Photo: CarPix
Expected to debut at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show as a 2018 model, the next generation of the Renault Megane RS has been caught on camera for the first time ever. The carparazzi snapped a development mule in Spain, hiding as a 2016 Renault Megane GT.
Compared to the current model, the 2018 Renault Megane RS will be exclusively available as a five-door hatchback. While on the subject of the exterior, it should be noted that the new kid on the block drops the centrally mounted exhaust pipe of the present-day Megane RS for two outlets. Please ignore the chrome-tipped exhaust pipes located at the extremities of the rear diffuser because those aren’t connected to the exhaust system.
Looked at from the side, the 2018 Renault Megane RS boasts Brembo slotted brake rotors up front. A 4Control badge adorns the B-pillar, but it’s hard to tell if this is a carryover from the Megane GT donor vehicle or if the Megane RS also prides itself on 4Control four-wheel steering. The even bigger question is, is the Megane RS all-wheel-drive or not?
According to a report citing a Renault insider, the 2018 Renault Megane RS is heading toward all-paw-drive hot hatchback stardom. “When you see cars like the Focus RS, you can feel that Renaultsport will have to do something about it,” declared the insider. From the first spy shots, it’s impossible to say whether the insider was bluffing or not. Only time will tell what’s what.
Under the hood, the 2018 Renault Megane RS hides a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine which happens to be turbocharged. The current gen packs 275 PS (271 horsepower), so it’s highly probable for the 2018 model to exceed the 300 PS (296 horsepower) yardstick.
If the Ford Focus RS is the hot hatchback to beat, then Renault needs to extract more than 300 metric horsepower from the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The final enigma comes in the form of the transmission.
If you look closely at the accompanying pictures, you’ll spot that the back of the steering wheel boasts two black plastic paddles. Considering that the Megane GT only comes in Energy TCe 205 EDC form, then yes, all clues lead toward a Megane RS offered exclusively with a seven-speed dual-clutch.
If there’s demand for such a thing, a manual could also make the cut according to Renaultsport head honcho Patrice Ratti. I’m not holding my breath, though. I mean, does the Clio RS have a manual? No siree.
Looked at from the side, the 2018 Renault Megane RS boasts Brembo slotted brake rotors up front. A 4Control badge adorns the B-pillar, but it’s hard to tell if this is a carryover from the Megane GT donor vehicle or if the Megane RS also prides itself on 4Control four-wheel steering. The even bigger question is, is the Megane RS all-wheel-drive or not?
According to a report citing a Renault insider, the 2018 Renault Megane RS is heading toward all-paw-drive hot hatchback stardom. “When you see cars like the Focus RS, you can feel that Renaultsport will have to do something about it,” declared the insider. From the first spy shots, it’s impossible to say whether the insider was bluffing or not. Only time will tell what’s what.
Under the hood, the 2018 Renault Megane RS hides a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine which happens to be turbocharged. The current gen packs 275 PS (271 horsepower), so it’s highly probable for the 2018 model to exceed the 300 PS (296 horsepower) yardstick.
If the Ford Focus RS is the hot hatchback to beat, then Renault needs to extract more than 300 metric horsepower from the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The final enigma comes in the form of the transmission.
If you look closely at the accompanying pictures, you’ll spot that the back of the steering wheel boasts two black plastic paddles. Considering that the Megane GT only comes in Energy TCe 205 EDC form, then yes, all clues lead toward a Megane RS offered exclusively with a seven-speed dual-clutch.
If there’s demand for such a thing, a manual could also make the cut according to Renaultsport head honcho Patrice Ratti. I’m not holding my breath, though. I mean, does the Clio RS have a manual? No siree.
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