Renault Sport established its first lap record for a front-wheel drive production car at the Nordschleife on 23 June 2008. The time of 8 minutes 17 seconds posted that day by the Mégane Renaultsport R26.R demonstrated that a showroom-specification front-wheel drive car could beat high-performance models from some elite specialist brands and tuners. Today, it was the turn of Mégane Renaultsport 265 Trophy to beat the time by a full 9 seconds, a lap record that has stood for three years.

Today’s impressive lap time is the result of the newcomer’s extra 15hp, at 265hp, along with careful set-up work and an optimised tyre choice by Renault Sport engineers.

The latest achievement speaks volumes for Renault’s ability to incorporate its motorsport expertise and experience – including Formula 1 – into its production cars. Indeed, Mégane Renaultsport 265 Trophy has benefited directly from all the areas in which Renault Sport excels, from design quality and exacting reliability, to painstakingly tuned engines, chassis and brakes.

It is a mystery why Renault have removed the video from youtube so I have attached the only video i can find sans the GPS Overlay or timings….

Priced in the UK at £27,820 on-the-road, the new Mégane Renaultsport flagship arrives ready to take the fight to its VW Group rivals, including the Golf and Scirocco R stablemates, with a 15hp hike on the current Mégane Renaultsport, plus an extra 20Nm torque.

Naturally, as a result of its greater power compared to the standard 250hp versions, it boasts improved performance statistics. The newcomer dispatches 0-62mph in six seconds exactly (instead of 6.1), with a top speed of 158 mph, up by an extra 2mph. In everyday driving, its 360Nm is usefully available across a broad rev band between 3,000 and 5,000rpm. Its impressive power-to-weight ratio is 191hp per tonne.

To achieve these gains, Renaultsport’s wizardry has seen the engine’s maximum turbo pressure uprated to 2.5 bar, up by 0.2, together with the air intake being revised to take account of the higher pressure and running temperatures.

In the UK, the latest addition comes based on the Cup chassis version, but also adds, unsurprisingly, even more core equipment, including Recaro seats with yellow seatbelts and detailing, Renaultsport Monitor on-board performance tracking and a UK numbered plaque. In keeping with its focused nature, there is just a single option, a gloss Renault i.d. Diamond Black roof at £415.

As part of its attractive price, new owners of the 265 Trophy also gain free access to the full 2012 Renaultsport UK trackday calendar, worth around £650, giving them the opportunity to revel in the track-bred qualities of the ultimate roadgoing Mégane Renaultsport around some of the country’s finest circuits, including Brands Hatch and Silverstone.

Note:- Tyres overpressure to take more speed and also the understeer shown in all the corners!

• Launched in 2010 on Laguna Coupé, striking Monaco GP limited edition is now being added to Mégane Coupé, based on Dynamique TomTom trim level 

• Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, the Mégane Coupé Monaco GP limited edition will be sold in 14 countries. UK launch is set for April 2011 

• A new version of Laguna Coupé Monaco GP will also be launched in the UK from April 2011 

Having played a headlining role in the finest moments at the motorsport mecca that is the Monaco Grand Prix, Renault developed the Monaco GP limited edition for its Laguna Coupé last year, aimed at fans of elegance, sport and style. Now set to join it on the grid after its debut at the Geneva Motor Show, is the curvaceous Mégane Coupé version. 

A shared signature for Monaco GP limited edition: elegance, sport and style

The Monaco GP limited edition models are big on personality. On Mégane Coupé, the front end with its sleek headlights and large air intake give it a dynamic stance, enhances by its broad haunches. Its imposing design is accentuated in this limited edition through pearlescent Arctic White paint, together with gloss black body components – door mirrors, rear diffuser and foglight surrounds, black headlight masks and “Monaco GP” badging.  

Exclusive interiors

Everything on the inside expresses its impeccable build quality and stylish sportiness. Among its original touches are Arctic white cabin details (console, dashboard trim, door handles), plus exclusive “Monaco GP” stitching on the seats, a numbered plaque and “Monaco GP” floor mats. 

Reassuring roadholding

Monaco GP features the very best in technology for unrivalled efficiency and peace of mind, including the latest-generation dual-chamber airbags, plus impressive grip whatever the conditions thanks to ESC. The chassis too was specially designed to bring drivers optimal control and driving thrills, without affecting comfort. 

Mégane Coupé Monaco GP

The Mégane Coupé Monaco GP limited editions features all the equipment of the Dynamique trim, including Carminat TomTom Live satellite navigation, plus: 

• 17-inch ‘Celsium’ gloss black alloy wheels
• GT/GT Line front and rear bumpers
• Unique carbon grey upholstery with Monaco GP logo
• Rear parking sensors
• Electric folding door mirrors

Two engines are on offer with the latest addition to the Mégane family. The 1.9 dCi 130 uses the best in dCi combustion and turbo technology and emits just 135g/km of CO₂, while the TCe 130 benefits from the latest advances in downsizing, enabling a 1.4-litre powerplant to boast the torque of a two-litre and the power of a 1.8-litre.