Renault Megane Renaultsport R26.R unveiled

The Renault Megane Renaultsport R26.R’s weight has been cut by fitting a carbon fibre bonnet and polycarbonate windows and removing the rear seats, passenger and curtain airbags, front fog lamps, sound system and most of the soundproofing.

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As a result, the 230bhp Renault Megane Renaultsport R26.R will accelerate from 0-62mph (100kph) in six seconds (down from 6.2) with a top speed of 147mph – unchanged from the standard Megane Renaultsport.

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But it’s on the track where the Renault Megane Renaultsport R26.R shows its prowess, lapping the Nürbürgring in a front-wheel drive record time of 8 minutes 17 seconds – 18 seconds quicker than the Ford Focus ST.

To increase the drama of the Renault Megane Renaultsport R26.R’s design, the hot hatch has gained a new set of 18-inch alloys, a new spoiler and a host of R26.R decals while the interior is almost entirely bare, featuring a set of Sabelt bucket seats with six-point harnesses.

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Customers looking for an even more hardcore Megane can pay extra for the option of a roll cage and titanium exhaust.

On sale from October, the Renault Megane Renaultsport R26.R will cost £22,990 with production limited to 500, of which 230 will be coming to the UK. 

Video: Watch the standard Renault Megane Renaultsport in action