Renault Mégane R.S. 275 Trophy-R sets ‘Ring record, again

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Renault has snatched the throne back from the Seat Leon Cupra 280 for the fastest lap around the Nürburgring Nordschliefe for a front-wheel drive production car with its limited addition and track-focused Mégane R.S. 275 Trophy-R.

Based on the recently-introduced Mégane R.S. 275 Trophy, the two-seater Trophy-R stopped the clock at 7:54.36, beating the Seat’s 7:58 set earlier this year.

It comes with the Cup chassis, a titanium Akrapovic exhaust system, ‘Öhlins Road&Track’ one-way adjustable dampers with composite springs and MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres that are specifically-adapted to the car.

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Its 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine has been boosted from the standard 195kW (265hp) to a meatier 202kW (275hp) that directs power to the front axle via a six speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential.

With an overall weight reduction of around 100kg, the scorching hot Trophy-R will cover 0-100km/h in 5.8 seconds while consuming 7.5L/100km.

Whilst Mégane R.S. 275 Trophy-R manages without rear seats, in the front can be found Recaro Pôle Position polycarbonate monocoque seats, which yield a weight saving of 42 kilograms. These are fitted with a three-point seat belt, but a six-point harness with aviation-style buckle is available as an accessory. A retention beam and safety nets protect passengers from moving luggage.

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The R.S. 275 Trophy-R also gets special 350/28-diameter steel and aluminium disc brakes adapted to intensive track use.

On the outside, Mégane R.S. 275 Trophy-R sports a new two-tone colour scheme, with an Etoilé Black roof mated with a Pearlescent White finish (optional). The Trophy-R branded F1-type front blade, chequered flag graphic at the bottom of the front doors and graphics on the side of the car are all picked out in Vif Red. Finished off with 19-inch black or red Speedline wheel rims, this is a vehicle that sets itself apart as much on the circuit as on the open road.

The exclusivity of Mégane R.S. 275 Trophy-R similarly stands out in details like its Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel and handbrake bellows, leather gearshift knob and red seatbelts which match the visible stitching of the seats and steering wheel.

Only 250 of the street-legal Mégane R.S. 275 Trophy-R will be built, 50 of which are destined for Australia.

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