Ever since the Seat Leon Cupra 280 knocked off the Megane RS 265 as the fastest production-based front-wheel drive car around the Nordschleife it was only a matter of time until Renault fought back. And now that time has come, with thanks to the Megane RS 275 Trophy R.

A distinction needs to be made here, it’s the Trophy R model which set the record and not the more sedate Trophy. The R is a track-focused two-seat version of the company’s hero hot hatch tipping the scales at 1297kg and has 275hp to play with. So let’s see how it goes shall we!

The new FWD mark is 7 minutes 54.36 seconds, or four seconds faster than the Seat. Video of the Renault Megane RS 275 Trophy R can be seen below.

7m54.36s: new lap record at the Nürburgring for Mégane R.S. 275 Trophy-R

June 16, 2014

#Under8… Renault Sport vowed it would be done, and the sportiest Mégane has duly added a third lap record round the Nürburgring’s legendary Nordschleife to its impressive list of achievements. The feat was accomplished by an all-new limited-edition model imbued with a radical philosophy: Mégane R.S. 275 Trophy-R.

• 7m54.36s: That is the new lap record for the Nürburgring’s iconic north loop – the fearsome Nordschleife – set by Mégane R.S. 275 Trophy-R in the category for two wheel-drive production vehicles.
• 2: The number of seats in Mégane R.S. 275 Trophy-R.
• 250: The number of examples of this (ultra) limited-edition series that will go on sale in some 15 countries. Depending on market, a ‘record’-specification version of the model will be available from the start of orders. Order books for Mégane R.S. 275 Trophy-R will open soon in France.

Having established records with Mégane R26.R in 2008 and Mégane R.S. Trophy in 2011, the engineers at Renault Sport were not content to rest upon their laurels. With a lap time of 7m54.36s, Mégane R.S. 275 Trophy-R engraved its name and performance potential in the Nürburgring’s history books right from its very first official outing.

A radical limited-edition, ideal for circuit use

Mégane R.S. 275 Trophy-R is a two-seater derivative of the recently-introduced Mégane R.S. 275 Trophy.

This exclusive new Renault Sport limited-edition benefits from ultra-sporty features inherited from the brand’s racing activities, while a loss of almost 100 kilograms has resulted in enhanced performance.

Mégane R.S. 275 Trophy-R comes as standard with the Cup chassis (complete with limited-slip differential), the 2.0-litre petrol R.S. engine boosted to 275bhp, a titanium Akrapovic exhaust system, ‘Öhlins Road&Track’ one-way adjustable dampers with composite springs and MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres that are specifically-adapted to the car.

Whilst Mégane R.S. 275 Trophy-R manages without rear seats, in the front can be found Recaro Pôle Position polycarbonate monocoque seats, which yield a weight saving of 42 kilograms. These are fitted with a three-point seat belt, but a six-point harness with aviation-style buckle is available as an accessory. A retention beam and safety nets protect passengers from moving luggage.

For track-day fans eager to gain several vital seconds over the course of a lap, the use of a lithium-ion battery trims the overall weight by another 16 kilograms.

To ensure high-performance braking whilst at the same time contributing to the weight-shedding effort, Mégane R.S. 275 Trophy-R benefits from a special braking kit. Its 350/28-diameter steel and aluminium discs bring the car’s weight down by a further three kilograms. Ideally adapted to intensive circuit use, these Renault Sport-etched brakes endow the vehicle with a sharper bite.

An ultra-sporty stance

On the outside, Mégane R.S. 275 Trophy-R sports a new two-tone colour scheme, with an Etoilé Black roof mated with a Pearlescent White finish (optional). The Trophy-R branded F1-type front blade, chequered flag graphic at the bottom of the front doors and graphics on the side of the car are all picked out in Vif Red. Finished off with 19-inch black or red Speedline wheel rims, this is a vehicle that sets itself apart as much on the circuit as on the open road.

The exclusivity of Mégane R.S. 275 Trophy-R similarly stands out in details like its Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel and handbrake bellows, leather gearshift knob and red seatbelts which match the visible stitching of the seats and steering wheel.

7m54.36s: A new record eloquent of Renault Sport’s expertise

Mégane R.S. 275 Trophy-R benefits from the experience acquired by Renault’s engine and chassis engineers in motorsport – from rallying to Formula 1.

This 14-seconds improvement on the previous record set by Mégane R.S. Trophy in 2011 was achieved thanks to the commitment of the teams at Renault Sport Technologies and their partners.

Hundreds of hours of prior testing were conducted in France, Spain and Germany to optimise the development of this limited-edition model that boasts exceptional on-road dynamics.

The new lap record established by Mégane R.S. 275 Trophy-R underscores once again the knowhow and expertise of the specialists at Renault Sport Technologies when it comes to designing outstanding affordable sporting cars.