Renault Sport Technologies is going to offer a more sporting version of the Mégane Renault Sport. Its “radical” chassis increases the pleasure of driving. This sports chassis is being introduced in France as the “Trophy” limited edition. It will also be offered on the regular Mégane Renault Sport. Unveiled at the 2005 Geneva Show, the Mégane Renault Sport chassis five door is under consideration for Australia.

Renault is introducing a version of the Mégane Renault Sport featuring an even more sporting chassis to meet the requirements of a group of customers who are ever more demanding when it comes to vehicle dynamic behaviour. Entirely dedicated to the pleasure of driving, this version benefits from unique components and settings. Improved support for the body results in lower roll angles (-10%), less pitching during acceleration and less nosedive under braking. These developments also benefit traction on all types of surface and cornering potential thanks to a front suspension with greater turn authority. Understeering is limited. The dampers, springs and anti-roll bar are adapted to suit an even more radical driving style than the chassis of the Mégane Renault Sport.

For the independent steering-axis front suspension, the spring rate has been increased by 25% to 42 N/mm. In order to improve cornering potential, the diameter of the anti-roll bar has been slightly reduced. For the rear suspension, the spring rate has been increased by 77% to 44 N/mm.

The driver aid systems benefit from recalibration. The ESP system may now be completely inhibited. However, the system will still intervene should the car suffer a major divergence from trajectory under heavy braking. Otherwise, its intervention threshold is higher and its operation less intrusive.

The front and rear Brembo disc brakes are drilled to provide better cooling, optimum operation in wet conditions and a reduction in unsprung mass. Considerable work has gone into improving the immediacy and rate of response to brake pedal movement (a development also applied to the Mégane Renault Sport). The diameter of the master cylinder is increased from 23.8mm to 25.4mm, which results in better pedal feel. With such a high deceleration capacity and taking into account of the operating profiles of both models, the EBA system has been deleted to allow drivers to make the most of the vehicle braking potential.

The new heavily perforated 18-inch wheels result in a saving of 1.5kg per wheel in unsprung mass. The Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tyres, with dimensions 235/40 R18, match the requirements of the sports chassis. Dunlop and Renault Sport have developed a special silicon-based tread compound which ensures maximum efficiency on all types of surface. The stiffness of the centre section of the breaker band improves stability at high speed. The multiple ribs of the profile meanwhile ensure uniform pressure in the contact patch, providing optimum adhesion. In total, these characteristics ensure that behaviour is both efficient and entertaining.

New power assisted steering

The Mégane Renault Sport, along with the entire Mégane range, introduces a new electric power assisted steering system. A splined “tube-in-tube” sliding joint connects the two sections of the steering column, replacing the flexible joint of the previous generation. This provides a more positive feel around the steering centre-point. Driving precision is improved thanks to the transmission of better feel from the road surface. The calibration of the family of 16 curves which define the degree of assistance has been developed to take account of this new feature.

An engine of generous output

As in the Mégane Renault Sport, the Trophy limited edition is powered by the F4Rt 2.0 16v turbocharged engine jointly developed by Renault’s Powertrain Engineering Department and Renault Sport Technologies. This engine develops a power output of 165kW at 5,500rpm and a torque of 300Nm at 3,000rpm, with at least 90% of this torque available between 2,000 and 6,000rpm. The engine is teamed with a 6-speed manual gearbox.