If the ‘standard’ Mégane F1 Team R26 is not enough Renault have upped-the-ante and introduced the Mégane R26.R, a hot-hatch built for the track-day junkie. Restricted to only 450 units the Mégane R26.R uses the same engine, gearbox and limited slip differential as the R26, but has been lightened by 123kg and features specific suspension calibration. The result is a new lap record for its category around the legendary Nürburgring in Germany with a time of 8m 17s.
To achieve this Renault binned the rear seats and belts, all airbags (excepting the drivers), the rear wiper-washer, foglamps, headlamp washers and most of the soundproofing. A carbon fibre bonnet and polycarbonate rear window and quarterlights, in conjunction with carbon fibre seat shells and an optional titanium exhaust system, round off the weight saving measures.
Renault have not left the interior untouched and got down to business. Leather and suede have been used to cover the steering wheel and gearshift bellows. Sabelt bucket seats and six-point harnesses are the dominating features.
The Mégane R26.R goes on sale in the last quater of this year with limited availability in Great Britain, France, Switzerland, Spain and Germany. As yet there’s no news on whether we can expect to see the R26.R burning rubber our streets, but we live in hope!
See the R26.R at the Nürburgring.
