This modified Megane, spied testing at the Nordschleife, is the best proof yet that Renaultsport is ramping up its hottest hatch in preparation for the next-gen Focus RS’s arrival. The Megane 250 has been one of the current Focus’s toughest rivals, even though it gives away around 40 kW to the RS.

Renaultsport is likely to attempt to narrow that gap with the revised model. Sources say the firm’s 2,0-litre engine could produce considerably more power – possibly as much as 220 kW (330 BHP) – enough to rival the Focus and the next-gen Astra OPC, which is likely to have a similar figure.

The Mégane’s chassis is likely to receive only minor tweaks for the hotter model. Its mechanical limited-slip differential is said to have the capacity to cope with greater power, even at its most aggressive setting.

The car’s styling is also likely to be tweaked only mildly. But the revised front bumper on this test mule does hint at the extra cooling for the brakes and engine that will need to be factored into the design.

As with the current 250, the new car will be built on the main Mégane production line in Palencia, Spain. Like Ford, Renault switched production of its rapid production cars from a specialised plant — in its case, the former Alpine factory in Dieppe — to the regular line, in a bid to improve profitability.

A race-inspired, lightweight version of the car is possible, using plastic windows and selected carbon fibre panels, but as with the R26.R variant of the previous generation Mégane, it’s likely that Renault would choose to roll out such a model at the end of the car’s lifecycle — and in very limited numbers, given the R26.R’s hardcore appeal.

Adapted from AutoCar

Renault South Africa has confirmed that the new Mégane Renaultsport (RS) will arrive on our shores towards the middle of 2010. An official date, or price, has not yet been confirmed but expect to see a price tag around R320 000 – on par with the likes of VW’s new GTI and Scirocco.

To refresh your memory, power comes from a 2,0-litre turbo-charged engine that produces 184 kW at 5 500 rpm and 340 N.m of peak torque at 3 000 rpm. A 6-speed manual gearbox provides the link to the front wheels and if you opt for the Cup chassis you’ll have a limited slip differential at your disposal, which helps the new Mégane RS to reach 100 km/h from a standing start in 6.1 seconds.

Yes, Renault SA has confirmed that both versions of the new Mégane RS will be available. The Sport chassis, for everyday driving pleasure and the Cup chassis, for even more exhilarating track-focused performance.

Changes on the Cup chassis over that of the Sport are: anti-roll stiffness that has been increased by 13 per cent thanks to a bigger-diameter anti-roll bar (24.2 mm). Anti-roll stiffness at the rear has been increased by 7 per cent compared with the Sport chassis and overall the stiffness of the Cup chassis marks an improvement of 15 per cent over the Sport chassis. Equipped with a limited slip differential (LSD), the Mégane RS Cup chassis is less prone to the effects of torque steer, benefits from improved turn-in performance, and provides better traction for driving out of corners sooner and harder. The Mégane RS Cup is also fitted with stickier Michelin Pilot Sport 2 18-inch tyres in size 235/40.

The Mégane Renaultsport features a styling package that sets it apart from the rest of the new Mégane range including features such as a rear diffuser, LED daytime running lights, flared wheel arches and centrally mounted rear trapezoid exhaust.

We really liked the new Mégane Coupe when we drove it earlier this year, but the one thing we found lacking was power from the 1,6-litre petrol. Transforming the new coupe into a 184 kW focussed (no pun intended) hot-hatch gets our pulses racing and we look forward to bringing you details of the driving experience when the car arrives next year. In the meantime take a look at the gallery below to gather your own impressions of the latest generation Renault Mégane RS.

Erectile Dysfunction

Renault has officially launched its new Mégane Renaultsport 250 which will continue the legacy of blistering front-drive performance hatches from the French carmaker.

The new model is powered by an extensively revised 2,0-litre turbocharged engine which boasts peak power of 184 kW and 340 N.m from 3 000 rpm coupled to a six-speed manual gearbox. Thanks to its twin-scroll turbo, the Renaultsport 2,0-litre turbocharged engine is exceptionally responsive and particularly flexible at low revs, with 80 per cent of maximum torque available from 1 900 rpm.

The Mégane Renaultsport 250 will be available with the choice of two chassis settings when it makes its sales debut: a sport chassis for everyday driving enjoyment and a Cup chassis for more exhilarating performance, especially on track.

Adapting the styling cues of the new Mégane Coupe, its front bumper incorporates a blade echoing the low-slung noses of a Formula 1 car, along with extended wheel arches, side sill, rear diffuser, extended tailgate spoiler and centrally-positioned exhaust tailpipe.

Inside, the new Mégane Renaultsport 250 is easier to live with thanks to features such as height adjustable front seats with additional lateral support or optional Recaros, height and reach adjustable sports steering wheel, aluminium pedal covers and a new fascia design.

Together with the raft of standard equipment available on the standard Mégane, the Renaultsport 250 boasts two specific features aimed at heightening the driver’s enjoyment delivered by the vehicle’s performance.

A Renaultsport Dynamic Management system allows the ESC to be enabled in one of three modes: ‘On’ (the default mode), ‘Sport’ (for less intrusive ESC action) and ‘Off’ (total disengagement). A Renaultsport Monitor, taking its inspiration from motor sport, provides information about real-time engine performance, gearchange warning, throttle pedal mapping, lateral acceleration, 0 – 100 km/h acceleration and lap times.

Adapted from CarAdvice