Renault Megane RS 275 Trophy-R Sets New Nurburgring Lap Record – 7:54.36

This means the Trophy-R is 14 seconds faster than the 265 Trophy, which set its record in 2011. In addition, it's just over 4 seconds faster than the SEAT Leon Cupra, which shattered that record in March 2014.

The record belongs to the Megane RS 275 Trophy-R, probably the most hot-blooded French car ever. Its production will be strictly limited to 250 ultra-rare examples, to be made available in just 15 countries. Breaking records with a limited production car sounds like cheating. But how's this for a kicker: the 275 hp French coupe is just 1 second slower than a 560 hp BMW M5 sports sedan and faster than a Porsche Boxster S.

This stripped down version of the Megane is ideal for track use and pushes the limits of front-wheel drive performance with the help of a 275 hp 2-liter turbo engine, Akrapovic exhaust, Ohlins Road&Track one-way adjustable dampers with composite springs and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires that are specifically-made to the car. The brakes are not from Brembo, but from Renaultsport, who developed a 350/28-diameter steel and aluminum disc system for track use. It's 3 kilograms lighter than before and will resist fade.

Just like the R26.R, the Trophy-R is an ultra-lightweight track tool, not a family car with sporty ambitions. Because the rear seats have been replaced by a strengthening brace and a number of other weight-saving measures, it weighs almost 100 kg less. The front buckets have also been replaced by Recaro Pôle Position polycarbonate monocoque seats, which represent 42 kg of that weight saving. Renault can also supply a special lithium-ion battery that cuts another 16 kg.

Admired by many and understood by few, the Troghy-R is Renault's greatest achievement to day. But knowing the way things were in the past, a brand new generation with even more power is likely only a couple of years away.