Megane R26.R Voted Sports Model of the Year 2008

French motor sport magazine Echappement voted Renault's Megane R26.R the “Sports Model of the Year 2008”, detrimental to Mitsubishi Lancer Evo GSR and Porsche 911 Carrera S. This is the sixth time Renault has gained the grand prize, the French carmaker said in a statement released to the press, after 5GT Turbo in 1985, Clio 16S (1991), Spider Renault Sport (1996), Clio Renault Sport (2000) and Mégane F1 Team R26 (2007). In addition, Renault has become the car manufacturer with the highest number of 'Sports Model of the Year' awards since 1982.

According to the same statement issued by Renault, the award was based on a couple of important factors, such as engine performance, price and design. Megane R25.R scored 95 points, being followed by Mitsubishi Lancer EVO GSR with 85 points and Porsche 911 Carrera S with 72 points.

Megane R26.R saw daylight in 2008 at the London Motor Show and is currently manufactured at Renault's Dieppe plant in Normandy, France. The French manufacturer said this special Megane flavor “is a limited edition model and only 450 cars will be produced in total for sale in France, Great Britain, Germany, Spain, Switzerland and Benelux.”

In terms of technical specifications, the Megane R26.R is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharger 16-vale L4 engine which produces a maximum power of 230 hp (169 kW). Its high engine performance is also underlined by a test conducted on the Nurburgring circuit, with this sporty Megane completing a lap in no less than 8 minutes and 17 seconds.

Because we're sure you'd like to see the complete table, here are the final standings of Echappement's award program:

1. RENAULT MÉGANE R26.R
2. Mitsubishi Lancer Evo GSR
3. Porsche 911 Carrera S
4. Audi TTS
5. Subaru Impreza WRX STi
6. Renault Clio WSR
7. Corvette C6
8. Mini Cooper S JCW
9. Renault Twingo RS
10. Abarth 500