AG95 • Renault Mégane 3 RS Trophy-R '14

Before she passes the torch to the next generation, the Megane RS 3 has undergone the same slimming treatment that the Megane RS R26-R 2 there six years. Named Trophy-R, this new version leverages a unique livery and top-flight performance with a goal for Renault register again compact in the records of the Nürburgring. Mission accomplished or umpteenth version of a older model?

Technical sheet

Model	Renault Mégane RS 275 Trophy-R
Engine	2.0 inline 4-cylinder 275 horsepower
Dimensions	4.31 x 1.85 x 1.42 meter
Mass	1 297 kg
Marketing	2014 - 2015 250 copies
average coast	40 000 €
0 to 100 km / h	5"8
max	255 km/h
Consumption	7.5 l / 100 km
Date and place	September 26, 2015, Le Mans

A little history . Presented at the Geneva show in 2009, a year after the coupe and sedan, the Renault Megane 3 RS please immediately. It shows an aggressive design and a turbocharged 250 horsepower. Two successive restyling carry the power to 265 horsepower. Success was immediate and popularized after the Brigade of Fast Intervention Gendarmerie passes control 70 copies. The Megane RS adopted in 2011 a RS Trophy version similar to first premium Mégane RS "classic" who slaughters around the Nürburgring in 8 minutes and 7 seconds, overlooking the record of the Megane 2 RS R26-R, flagship of the range in 2008. Better yet, the RS Trophy is able to compete with vehicles much higher classes, such as the BMW M3, with an incredibly sharp frame and a power available to all plans. But for Renault, this is still not enough!

# Under8 . This is to mark the second restyling of Megane that the diamond brand unveiled the RS Trophy-R.With its white livery, its black or red rim, its strippings, blade bumper red or black pieces, it seems to be the reincarnation of the Megane 2 RS-R R26. A comparison rather flattering since it signed a very good 8 minutes 16 seconds on the famous German circuit. But now it's a whole other objective than the RS Trophy-R is: # Under8. Behind this lies the hashtag mission of this Mégane beat the lap record at the Nürburgring and establish itself as the ultimate reference of the sporty compact. From an aesthetic point of view, we discover a Mégane RS coated with a pearl white livery and a starry black roof. A coherent and effective set plus bright red buttons, widely seen on the F1 blade wheels (even if it is optional and that only one of the two RS Trophy-R of this article has ) and strippings with the head of Renault Sport.

Sportive . The Speedline Turini wheels are 19 inches. They are painted bright red but can also be black, which is rare with less than five copies made ​​that choice. Braking is provided by Brembo brake calipers pinching ventilated discs at the front and rear of 340 and 290 millimeters. In other words, the braking is nothing haphazard and rather well befits the Mégane RS Trophy-R 3. The handling is exclusive to this model. The Cup boosts frame behavior in the best sense: everything was done to make this Mégane is the most fun to drive without denying (too) comfortable. The limited slip differential increases the speed of passage curve while the suspensions and shock absorbers can be adjusted according to the desired use. The DFV system ensures optimum damping in case of sudden braking, avoiding the loss of control and to leave quickly without weighing the front. You said sports?

Light is right . But where the bulk of the work has been concentrated, it is on relief. 100 kg of earned on a car, this may seem little, but in reality it makes all the difference. Let's start with the interior. First, the Mégane RS Trophy-R is assessed at two, only two since the back seat has been replaced by a stabilizing arch, a gain of 20 kg. Then there are the perfectly equipped enveloping light bucket five-point harness. That's about all! Less visible, the composite springs lower the total mass of 2 kg while the titanium exhaust, signed Akrapovic offers a weight saving and a sound worthy of a great sonata. Note also the disappearance of the rear wiper and its motor, generating an additional kilo, but many insulators and absorbent layers. In the end, a weight to below 1,300 kg. This means that the sound of the engine and the exhaust system, it is difficult to forget them!

