On its big debut at the Nurburgring , Renault Megane RS 256 Trophy sets a new lap record for FWD cars.

As the beefed-up version of the RS 250 Megane, the Trophy has 15 hp more power, stiffer chassis and suspension, limited slip diff, new Bridgestone Potenza RE050A around 19-inch wheels and Brembo brakes. All that has produced it a lap time of 8 minuted 8 seconds round the ‘Ring, which is 9 seconds faster than the previous record, set by Mégane Renaultsport R26.R in 2008.

That is a brilliant time for a hatchback which has a price of under 30,000 euro. And thanks to the Cup chassis and the car’s amazing handling we’re sure the driver has also enjoyed it, big time!

Laurent Hurgon (development driver, Renault Sport):
“The Nordschleife is a legendary course. Its length and layout, which is very different to that of a conventional circuit, make it a unique and technically demanding challenge. Its difficulties are extremely varied, ranging from fast and even very fast in places to much twistier and slower portions. Turns like ‘Karusell’ and ‘Pflanzgarten’, for example, make huge demands of the car and driver alike, yet Mégane Renaultsport Trophy is very much in its element here and feels particularly reassuring despite the uncompromising nature of the terrain. The limited slip differential allowed me to accelerate hard out of the countless turns without understeer. The carefully-tuned Cup chassis, the dampers, the fade-resistant brakes, the Recaro seats, the power of the 265hp engine, the ready availability of torque between 2,500 and 5,000rpm and the car’s Bridgestone RE 050A (235/35 R19) tyres allowed me to make the most of the car’s enormous potential, especially into and out of the corners. It is this package which enabled me to post such a quick time round this circuit which you must always approach with a certain degree of humility.”