Renault has released full details of its fastest ever road car, the Mégane Renaultsport 265 Trophy. Only 500 examples will be made, with 50 earmarked for British buyers.
As the name suggests, the Trophy gains a power boost over the RS 250 model - to 261bhp (equivalent to the 265PS the name refers to). Torque is up too, by 15- to 265lb.ft, which is available from 3,000- to 5,000rpm. Benchmark performance stats have improved accordingly, with the 265 Trophy hitting 62mph from rest in six seconds (vs. 6.1) and a top speed of 158mph (vs.156).
The Trophy is based on the Mégane Cup with its stiffer springs and dampers, larger anti-roll bar and grooved brake discs. To that, Renault has added menacing gloss black 19-inch Speedline alloys with a red rim. They're shod in the latest Bridgestone Potenza RE050A rubber.
As standard the Mégane RS 265 will be finished in 'Liquid Yellow i.d.' metallic paint, with red Trophy decals on the front bumper and doors. A black roof is optional, as is black metallic paint.
Inside, the Trophy features Recaro seats with yellow seatbelts and detailing, Renaultsport Monitor on-board performance tracking and a UK numbered plaque. LED daytime running lights are also standard.
The final twist of your arm comes in the form of free entry to all of the 2012 Renaultsport track days in the UK - estimated to be worth £650.
Orders for the Mégane RS 265 Trophy are being taken from June 20, a few days after it makes its public debut at the World Series by Renault event at the Nürburgring in Germany. The on-the-road price is £27,820 - only a £600 premium over the Mégane RS 250 with Cup chassis and Recaro Pack. Bargain.
Shane O' Donoghue - 10 Jun 2011