What's the news?

A limited edition Renault Mégane has been launched to mark Renault and Red Bull's third Formula 1 Constructors' world title. The new model, dubbed the Mégane Renaultsport Red Bull Racing RB8, is based on the standard Renaultsport Mégane with various exterior and interior enhancements to set it apart.

Exterior

The body is finished in an exclusive Twilight Blue colour with Platinum Grey detailing on the front bumper, door mirrors, door handles and roof spoiler. Red Bull Racing decals can be found on the back and sides; while laurels on the rear windows mark the 2012 Constructors' title. The wheels are bespoke 19-inch 'Steev' items finished in gloss black with platinum-coloured rims. These are shod in the same Bridgestone Potenza tyres as the Mégane 265 Trophy model.

Interior

Inside there are Red Bull logos everywhere. The kick plates and floor mats are now both branded, as are the two Recaro seats up front. The RB8 is also the first Renaultsport model to feature the company's R-Link system in conjunction with the Renaultsport Monitor v2.0 system. The R-Link multimedia tablet houses satellite navigation, telephony, multimedia, vehicle information as well as R-Link's app store. The latest Renaultsport Monitor now features GPS tracked lap timing, a unique Red Bull Racing homepage and 3D menus on top of the features of the previous generation. In addition, the TomTom Live navigation system is now built into the car; with all systems controllable by either voice activation or a centrally mounted joystick.

Mechanicals

The turbocharged 2.0-litre engine from the Mégane 265 Cup finds its way under the bonnet of the Red Bull Racing edition. The 265hp unit comes with stop-start to aid fuel economy. Also fitted is a limited-slip differential, grooved brake discs with Brembo callipers and stiffer springs, dampers and anti-roll bars to keep things in shape round the bends.

Anything else?

The limited edition Mégane is on sale now for £28,245 and while that may sound like a tempting price there may be an issue with availability. The hot-hatch-loving country that is the UK is only getting 30 examples... which have probably already been sold.

James Giddings - 22 Jul 2013