Adorned for the track . To ensure proper handling, they also need good tires, like the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 fitted as standard. Nothing was left to chance for this Mégane RS Trophy-R falsely civilized. Note that a Comfort Plus package is available as an option, including dual-zone auto air conditioning, multimedia system, reversing camera and even the center armrest. What use beautiful every day a little more comfortably. But do not mistake-there: this pack was rarely mounted! And it is looking at the performance of Laurent Hurgon, Renault Sport pilot, which includes the interests of lightening treatment: he signed May 15, 2014 a great 7 minutes 54 seconds and 36 hundredths at the Nürburgring , filling handily goal # Under8 who composed the Renault Sport advertising campaign.

Optimization . Up front, F1 blade's presence there is painted bright red present on the Mégane 3 RS Phase 2 since 2012 with Trophy-R headband. Each piece receives a net in the boot and the rear retaining bar to store up to four complete wheels for use on circuit. Series limited to 250 copies only, the Mégane RS Trophy 3-R demanded an investment of € 45,000. A high amount for a Mégane but justified by the work done by engineers to make the RS more efficient than ever. And when we know that on the second hand market, best sale price was almost traded to new! An optional kit Record Nürburgring can complete the deal for € 2,388. It features front brake discs wider (350 mm) mounted on non-suspended bowl, a lithium-ion battery, specific harness with an additional gain in the final 19 kg.

275 horses . Under the hood, it's no surprise that we find the 4-cylinder already equipping the Mégane RS 3 classic. With a capacity of 2 liters, the engine block has a turbocharger providing 275 horsepower, a gain of 10 horsepower over the non Trophy versions. Trophy-R adapts to the type of trip and the driver profile with several driving modes including Sport, only to let it fully express the 275 horsepower, the other is limited to 250. The sound revealed by the Akrapovic line is mesmerizing while times will greatly improve, as acceleration, more frank and give the feeling of having won a lot of horsepower under the hood.

Ultimate symbiosis . Strippings side can be removed when ordering for more discretion. In terms of consumption, they stood around 8 liters in the combined cycle but rising fast during prolonged acceleration.And like Mégane Trophy-R asks only that, it is not the most reasonable purchase. In terms of defects, many returning, as some long gear ratios or the quaint rate. In reality, it is difficult to reproach to this successful Mégane, a sort of quintessence and ultimate symbiosis of the Megane RS perfect.

Already collector . End of 2014, all the copies are already sold, some bought by garages to be sold shortly after once elapsed stocks. This is primarily why the Megane 3 Trophy-R was a collector just days after its release model. Currently, the opportunity score is very close to the original price, around € 35,000. Renault Sport was able to analyze the positive feedback obtained in his Megane 2 RS-R to offer the Trophy-R. We bet that this version will be made ​​on the fourth-generation Mégane when it reaches maturity and a couple of restyling.

Derivatives . Renault has developed a range of accessories dedicated to the Mégane Trophy-R, commes of tire covers , mini helmet similar to the one worn by Laurent Hurgon at the record but also a watch V6-44-Trophy-R, with the same number as the Mégane Trophy-R to its owner. The question that most returns: why have restricted this compact testosterone packed only 250 copies while the R26-R is the 450? Probably for it to become even faster an unattainable myth for many and to maintain a fairly elitist image.

Akrapovic . In the end, a single RS Megane 3 is obtained of its kind that offers a well deserved retirement this generation. The 250 pieces, including 72 reserved for the French market s e are quickly passed despite a selling price set deliberately high and is found on the used market. No doubt the strong image of this model and its program for the Nürburgring # Under8 have contributed to this success.

Should I buy a Renault Mégane RS Trophy-R?

The RS Trophy-R is the Mégane not to be missed. Comfortable enough for everyday use, it can also be daunting on a circuit where its performance is a treat. Lean and optimized, it does not open any major default, why deprive yourself? Perhaps the financial argument. The best examples can pull more than the new price to 35 to € 50 000. Better to not be too hasty!