spawned no fewer than four different versions – two facelifts and a dCi variant – to meet Renault Sport’s stated ambition to carry over the benefits of motorsport-honed technologies across to its road-going vehicles. Over the course of its production run at Renault’s Dieppe factory from 2004 to 2009, the Mégane R.S. ROCKS THE COMPACT SPORTS CAR ESTABLISHMENT 2005-2009: FROM THE RACETRACK TO THE ROAD, THE MEGANE R.S. Independent Steering Axis Front Suspension, a bold innovationįinally, if this Mégane stood out particularly it was due to a chassis that featured a remarkable technological breakthrough: independent steering axis front suspension. Christened F4RT RS, it also complied with Euro4 emissions standards. Renault Sport’s experts tuned this 165-horsepower powerplant to deliver 225hp in the Mégane R.S. Renault had previously used this four-cylinder turbo in the Avantime and Renault Laguna, as well as under the bonnet of the Clio RS. The technical team opted for proven technology to power the newcomer, choosing the F4RT version of the well-known F-type block. The success of the first-generation Mégane was underpinned by its engine and chassis. also had a distinctive rear spoiler and its sporting credentials were underlined by bespoke 18-inch aluminium wheels and Renault Sport badging.įrom launch, the car benefitted from an exclusive palette of paint options including Blood Orange, Technique Grey and Arctic Blue. Its assertive front-end design included a bespoke aerodynamic bib, a broad air intake to facilitate engine cooling and wide-set foglamps. might have looked like a standard Mégane 2 from a distance, a number of key features pointed to its sporting prowess, like its twin exhaust tail pipes, an R.S. hit the road for the first time the following year.Īlthough the R.S. Originally unveiled at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Mégane R.S. was Renault’s response to the need to expand its sporting range. The R11 Turbo created waves during the subsequent decade before ceding its crown to the Renault 19 16S in the 1990s. became the latest model in a distinguished line that began with the R12 Gordini, which heralded the switch to front-wheel drive during the 1970s. They included some of the most iconic cars of all time, not least the R8 Gordini of 1964. It was in the 1950s, under the influence of Amédée Gordini, that the company began to offer mass-produced sporting vehicles which went on to enjoy considerable success. Renault’s sporting traditions stretch back way farther than the original Mégane R.S. 2004-2009 : the birth of a future great A fresh initiative from Renault Sport Patrice Ratti, Managing Director, Renault Sport Carsīack to the birth of Mégane R.S.

With its widened bodywork and aerodynamic elements derived from F1, it is also looks the part! is extraordinarily satisfying to drive at even the most challenging venues, such as the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife in Germany. Thanks to its extreme cornering efficiency, the Mégane R.S. It is the ultimate expression of the savoir-faire we have accumulated through our countless successes in motorsport. embodies the passion of every man and woman working for Renault Sport.

Renault megane rs