The Renault Megane RS isn’t dead just yet. The brand is having one last throw of the dice with its hot hatch with the new Megane RS Ultime.
In fact, this is the last time we’ll ever see the Renault Sport logo full stop. Renault Group says Alpine will be the one creating performance cars in the future – and they’ll all be electric once this generation of A110 is put out to pasture.
What does the Ultime feature?
The new RS Ultime model will be limited to 1976 units (the year that Renault Sport was founded, no less) and features the Megane RS’ bodykit, as well as Fuji Light 19-inch wheels from the Megane RS Trophy. To set it apart more from the regular RS and Trophy versions, the Ultime features a slightly retro looking decal set. The Ultime is available in yellow, orange, black or white.
Inside, a set of Recaro bucket seats shod in Alcantara have embroidered Ultime badging on it and each one features a metal plate with the signature of Laurent Hurgon – Renault’s development driver.
In terms of performance kit – the Ultime is on the same level as the RS Trophy. That means that it benefits from a 297bhp 2.0-litre turbo with a Torsen mechanical diff, a dual-clutch auto (for the European market, manual in markets like Japan) as well as the Megane RS’ Cup chassis, Bridgestone Potenza tyres and rear-wheel steering.
Unfortunately, Renault says that none of the Ultime’s 1976 units will be shipped to the UK – instead, the focus is on Europe and Japan.
No more Renault Sport?!
Well, technically Renault Sport was made defunct in 2021, with this Ultime being its final (perhaps belated) breath on the sports car side. The performance car arm was well known for its feisty hot hatches, including some truly great fast Clios and Meganes, as well as its motorsport division that included Formula 1. It will be missed.