In Europe, there’s a surplus of hot hatches U.S. car
enthusiasts will never get to own. It’s sad that we miss out on some fantastic
cars. The Renault Mégane RS and it’s hardcore, halo sibling – the Mégane RS
Trophy – are just a few such vehicles just out of reach for Americans. During
the Frankfurt Motor Show last September, Renault debuted the 2018 Mégane RS – a
280-horsepower hot hatch. But even then, we knew there’d be a hotter version
coming – the RS Trophy.
The first spy photos of the hardcore Mégane RS
Trophy show the hatch performance testing at the Nürburgring. Details are
scarce, however. When we covered the 2018 Mégane RS reveal, we suspected the
Trophy to produce 300 horsepower – a 20-hp bump over the standard RS. That’s
still the prevailing rumor. Somehow, Renault engineers will crank 20 more
horsepower from the RS’s turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine. We don’t
know how they’ll do this but expect at least a more free-flowing exhaust, and
possibly an engine remap.
The Mégane RS Trophy caught in the spy photos isn’t
wearing any camouflage, which means this prototype is likely undergoing engine
testing. Any aesthetic changes coming with the Trophy are probably still in
development. This test mule does have a low ride height with the wheels tucked
far up underneath the wheel-wells. The last Mégane RS Trophy rode on adjustable
Öhlins dampers and Allevard composite springs. It’s plausible the new hatch
will have a similar suspension setup of performance parts.
The Renault Mégane RS Trophy could be setting itself
up to be a rival to the AMG’s entry-level offering. If both do produce
approximately 300 horsepower, it will be fun to watch the two compete
head-to-head. Renault should debut the Mégane RS Trophy later this year, which
should lay the groundwork for a Trophy-R version to follow sometime in 2019.
