Renault Megane RS 265 Trophy Sets New Nurburgring Record

Renault's even-hotter version of its Megane Renaultsport hot hatch, the Megane Renaultsport 265 Trophy, has set a new lap record for front-wheel-drive production cars at the famous Nurburgring circuit.

Producing 195kW and 360Nm of torque - an increase of 11kW and 20Nm over the 'regular' Megane RS - the 265 Trophy was piloted through the Nordschleife course by Renault development driver Laurent Hurgon.

With no additional modifications, the hatch turned in a time of eight minutes and 7.97 seconds, beating the previous record by a hair's-breadth over 9 seconds - a record previously set by the new Megane RS's hi-po predecessor, the Megane R26.R. 

To find the next-quickest front-wheel-drive car on the Nurburging, you have to jump to eight minutes and 22 seconds, where you'll find the now-retired US-market Chevrolet Cobalt SS Turbocharged.

The Megane RS 265 Trophy is a quick one, with a 0-100km/h time of 6.0 seconds flat - a tenth quicker than the regular Megane RS - and a top speed of 254km/h. 

Setting it apart from the basic package is a black roof, unique rear spoiler and 19-inch gloss black wheels. Inside, it gets Recaro sports seats with yellow seatbelts and highlights, along with the Renaultsport performance tracking system and a build number plate.

The RS 265 Trophy goes on sale in Europe this week. An Australian debut has yet to be confirmed.