The outgoing model had a tricky start to life in Australia. More focused than the likes of a VW Polo or Golf GTI, Renault’s Clio and Megane RS models were designed to thrill customers on the road and track. The end of Renault Sport hot hatches represents sad news for car lovers. “This final edition Megane RS Ultime is the ultimate expression of the genre and a fitting way to bow out.” “Indeed, Renault set the blueprint for what a hot hatch should be and has consistently delivered on that blueprint for almost 50 years: nimble, lightweight, highly-tuned engine and a chassis set-up designed for the most challenging of B-roads,” he said. Renault Australia general manager Glen Sealey said the Megane RS Ultime “represents the culmination of a long and storeyed history of Renault hot hatches”. The premium-priced car costs $67,500 plus on-roads with three pedals, or $70,500 as an auto. Special additions include lightweight 19-inch wheels finished in black paint, plus Recaro seats, diamond-shaped sticker graphics, blacked-out logos and more. It joins performance car favourite such as the Subaru WRX STI, Ford Focus RS and Mitsubishi Lancer Evo in the history books.īut Renault Sport is going out on a high with the limited-edition Megane RS Ultime.īased on the recent Megane RS Trophy, the Ultime has a 1.8-litre engine that makes 221kW and 420Nm when paired with a dual-clutch automatic transmission, or 221kW and 400Nm with a six-speed manual. The outgoing Megane RS is set to be the last performance car of its kind from the French brand, which has shifted its performance car strategy to focus on its Alpine sub-brand. The model also has Brembo brakes with red calipers, front axle with independent pivots, lowered Cup chassis, four-wheel steering, and it rides on 19-inch wheels wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza S007 semi-slicks developed for the Trophy R.Renault has called time on the Megane RS hot hatch, ending the car’s time in Australia with a limited-edition run-out special. It works in concert with an EDC transmission and Torsen mechanical limited slip differential, and front-wheel drive. Power is supplied by the 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine shared with the Megane RS Trophy, rated at 300 ps (296 hp / 221 kW) and 420 Nm (310 lb-ft) of torque. A host of driving assistance gear is present too. In terms of equipment, you are looking at the 9.3-inch infotainment screen, 10-inch digital instrument cluster, RS on-board telemetry, Bose premium audio, sunroof, and head-up display, with the latter two only available on left-hand drive cars. Exclusive door sills and metal plaque next to the gear selector revealing the build number are other highlights. On the inside, the Megane RS Ultime has Recaro bucket seats wrapped in Titanium Black Alcantara upholstery and embroidered ‘RS’ monogram. The window surrounds, door handles, logos, fender caps, diffuser, and chin spoiler have a black look too. The car also features 60 mm (2.4 in) wider front and 45 mm (1.8 in) wider rear fenders, side air vents, shark-fin antenna, spoiler, diffuser, central exhaust tips, and RS Vision headlamps. Some of the highlights of the final Megane RS are the black stripes on the hood, roof (save for cars with the optional sunroof), doors, fenders, and rear bumper, and the ‘1976’ lettering on the right-hand side. And now, Megane RS Ultime… I am particularly proud to sign the version crowning this wonderful saga.” “ The records on the Nurburgring Nordschleife are unforgettable challenges, full of passion, adrenalin, and emotion. Since the Megane II phase 2, we have constantly improved its dynamic performance in order to remain the leader in front-wheel drive sports cars,” said Hurgon. “ Megane RS represents 15 years of my work at Renault Sport. All copies will be signed by Laurent Hurgon, the brand’s test driver who was involved in its development and holds many front-wheel drive lap records with the hot hatch, at the Nurburgring, Spa, and Suzuka. Set to be shown to the public at the 2023 Tokyo Auto Salon this Friday (January 13), prior to its launch this spring, the new Renault Megane RS Ultime will be capped at 1,976 units, a nod to the founding year of Renault Sport. But why is it the final Renault Sport-branded model? For the simple fact that the sub-brand was renamed Alpine in 2021, so the ‘RS’ logo will die off with it.
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