New 2010 Renault Mégane R.S.: the Latest Renault Sporting Vehicle - VIDEO ENHANCED

PARIS - October 16, 2009: New Mégane R.S. is the latest addition to Renault's line-up of sporting vehicles and stands out from the other models that make up the Mégane range through its styling and performance which live up every bit to the newcomer's sporty pedigree.

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In response to customer demand, New Mégane R.S. is available from launch with a choice of two chassis:

• The Sport chassis, for everyday driving pleasure
• The Cup chassis, for even more exhilarating track-focused performance.

New Mégane R.S. is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. Peak power is 250hp, while maximum torque stands at 340Nm which is available across a particularly broad rev-band to deliver a standard of performance that can be enjoyed equally on the road and on race tracks.

New Mégane R.S. boasts a raft of specific equipment designed to heighten driving enjoyment, including R.S. Dynamic Management (which permits three ESP modes) and R.S. Monitor (onboard telemetry).

New Mégane R.S. is manufactured at Renault's Palencia plant in Spain, on the same production lines as those of the hatchback, coupé and estate versions of New Mégane.

DIALLED-IN PERFORMANCE

Renault has been a major player on the international motor sport scene for many years. The R8 Gordini, the Super 5 GT Turbo, Clio Williams and, more recently, Clio Renault Sport, Mégane F1 Team R26 and Mégane R26.R have all stood out as emblematic ambassadors for the brand on race tracks and rally stages around the world. The current range of production Renault Sport-badged models benefits extensively from Renault Sport Technologies' long experience of competition and from the Renault group's manufacturing expertise.

With more than 21,000 units sold in some 30 countries since its 2004 launch, Mégane Renault Sport has been a resounding success. In addition to topping its class in France, Mégane Renault Sport is one of the most competitive hot hatches around thanks to refinements that have been introduced over the years, including the availability of the even more efficient Cup chassis, as well as the release of the radically lightened R26.R version. Both Mégane F1 Team R26 and Mégane R26.R are acclaimed for their highperformance engines and chassis efficiency. They were each voted 'Sporting Car of the Year' by readers of the French magazine Echappement in 2007 and 2008 respectively. Meanwhile, Mégane R26.R – which still holds the lap record for its class round Germany's 21km Nürburgring Nordschliefe circuit – was named 'Car of the Year' by the British mag Evo and stands out as the benchmark hot hatch of its class.

THE STUNNING LOOKS OF A THOROUGHBRED HOT HATCH
New Mégane R.S. features the same styling cues as New Mégane Coupé, but it also exudes a distinctly sporty feel thanks to several elements that take their inspiration from Formula 1. The dynamic, sweeping lines of the coupé version combine with a number of details which recall the world of motor sport to give it an even more assertive character, while pointing to the promise of exhilarating on-road performance:

• the wheelarches are wider to accommodate the impressive 18- or 19-inch wheels,

• the front bumper incorporates a wide air intake and a Formula 1-type aerodynamic blade,

• the central exhaust tailpipe, diffuser and rear lip spoiler reaffirm the car's sporting credentials and contribute to its aerodynamic performance,

• the front bumper-mounted LED daytime running lights highlight the car's piercing gaze.

New Mégane R.S.'s stance is uncompromisingly sporty – a sensation reinforced by its striking launch colour, Sport Yellow – while at the same time exuding a distinct impression of robustness and stability. Special attention has been paid to quality, too, as illustrated by the design and finish of the 19-inch Steev wheels which suggest a cocktail of refinement, advanced technology and speed. The exterior mirror housings, the aerodynamic blade incorporated in the front bumper and the rear diffuser are all picked out in gloss black, a further sign that New Mégane R.S. is not only sporty but also chic and elegant.

BEAUTY WITHIN, TOO!

The cabin carries over the chic, sporty styling of the exterior, and features a dark charcoal trim which contrasts with the Sport Yellow rev-counter background and steeringwheel stitching. The Yellow Ambience Pack brings further touches of colour in the form of the seatbelts and two-tone grey and yellow upholstery, as well as the door-panel and gear lever knob stitching.

The driving position is unmistakably sporty, but also perfectly comfortable. The front seat back and cushions feature additional lateral support, while the driver's seat is fully adjustable (fore/aft adjustment = 240mm, height adjustment = 70mm), including adjustable lumbar support. The heated leather seats come with an electric settings-memory function. Those owners who enjoy putting their vehicle through its paces round a circuit will appreciate the optional cloth- or leather-upholstered Recaro seats which are also height- and fore/aft-adjustable.

The low seating position is comfortable, and the driver benefits from efficient support, whether driving on the open road or negotiating a racetrack.

The steeringwheel, too, is designed to be comfortable and sporty. It is trimmed in full-grain leather and is both height- and reach-adjustable to find the ideal driving position. Its shape and integrated thumb rests ensure perfect grip, while the yellow centre-point marking is a particularly useful feature when taking a sequence of tight corners or when driving on low-grip surfaces.

The competition feel of the driving experience is rounded off by the aluminium-faced pedals and footrest. Quality materials have been employed, while special care has been paid to assembly excellence and to the smaller details, with Renault Sport-badging visible on the grille, tailgate, sills, headrests, rev-counter background and dashboard trim.