New Megane Renaultsport 250 is the latest addition to Renault's sporting line-up
New Mégane Renaultsport 250 is the latest addition to Renault's sporting line-up, with stand-out performance and styling that live up to the newcomer's pedigree.
In response to customer demand, New Mégane Renaultsport 250 is available from launch with a choice of two chassis:
* the standard Sport chassis, for everyday driving thrills
* the Cup chassis, for even more exhilarating track-focused performance
New Mégane Renaultsport 250 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine. Peak power is 250hp, while maximum torque is 340Nm which is available across a particularly broad rev-band to deliver a standard of performance that can be enjoyed equally on the road and on track.
Renaultsport’s latest offspring boasts a raft of specific equipment designed to heighten driving enjoyment, including Renaultsport Dynamic Management (which permits three ESP modes) and Renaultsport Monitor (onboard telemetry).
Manufactured at Renault's Palencia plant in Spain, New Mégane Renaultsport 250 is built on the same production lines as those of the Hatchback, Coupé and Sport Tourer versions of New Mégane.
New Mégane Renaultsport 250 is the latest in a series of emblematic models that have helped forge Renaultsport's reputation, from the Dauphine Gordini to Mégane R26.R. Racy exterior and interior styling of New Mégane Renaultsport 250 takes inspiration from the world of motor sport.
Two technologies developed for even greater driving enjoyment: Renaultsport Dynamic Management (three ESP modes) and Renaultsport Monitor (onboard telemetry). A choice of two chassis: the standard Sport chassis and the Cup chassis that features a limited slip differential.
Renault has been a major player on the international motor sport scene for many years. The R8 Gordini, the 5 GT Turbo, Clio Williams and, more recently, Clio Renaultsport, Mégane F1 Team R26 and Mégane R26.R have all stood out as emblematic ambassadors for the brand on race tracks and rally stages around the world. The current range of production Renaultsport models benefits extensively from Renault Sport Technologies' long experience of competition and from the Renault group's manufacturing expertise.
With more than 21,000 units sold in some 30 countries since its 2004 launch, Mégane Renaultsport has been a resounding success. In addition to topping its class in France, Mégane Renaultsport is one of the most competitive hot hatches around thanks to refinements that have been introduced over the years, including the availability of the even more efficient Cup chassis, as well as the release of the radically-lightened R26.R version. Both Mégane F1 Team R26 and Mégane R26.R are acclaimed for their high-performance engines and chassis efficiency. Meanwhile, Mégane R26.R – which holds the lap record for its class around Germany's 21km Nürburgring Nordschliefe circuit – was named 'Real World Car of the Year 2008' by the British magazine Evo and stands out as the benchmark hot hatch of its class.
New Mégane Renaultsport 250 features the same styling cues as New Mégane Coupé, but it also exudes a more overtly sporty feel due to several elements that take their inspiration from Formula 1. The dynamic, sweeping lines of the Coupé version combine with a number of details which recall the world of motor sport to give it an even more assertive character, pointing to the promise of exhilarating on-road performance:
* the wheelarches are extended to accommodate the impressive 18- or 19-inch wheels,
* the front bumper incorporates a wide air intake and a Formula 1-type aerodynamic blade,
* the central exhaust tailpipe, diffuser and additional rear lip spoiler reaffirm the car's sporting credentials and contribute to the car’s aerodynamic performance,
* the front bumper-mounted LED daytime running lights highlight the car's piercing gaze.
New Mégane Renaultsport’s stance is uncompromisingly sporty – an impression reinforced by its striking launch colour, Sport Yellow – while at the same time exuding robustness and stability.
Special attention has been paid to quality, too, as illustrated by the design and finish of the optional 19-inch Speedline wheels which suggest a blend of refinement, advanced technology and speed. The exterior mirror housings, the aerodynamic blade incorporated in the front bumper and the rear diffuser are all picked out in gloss black, further identifiers of New Mégane Renaultsport 250.
New Mégane Renaultsport 250 benefits from a raft of technological equipment, including:
* automatic dual-zone climate control with three modes (Soft/Auto/Fast),
* hands-free card with automatic door locking as the card-holder walks away from the vehicle,
* the 3D Sound by Arkamys audio system, with standard RCA connection or optional TunePoint connectivity (USB, jack).
* a choice of two navigation systems: Carminat Bluetooth DVD® or Carminat TomTom®.
The analogue instruments, and yellow rev counter, of New Mégane Renaultsport 250 are specific to this model and are another feature which provides a visible tie-in with the world of motor sport. In addition to the warning light which recommends the ideal moment to change gear, an audible warning also tells the driver when the rev-limiter is about to cut in.
A new feature on New Mégane Renaultsport 250 is the Renaultsport Dynamic Management system which allows the driver to choose the degree of electronic aid he or she wants in different situations:
* 'On': the default mode when the engine first started. The ESP, ASR traction control and emergency brake assist are all activated. The system intervenes as soon as it senses that the car is on the verge of sliding. The pedal mapping ensures smooth acceleration, making this mode ideally suited to everyday use.
* 'Sport' mode, for less intrusive ESP action. This mode is selected by a short press on the ESP button. Although the ESP and ASR are still active, they intervene at a later point and allow the car to slide to a certain extent, so long as the skid doesn't exceed a given threshold. The pedal mapping is modified to permit swifter engine response and provide extra torque at low revs.
* 'Off' mode, for unfettered enjoyment, notably round a circuit. This mode is activated by a longer push on the ESP button. The electronic stability programme is fully disconnected, while the pedal mapping ensures instant response from the engine and delivers all available torque and over-torque at low revs.
When the latter two modes are selected, 'ESP Sport' or 'ESP Off' are visible on the dashboard display.
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Related categories: Renault Sports car
