Renault has successfully set a new front-wheel drive record at the Nürburgring Nordschleife with its new Megane RS 275 Trophy-R. The French hot-hatch lapped the Green Hell in 7 minutes 54.36 seconds, 4 seconds quicker than the Seat Leon Cupra 280, which previously held the record.
Renault Sport’s engineers have worked extensively on the Megane RS’s powerplant to extract an extra 10 horsepower. The two-litre petrol engine consequently boasts 275hp, and peak power is reached at 5,500rpm. At the same time, maximum torque 360Nm is available across a broad rev-band, from 3,000 to 5,000rpm.
Some very strict weight-saving measures, including taking off the rear seats, air conditioning unit and radio, means the Megane RS 275 Trophy-R is 100 kilograms lighter than the standard Megane RS.
Check out a short version of the Megane’s ring lap in the video below.