RENAULT has unveiled its fastest ever road car, the Megane Renaultsport 265 Trophy, ahead of its world debut at the Nurburgring circuit this weekend.
This latest Renaultsport flagship is taking the fight to Volkswagen group rivals like the Golf and Scirocco R, on the back of a 15bhp power hike on the current Megane Renaultsport, plus an extra 20Nm of torque.
But fans of the French flyer will have to be quick out of the blocks when sales of the £27,820 model start next week because the run is limited to only 500 cars, 50 of which are bound for the UK.
Compared to the standard 250bhp versions, the newcomer dispatches 0-62mph in exactly six seconds instead of 6.1, with a top speed of 158 mph - which is up by 2mph.
UK cars come based on the Cup chassis version, but also add equipment like Recaro seats with yellow seatbelts and detailing, Renaultsport Monitor on-board performance tracking and a UK numbered plaque.
That’s in addition to gloss black 19-inch Speedline alloys with red rim, high-performance Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tyres, ‘Trophy' red decals on the F1-style front blade and doors, LED daytime running lights and the return of Liquid Yellow i.d. metallic paint.
There’s just a single extra cost option - a gloss Renault i.d. Diamond Black roof at £415.
Included in the 265 Trophy’s price is free access to the full 2012 Renaultsport UK trackday calendar, worth around £650. It gives owners the chance to experience their car’s qualities around some of the country’s finest circuits, including Brands Hatch and Silverstone.