The 2018 Renault Megane RS will make its first ever
public appearance at the Monaco Formula One Grand Prix on May 26 ahead of its
reveal at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA 2017) in September, Renault has
announced.
The Megane RS will sport a yellow and black livery –
Renault Sport’s signature colours – marking the company’s 40th anniversary in
Formula One. The hot hatch will be piloted by Renault Sport Racing’s F1 driver
Nico Hülkenberg on the street circuit on May 26. Renault has not confirmed
details of the car.
The first official teaser gives away some of the
design touches at the front end such as the triple-element LED daytime running
lights, more aggressive front bumper and wheel arch extension. It is the
rear-end of the RS variant that will have extensive changes, including a
tweaked bumper with vertical air inlets and a diffuser. The performance car is
hoisted on RS alloy wheels shod with low-profile tyres.
The 2017 Renault Megane RS will sport a 2.0-litre
turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine tuned to deliver over 300 bhp. This
unit will route power to the front wheels likely via a 6-speed manual
transmission or a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The redesigned Megane RS
will feature four-wheel steering, and European reports suggest Renault Sport
has ruled out an all-wheel drive system.
The 2017 Renault Megane RS’ market introduction will
likely coincide with the German showcase in September. As with the standard
Renault Megane, Renault will not make the Megane RS in a 3-door version.
