Mégane R.S. 275 Trophy-R

Patrice Ratti - CEO of Renault Sport Technologies: “At Renault, and Renault Sport in particular, we see new challenges as a driving force for our cars. After the first record broken by Mégane R26.R in 2008, we wanted more, and today we return to Nürburgring regularly to try and improve our performance. This track – no doubt the world’s toughest – has become one of our working tools, used extensively for the fine-tuning of Renault Sport vehicles. Today, we are proud to present Mégane R.S. 275 Trophy-R, which becomes the flag bearer of our sporting range. The stopwatch has delivered its verdict: Mégane R.S. 275 Trophy-R delivers a performance worthy of an exclusive GT sports car.”

MÉGANE R.S. 275 TROPHY-R: RECORD BREAKER

Taking advantage of the technology upgrades gained by Mégane R.S. 275 Trophy, this very special edition pushes the limits of high performance. Almost 100 kg lighter than Mégane R.S. with a Cup chassis and 19” wheels (1,280 kg, compared with 1,381 kg), this hard-core version is even more dynamic and efficient. It features new equipment developed in cooperation with prestigious partners: Akrapovič exhaust system, Öhlins Road&Track adjustable dampers, Allevard composite springs and MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires.

UNCOMPROMISING LOOKS

The looks of Mégane R.S. 275 Trophy-R are as uncompromising as its technical specification. The two-tone version with Pearlescent White bodywork and an Etoilé black roof is expected to be particularly popular.

The colours that set off the F1-style splitter, stripes and side checkered flag graphics add touches of bright red to the bodywork. The black 19’’ Speedline Turini wheels, fitted as standard, are also available in red (option). The rear wiper has been removed in order to save another precious kilo. This is the first visible sign of the systematic efforts devoted to making the car lighter.

On board, the Recaro Pole Position bucket seats illustrate the main purpose of Mégane R.S. 275 Trophy-R. These single-piece polycarbonate seats are painted glossy black and upholstered in leather and alcantara. Designed to bring weight savings of 22 kg, they deliver a high level of side support for both the driver and passenger along with “unfiltered” feedback from the track.
Alcantara is also present on the steering wheel and hand brake gaiter, whereas leather is used for the gear lever knob. Available as accessories, Sabelt six-point safety harnesses complete the equipment recommended for track driving.

THE WAR AGAINST WEIGHT

To meet targets for performance, ride and handling, engineers tracked down every last superfluous kilo. To combine function and pleasure, most of the insulating and absorbing materials (-18 kg) were removed to enable the occupants to take full advantage of the sound made by the Akrapovič exhaust system.

As Mégane R.S. 275 Trophy-R was made for track driving, the rear seat has been removed (-20 kg) to make it a real two-seater. A cross strut bar is provided for the luggage restraint net. Track enthusiasts will appreciate the boot layout, designed to make it easy to carry four spare wheels. To protect the cabin, special wheel covers with the Renault Sport logo are available as accessories.

A further 10 kg has been saved by removing the air conditioning and radio and fitting a simplified central console. However, air conditioning, radio and the Renault R-Link onboard, connected multimedia system are still available as options depending on the country.

EVEN MORE POWER WITH THE RENAULT SPORT 2.0T ENGINE

Renault Mégane R.S. 275 Trophy-R comes with the latest upgrades to the Renault Sport 2.0T engine.

Engineers sought to increase torque at peak power of 5,500 rpm by working on the electronic control parameters. By raising torque to 349 Nm (+10 Nm), they boosted engine power to 275 hp (201 kW). Available between 3,000 and 5,000 rpm, maximum torque of 360 Nm remains unchanged. These results can be obtained by selecting Sport or Race modes in R.S. Drive dynamic management system.

The result of these efforts can be seen in the wider torque curve at higher revs. At the wheel, these developments deliver better acceleration in intermediate gears, for less frequent down shifts. This new engine definition has no impact on fuel consumption or emissions which remain contained at 7.5 l/100 km and 174 g/km of CO2/ .

A SOUND SIGNATURE BY AKRAPOVIČ

Among the partners brought together by Renault Sport Technologies for the development of Mégane R.S. 275 Trophy-R, Akrapovič is making its voice heard! Renowned for its work with motorcycles and supercars, the Slovenian firm designed a special exhaust system in partnership with Renault Sport. The titanium exhaust, running from the intermediate silencer to the tail, cuts vehicle weight by 4 kg. The carbon tailpipe trim is also by Akrapovič.

This assembly gives Mégane R.S. 275 Trophy-R a deeper, more raucous sound signature that is sure to thrill engine aficionados!

A CHASSIS OF INFINITE POTENTIAL

Mégane R.S. 275 Trophy-R is based on the Cup chassis, which features a limited slip differential. Designed to improve traction in sports driving, this system delivers dependable efficiency at all times, regardless of grip conditions, driving style or type of curve. The limited slip differential is combined with an independent steering-axis layout, allowing drivers to reap the full benefits of the extra traction for more reassuring handling.

Unanimously recognized as a model of rigor and precision, the Cup chassis takes advantage of the additional potential created by the latest developments from Renault Sport and its partners:
  Öhlins adjustable Road&Track dampers
  Allevard composite suspension springs at the front
  MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires.

