2010 Renault Megane Renaultsport Photos And Details Revealed

FOLLOWING ITS UNVEILING at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, Renault has today issued a raft of details and images for the 2010 Renault Megane Renaultsport (RS).

The new Megane RS comes in two guises: Sport and Cup. Both receive the same 184kW turbocharged 2.0 litre engine and driving through the front wheels.

The Cup, however, gets a limited-slip differential, which no doubt helps restrain the effect of the available 340Nm of torque when it hits the tarmac through those front hoops.

Power is now 15kW and 40Nm higher than that of the old Megane RS, with 80 percent of the peak torque coming in from as low as 1900rpm thanks to its twin-scroll turbocharger.

According to Renault, 25 percent of the 2.0 litre turbo engine is new compared to the Megane F1 Team R26 engine, with new intake ports, reinforced pistons and conrods, new intercoolers, sodium-cooled valves and new piston ring carriers.

A six-speed manual is the only gearbox on offer.

Suspension geometry is the same as the old RS, and electronic stability control comes as standard.

The Megane Renaultsport's electric power steering system has been recalibrated though, and boasts a sharper feel and better feedback over the outgoing model.

A new feature called the Renault Sport Monitor acts as an on-board telemetry system (with some of the tech likely borrowed from the Nissan GT-R), offering data on turbo boost-pressure, oil temp, brake status and engine performance.

A 'G-metre' and a stopwatch with 0-100km/h and 0-400m timers are also included.

LED running lights, 18-inch alloys, a unique bodykit and a central-exit exhaust signify the RS's sporting intent, while alloy pedals, body-hugging seats, a unique steering wheel and a shift alert adds a tinge of raciness to the interior.

Pricing and distribution has yet to be announced, however we'll keep you posted as that news comes to hand.

The 2010 Renault Megane Renaultsport is expected to land in Australia early in the second quarter of next year, targeting the likes of the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Ford Focus XR5 Turbo.

Following the Megane RS will be the 'regular' version, landing before the end of the second quarter.

Pricing for either model has not been confirmed. In the UK, the Renaultsport Cup will start  from £21,995 (AU$39,285).