Renault for the Trophy cabinet
EXCLUSIVITY: ONLY SEVEN OF THESE BEASTLY MEGANES HEADING THIS WAY
Turbine technology comes directly from the world of Formula One.
Covid-19 continues to reshape life as we knew it and I attended the extremely limited, high-performance hothatch launch of Renault’s Megane RS 300 Trophy, online via Zoom and not at an actual racetrack.
So I did not drive the car. But we will be getting one on test soon and then I can offer you my opinion.
There will only be seven Megane RS 300 Trophys coming to South Africa for sale. Four will be the EDC model that will retail at a suggested R799 900 and three the manual model that comes in at R774 900.
The track-orientated Megane RS Trophy model has been around for 15 years, with the first edition having launched in 2005. Each new version since has been an ode to the Renault Sport world and on paper the latest edition doesn’t disappoint.
The distinct design is accentuated by its sporty side panel Trophy insignia, F1-style splitter and rear diffuser, while the Jerez Triple Tone 19-inch wheels with bold red styling give the Trophy an imposing stance.
Inside, there is a definite nod to the motorsports world, with elegant yet sporty touches.
The pinnacle of RS design and comfort must be the Recaro bucket seats in Alcantara upholstery, which allow the driver’s position to be lowered by up to 20mm.
The position can be finely adjusted, while the Alcantara contributes to giving perfect support under driving conditions.
Advanced technology within the sporty cockpit has been designed with extreme driving pleasure and comfort in mind.
The Renault Sport Multimedia system includes a convenient portrait-sized R-link 8.7-inch touchscreen, satellite navigation system with South African maps, Bluetooth, USB and AUX input to keep one entertained – and on the right road.
Further innovative features include dual zone climate control, cruise control with speed limiter, a unique Renault hands-free key card for keyless entry and automatic lights and wipers, which all aid in keeping one comfortable and safe on the journey.
Then there’s the RS Monitor V2 on-board tracking system – playful yet ingenious – keeping the driver informed of the engine performance, featuring remarkable Race Telemetry to monitor track timing statistics.
The Megane RS 300 Trophy benefits from all the innovations within the Megane RS, such as the 4Control four-wheel steering system, which enables a smaller turning radius, better stability and a quicker steering response, which is ideal for better track lap times, giving you that much added fun and peace of mind.
The Cup chassis is standard and boasts stiffer suspension with a Torsen mechanical limited slip differential, allowing for better corning and traction.
The front brakes are state-ofthe-art with bi-material discs for better endurance, while the Brembo brake callipers guarantee optimum braking performance.
Four hydraulic compression stops give the Megane RS 300 Trophy uncompromised behaviour.
This outstanding complete chassis package not only increases the performance of the vehicle but allows for improved comfort. At 221kW, the Megane RS 300 Trophy is said to redefine performance.
With technology coming directly from Formula One, the turbocharger’s turbine is now mounted on a ceramic ball bearing for a shorter response time.
The Megane RS 300 Trophy offers a choice between two transmissions: a six-speed manual gearbox with an output of 400Nm, and a six-speed dual-clutch EDC gearbox, exuding 420Nm.
The Megane RS 300 Trophy is instantly recognisable by its 19inch triple tone alloy wheels.
Its Bridgestone Potenza S001 tyres are geared for exceptional grip and responsiveness.
Equipped with a limited slip differential, the Cup chassis delivers dependable efficiency at all times, regardless of grip conditions or driving style, paired with launch control and multi change down on the gear change pedals (EDC only).
The new intelligent exhaust valve system contributes to maximising engine performance.
A valve system – actuated automatically depending on the driving mode selected via the multi-sense mode – offers a grandiose dual sound.
The valve position provides two exhaust tones, depending on the engine speed and load.
When open, the load causes reduced flow resistance, enabling the gases to be routed along a more direct path, which allows the engine’s sporty and acoustic potential to be fully expressed.
The Megane RS 300 Trophy range comes standard with a fiveyear/90 000km service plan, plus a five-year/150 000km mechanical warranty and a six-year anti-corrosion warranty.