This is the new limited-edition Renaultsport Megane 275 Trophy. It’s got more power, trick tyres, adjustable dampers, a titanium exhaust, and with that armoury Renault is firing a warning shot across the bows of forthcoming mega hatches like the Honda Civic Type R and Vauxhall Astra VXR Extreme.
How much more power does the Renaultsport Megane 275 Trophy have?
Renaultsport has worked on the regular Megane 265’s turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine to find an extra 10bhp, so peak power is now 271bhp (or 275PS, hence the name) delivered at 5500rpm. Torque is unchanged, with 266lb ft from 3000 to 5000rpm, and fuel consumption (37.7mpg) and emissions (174g/km CO2) are unaffected as well.
So if that sounds insignificant, then the new exhaust system from Akrapovic signals Renaultsport’s serious intent. The Slovenian manufacturer cut its teeth building ultra-lightweight exhausts for motorcycles (include top-end MotoGP race bikes) and now supplies systems for BMW’s DTM team and Audi’s latest R18 E-tron Quattro Le Mans car. Made from titanium, the new exhaust will save whole kilos (Renault has yet to announce the exact weight reduction figure, or whether the exhaust plays a part in the engine’s power increase) and we’re promised it’ll emit a ‘more raucous bark that is sure to appeal to those who appreciate sporty engine notes’. The exhaust features a carbonfibre tip, too.
The regular Megane 265’s optional Cup chassis is also standard on the 275 Trophy, and that brings a limited slip differential and red brake calipers, plus stiffer springs and firmer dampers.
And what about these other performance upgrades?
Pretty extreme. The 275 Trophy signals the start of Renaultsport’s relationship with Öhlins, as this new French hot hatch features its adjustable Road & Track dampers, meaning owners can fiddle with suspension settings while their wives packs their bags and leave.
There are Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres as well, the same type of rubber you’ll find on the latest 911 GT3 and Mercedes SLS Black Series, but specially developed for the 275 Trophy. Alas both the Öhlins dampers and Michelin tyres, plus 19in ‘Speedline Turini’ wheels, are optional extras.
Any other upgrades?
A silver bit of bumper trim (apparently inspired by Formula One) and some Trophy-specific stickers mark out the external changes. And inside there are leather and alcantara Recaro bucket seats, an alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, contrasting red stitching, and numbered sill kickplates marking out the limited production run (the exact number of which has yet to be confirmed, but it should be no more than a few hundred).
UK prices and final spec details will be confirmed in June 2014, with deliveries commencing in October 2014. Expect change from £30k, unless you splurge on the dampers and tyres…