(continued from above)
Before the order books open on June 20, 2011, the newcomer will be marketed
in France, the United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium, Portugal, Spain, Italy,
Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia. Prices in France will start from 35,500 EUR.
With maximum power of 265 hp, peak torque of 265 lb-ft (360 Nm) available
across a particularly broad rev-band (3,000 to 5,000 rpm), a power-to-weight
ratio of 5.09 kg/hp and specific power of 132.5 hp/liter, the 2012 Renault
Megane RS Trophy boasts an exceptional performance package. Even so, Renault
Sport's engineers have worked hard on the specification of the Megane RS's
2.0-liter turbocharged engine to take driving enjoyment and response to even
higher levels. Maximum turbo pressure has been uprated to 2.5 bar (up 0.2 bar),
while the air intake design has been revised to take the higher pressure and
higher running temperatures into account.
Performance has been enhanced
in the process, and the result is a 0-to-60 mph time of just 5.8 s (down 0.1s),
a top speed of 157 mph and the 1,000 m standing start in 25.4 s (down 0.3s).
Beyond these statistics, however, the experience of driving the 2012 Megane RS
Trophy is a constant source of enjoyment and satisfying sensations. In addition
to the finely-tuned set-up of the Cup chassis and the standard limited slip
differential, a new tire fitment contributes to the car's exceptional
road-holding on dry roads, especially through tighter turns, as well as in the
wet. The design of the Formula 1-inspired Bridgestone Potenza RE050A's
asymmetric, directional tread pattern and the form of its tread blocks provide
outstanding grip, stability and acoustic comfort, whatever the conditions. Last
but not least, 2012 Renault Megane RS Trophy's fuel-efficiency has been
carefully optimized to return combined-cycle fuel consumption of just 8.2
liters/100 km, equivalent to 190 g of CO2/km, which represents a saving of 0.2
liters/100km and 5 g/km over Megane RS at the time of the latter's launch.
Assertive, Yet Seductive RS Styling Cues
2012 Renault Megane
RS Trophy is recognizable at a glance thanks to its black roof, specific decals,
new rear lip spoiler, 19-inch Gloss Black STEEV wheels with red piping and RS
valve caps (optional or standard, depending on market) and numbered plaque. The
LED daytime running lights also play a part in its striking looks. Megane RS
Trophy marks the introduction of a new Sirius Yellow finish, an emblematic
metallic paint that will be particularly appreciated by Renault Sport fans. This
specific body color is available as an alternative to Glacier White, Etoile
Black and Cassiopee Grey.
Inside, the Recaro bucket seats (fabric or
leather, depending on market) add to the cabin's unmistakably sporty feel, as
does the central display which shows the data provided by the RS Monitor. This
innovative onboard data-logging system records performance and displays a range
of mechanical parameters in real-time, a feature which owners will especially
appreciate during track days, an exercise to which the Megane RS Trophy lends
itself particularly well. Indeed, the car will be on show at the Renault Sport
Day which forms part of the Renault Sport Enthusiasts Day program at the
Nürburgring, Germany, on June 17, 2011.
