Renault revealed its all-new Megane RS at the Frankfurt motor show this morning (September 12). The hot-hatch has been given a new turbocharged 1.8 liter four-cylinder unit.
With the new powertrain, the OEM’s newest addition to its line-up will generate 283ps at 6,000 rpm, and 390Nm of torque.
But the Megane RS isn’t focused on straight line speed; with a focus on being nimble, the car is fitted with 4CONTROL chassis and features four-wheel steering, in addition to front and rear hydraulic compression stops.
Thanks to engineers at Renault Sport Cars and Renault Sport Formula 1, there is a redesigned combined input cylinder head; a higher capacity dual intake air filter, meaning greater permeability; and a twin scroll turbo improves flexibility and response at low revs.
To translate this added muscle, the French auto maker has developed a choice of two transmissions. A six-speed manual and six-speed EDC automatic transmission, both with improved ratios and gearshift calibration, are said to give the Megane RS performance and efficient fuel consumption.
The EDC transmission is packed with technology. Paddle-shifters, launch control and multi-change down technology ensure the vehicle can downshift several gears under breaking. This added efficiency means that the engine will produce 155g/km of CO2, while the NEDC fuel consumption stands at 6.9 liters per 100km.
Despite all the work under the hood, Renault has also found time to consider the redesign’s style. As the OEM looks to motorsport for inspiration, the newest Megane features a wide air intake to feed the engine and intercoolers. And from the back, there is a centrally positioned exhaust as well as a working diffuser.
Patrice Ratti, general manager of Renault Sport Cars, spoke to the media at Frankfurt and is optimistic about the hot-hatch: “Performance is the chief reason our customers cite for purchasing the Megane RS and the all-new Megane RS takes the styling and technologies even further to deliver truly exceptional driving enjoyment. Our intention is to see the all-new Megane RS, with its chassis and 4CONTROL, remain the C-segment hot-hatch benchmark.”
With a nod to Renault’s racing past and present, the OEM’s newest hot-hatch will hit the roads in 2018.