ADJUSTABLE SUSPENSION FOR CONTROLLED EFFICIENCY ON ALL TYPES OF SURFACE

New from Öhlins, the Road&Track dampers were inspired by the world of motorsport. Unlike the conventional models with rods, these carefully crafted gems feature a sliding cartridge. This layout reduces the shear forces that can “block” the moving rod.

The new dampers feature DFV (Dual Flow Valve) technology, a major innovation that functions on both rebound and compression. The speed of operation, at both low and high frequencies, keeps the tyre in contact with the ground in almost all circumstances. In the event of heavy usage, the internal bleed valve maintains consistent damping quality even when the fluid heats up.

As requested by Renault Sport, the Öhlins Road&Track dampers are fitted with a hydraulic compression stop at the front. The PDS (Progressive Damping System) provides additional damping capacity at the end of the compression phase, when the car brakes hard or hits a bump.

Drivers can adjust the dampers using the knob on a rig fitted on the damper. An audible click confirms each change. With 20 positions at the front and 30 at the rear, the car adapts precisely to all types of surface and all driving styles.

Drivers can also vary the body height and attitude of Mégane R.S. 275 Trophy-R by adjusting the compression of the Allevard composite springs. These corrosion proof springs have a longer service life. They also reduce vehicle weight by a further 2 kg. Renault Sport is once more demonstrating its avant-garde approach with this solution, which is new on this type of vehicle.

To support inexperienced drivers, online tutorials and set-up sheets will be available on the www.renaultsport.com website in the near future. The database will be updated regularly with customer feedback.

TYRES ON A PAR WITH THE HIGH-PERFORMANCE CHASSIS

Even the best chassis is useless without the right tyres to connect it to the road. To address the challenge from Renault Sport, Michelin developed a special version of its MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2. Fitted on many supercars, this high-performance tyre is now available for the first time as standard on a front-wheel drive.

Starting from the suspension settings that are most demanding for tyres, Michelin engineers submitted a number of alternatives to Renault Sport test drivers. Following the tests conducted on several tracks (Nürburgring, Michelin technology centers in Ladoux, Charade and Jerez), a new version was jointly approved.

The characteristics of the MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyre are as follows:
  a tread with Bi-Compound technology, featuring a softer compound on the outside for better grip, and a harder compound on the inside for more precise steering;
  a belt made of aramid fiber – five times more resistant than steel – to control centrifugal force and deliver consistent performance at high speeds;
  Track Variable Contact Patch 3.0® technology, optimizing pressure in the tyre’s contact patch to maximize the area in contact with the track;
  a new wider bead to increase lateral stiffness.

The MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 has all the qualities necessary to take full advantage of the potential of Mégane R.S. 275 Trophy-R: precise steering, stability, grip and sporting performance. To which two further qualities could be added: endurance, for lapping and also with respect to the service life of the casing, and versatility, for safe driving in all weather conditions.

The tyres are mounted on 19” Speedline Turini wheels. This new wheel design, based directly on the world of motorsport, reduces the unsprung weight of the vehicle by 5 kg.

BREAKING NEW GROUND IN PERFORMANCE THROUGH A RANGE OF ACCESSORIES

Renault Sport is bringing purists a range of accessories to boost the technical specifications of their Mégane R.S. 275 Trophy-R to the same level as those of the Nürburgring record-setting version.

Hailing from the world of motorsport, the “Performance” braking kit comprises wider discs – with a diameter of 350 mm, up from the standard 340 mm – mounted on aluminum bowls. Using aluminum reduces the unsprung mass by 3 kg, while the use of wider discs leads to a 100°C reduction in the operating temperature. The result on circuits is greater consistency and heightened pedal feel.

Again to reduce mass, the accessories range includes a lithium-ion battery, weighing in at some 16 kg lighter. The lithium-ion battery is fitted in the same place as the original lead battery.

A “Nürburgring Pack”, comprising the “Performance” braking kit, lithium-ion battery, two Sabelt safety harnesses, four spare wheel covers and a retaining strap, will be available at a competitive price.  

AT THE WHEEL: A CAR THAT PUTS A SMILE ON YOUR FACE

Mégane R.S. 275 Trophy-R puts a smile on drivers’ faces even before they get inside. Whether heading out to a rain-soaked track or a fast circuit, drivers can adjust their Öhlins damper settings in just a few seconds, like a rally driver before a special stage.

The driver’s smile gets even bigger when he or she turns on the ignition. The distinctive sound of the Akrapovič tail pipe channels the work of the wizards at Renault Sport. The car’s willingness and energy is evident from the very first corners. With its broader torque curve, Mégane R.S. 275 Trophy-R gobbles up the track with little need for downshifts, making it ideal for everyday life and extremely effective in sharp and fast curves on a circuit.

Renault Sport’s wide-ranging work on weight reduction also contributes to the sea change in the behavior of Mégane R.S. 275 Trophy-R, rivalling that of a real racing car. The car’s playful side emerges further as drivers pick up the pace. The scale, sensitive to load transfer, reveals all the potential of the front axle. Try as you might, understeer on dry surfaces is nigh on impossible. The car obviously reaches its limits a little sooner on wet surfaces, but a little lift off the accelerator pedal brings back all of the car’s grip – and all the fun that goes with it!