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Renault has recently been hinting at an attempt to regain its hot hatch lap time crown at the Nürburgring, a crown recently stolen by that pesky Seat Leon. Today, the French firm has revealed its weapon for the battle.
This is the [deep breath] Renault Megane Renaultsport 275 Trophy, and it wants a fight.
Building on the recently facelifted Megane RS, the new 275 Trophy sits on the ‘Cup' chassis (the one with the limited slip diff) and gets a suite of Leon-kicking upgrades that Renault hopes will expedite its journey around the ‘Ring.
The 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine gets an extra 10bhp, taking total power to 275bhp (surprise!), with maximum horses reached at 5,500rpm. Its 266lb ft of torque remains the same as the Megane 265, here available between 3,000rpm and 5,000rpm. Expect a 0-62mph of six seconds.
Renaultsport has worked closely with exhaust manufacturer Akrapovic on a standard fit titanium system for the 275 Trophy, one that's lighter than the 265's and features a "more raucous bark that is sure to appeal to those who appreciate sporty engine notes". You know who you are.
There are a couple of corner-melting options available too: you can spec Ohlins adjustable road-and-track dampers with steel springs - an evolution of the ones used on the Megane N4 rally car - as well as Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres developed specifically for the new 275 Trophy, wrapping optional 19in black Turini wheels.
The 275 gets Recaro bucket seats with RS stitching on the headrests, an Alcantara wheel with red stitching and an alloy gear lever. The whole thing will be wrapped up in one big ‘Ring-baiting package ready for a launch at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, though prices have yet to be finalised. We'd expect a minor premium over the current 265, which costs £27k.
Tempted?
Written By:- Vijay Pattni
More of this article on the Top gear website