconds) while also boasting a 4km/h higher top speed at 254km/h.

On a less interesting note for buyers of the Mégane RS Trophy, fuel economy on the combined European cycle is estimated at 8.2lt/100km (28.7 mpg US or 34.5 mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of to 190g/km, which oddly enough, represents a saving of 0.2 lt/100km and 5g/km respectively over the standard 250HP Mégane RS.

There are no changes to the chassis but the Trophy does come with a new set of Formula 1-inspired Bridgestone Potenza RE050A high-performance tires for improved grip.

Cosmetically, the high-end Mégane RS stands out thanks to its black roof, specific decals, a new rear lip spoiler, 19-inch Gloss Black STEEV alloy wheels with red accents and the LED daytime running lights. There’s also a new Sirius Yellow finish that joins the Glacier White, Etoilé Black and Cassiopée Grey hues.

Inside, the Trophy is fitted with Recaro bucket seats available in fabric or leather, while it also gets an R.S. Monitor providing onboard data-logging system records for a range of mechanical parameters in real-time.

Renault said order books open on June 20, 2011, with the newcomer being available in France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia. Prices in France will start from €35,500 (~US$51,900).

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Le Chic...Renault “XV de France” Clio and Megane Editions

For the third year in a row, Renault will have “XV de France” editions of the Clio and Megane models in its lineup, marking the automaker’s involvement in rugby as a sponsor of the French national team. The difference is that this year, the “limited editions” have become full-fledged “versions”, fully integrated into the brand’s catalogue and available for purchase all year-round. The Megane is available in estate, hatch and coupe body styles, while the Clio can be ordered as a 3-door, 5-door and estate.

“The 2011 ‘XV de France’ versions are very different from the limited editions of previous years”, explains Megane product manager Raphaelle Jarry. “As well as being true to the rugby spirit, they introduce a new angle”.

Based on the Dynamique (Megane) and Dynamique TomTom (Clio) trim levels, the “XV de France” versions boast a unique Marron Glace paintjob (except the Clio estate), accompanied by special upholstery in the interior. Distinctive alloys are also on the menu, while the French Rugby Federation emblems applied to the front wings and inside the cabin represent the finishing touch.

The “XV de France” Clio’s standard equipment list includes navigation, 80W CD/MP3/Bluetooth sound system with speech recognition and streaming capabilities, automatic air conditioning, cruise control and 16-inch wheels.

The “XV de France” Megane comes with satnav, plus front and rear parking sensors, electrically adjustable fold-back mirrors and bigger, 17-inch alloys.

Engine choices include two diesel (95/105HP) and two gasoline (100/110HP) units for the Clio and one gasoline (130HP) powerplant and four diesels (110/130/150HP) for the Megane.

A total of 15,500 “XV de France” vehicles will be built, including 5,500 Meganes and 10,000 Clios.

By Csaba Daradics

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Geneva Preshow: Renault's New Monaco GP Limited Editions

Apparently, last year's limited run Laguna Coupe Monaco GP special edition was a success as Renault has just announced three new models featuring the same styling recipe, including the Megane Coupe, Megane Coupe R.S. and the 2011MY Laguna Coupe. The new Monaco GP special editions will go on sale in Europe right after their world premiere at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in March.

All three models share common styling treats such as a bespoke pearlescent white paint developed accentuated by Etoilé black body components including the side mirrors, rear diffuser and fog-lamp surrounds, black headlight masks and “Monaco GP” badge work on the sides. Inside, the Monaco GP treatment adds pearlescent white cabin details (console, strip, door handles), “Monaco GP” stitching on the seats, a numbered plate and “Monaco GP” protective mats.

The Megane Coupe Monaco GP model, which is available with a choice of five engines, including 110HP, 130HP and 160HP diesels, and 130HP and 180HP petrol units, also gets 17-inch gloss black rims, GT front and rear bumpers, fabric upholstery with special stitching, rear park assist and power-folding mirrors.

The 250HP Megane Coupe R.S. Monaco GP benefits from 18-inch Keza gloss black rims, leather upholstery with special stitching, plus gray overstitching on the steering wheel and gearstick handle.

Finally, the Laguna Coupe Monaco GP returns for 2011 and will be available with five engines, depending on the country (2.0 dCi with 150HP, 180HP and 175HP + Auto Box, and 2.0 Turbo with 205HP and 170HP +Auto Box). Aside from the exclusive pearlescent white body paint, buyers of the special edition will also be able to opt for a pearlescent black.

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