New Renault Mégane R.S. Trophy: 300 CV for the most radical Mégane

Engine tuned to 300 CV, Cup chassis, four-wheel steering, Torsen differential, high-performance brakes… the sporty compact you’ve been dreaming of exists: it’s the new Renault Mégane R.S. Trophy.

Not long ago we wondered whether the new Renault Mégane R.S. was the definitive sporty compact. Now we have the answer: NO. The true Mégane R.S. for the most dedicated enthusiasts, lovers of driving in its purest form, is the new Renault Mégane R.S. Trophy. And Renault continues the Trophy line, the even more racing-oriented versions the Renault Mégane R.S. has always offered since its first generation, launched in 2005.

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Engine tuned up to 300 CV

Let’s start with what the new Mégane R.S. Trophy offers under the bonnet. The engine is, logically, the Mégane R.S.’s new 1.8-litre 4-cylinder direct-injection unit, also used in the Alpine A110. Here, power increases by 20 CV over the Mégane R.S., reaching a round figure: 300 CV.

The engine improvements focus on two areas. First, the turbocharger’s turbine is mounted on ceramic ball bearings, reducing friction and improving response. This also contributes to reliability, considering the turbine is capable of reaching almost 200,000 rpm.

Second, the Mégane R.S. Trophy receives a new exhaust line that incorporates, for the first time, a mechanical valve that changes the gas flow path to modify the sound. Equipped with a particulate filter, it already meets the Euro6d-Temp standard that comes into force on 1 September.

With a kerb weight of 1,419 kg, and the engine improvements, the Trophy’s performance rises a level: 260 km/h top speed, 5.7 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h, and 24.8 seconds for the 1,000 metres from a standing start. Combined consumption (still according to the NEDC cycle) stands at 8.1 l/100 km. And the more “purist” drivers will be pleased: Renault keeps the dual gearbox offer, a 6-speed manual, or the EDC dual-clutch with paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The latter is paired with a specific engine map that raises torque to 420 Nm, 20 Nm more than the manual-gearbox variant.

The chassis of the Renault Mégane R.S. Trophy

The best of Renault Sport comes together in this version of the Mégane. First, the Cup chassis, which comes as standard on the R.S. Trophy. It includes a limited-slip Torsen differential, dampers 25 percent firmer, springs 30 percent stiffer and anti-roll bars with 10 percent greater torsional resistance.

Add to this the 4CONTROL steering on all four wheels of the Renault, bimaterial front brake discs that save 1.8 kg of unsprung mass per wheel and dissipate heat better, and the specific 19-inch alloy wheels with “sticky” Bridgestone Potenza S001 tyres, and you have everything.

Or almost, because for 2019 there will be further improvements, with ultra-light wheels that save an additional 2 kg per wheel, and Bridgestone Potenza S007 tyres developed specifically for Renault Sport.

Although any body colour available for the Mégane R.S. can be chosen, the most “authentic” Trophy is yellow. Besides some distinctive decorative details, the new optional Recaro seats, upholstered in Alcantara and designed to lower the driving position by 20 mm, are worth highlighting.

Renault Mégane R.S. image gallery

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackRenault Megane3 versions · from 39,650 €