RENAULT dealers have just started taking orders for the latest turbo-charged Megane produced by Renaultsport.
The UK is the biggest market in the world for products of the car firm's subsidiary, which develops all Renault's motorsport and performance road cars.
The new model is the £19,570 Megane Renaultsport 230 F1 Team R26, which Renault says is the most potent and driver-focused Megane yet.
Aimed at track-day enthusiasts and derived from the Megane Renaultsport 225 Cup, the latest version features a limited slip differential to keep the engine power channelled to the road even in slippery conditions, where previously power may have spun away or been reduced by the traction control, whether driven on open roads or round a circuit.
Its 2.0-litre turbo engine, uprated by a further five horsepower to 230hp, plus a development of the revised "Cup" chassis and Brembo brakes make it one of the quickest hot hatches on the market.
Building on the sell-out success enjoyed by the special edition Megane Renaultsport 225 Renault F1 Team since its launch in January 2006, Renault continues in the same spirit with its replacement.
The name refers of course to the Enstone-built R26 F1 car that has put Renault at the top of the Formula 1 World Championship standings for a second year.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article