FRANKFURT MOTOR SHOW: Renault reveals hot new Megane RS

Renault used the Frankfurt Motor Show to whip the covers from its long-awaited replacement for the Megane RS . And the newcomer pulls no punches with more power, a special wide-body, four-wheel steering and an advanced motorsport-inspired aerodynamics package.

The car shown in Frankfurt was painted in 'Orange Tonic' - a new Renault Sport-specific hue - and the hottest member of the Megane family is rapidly identified from the front via the hallmark RS 'chequered flag' driving lamps.

 In a move which has surprised some, Renault's latest rival for the Volkswagen Golf GTI follows the tyre tracks of its Clio RS sibling by dropping its three-door 'coupe-style' body.

Instead, the latest Megane RS will only come in the more practical five-door body style – but don't let that put you off because the family-friendly hatch is far from dull, featuring a body which has been heavily modified, to boost performance and lower race circuit lap times.

Up front are fenders widened by a considerable 60mm and the nose gets a wider front bumper incorporating plenty of extra cooling and even Formula 1-style aero blades.

Meanwhile, behind the front wheel arches are nicely styled large extractor vents to suck turbulent air and reduce lift at high speed.

At the rear, to help accommodate a wider track, the body is 45mm broader.

Underneath, Renault engineers claim they've manged to create a 'flat floor' effect to channel air to a huge rear diffuser which, combined with a subtle lip spoiler, is claimed to provide real downforce.

Maximising the effect of the underbody aero is a sports exhaust neatly packaged to exit within the centre of the diffuser.

As  for propulsion, Renault Sport confirmed the F4R turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, first seeing action in 1993, has finally been pensioned off.

In its place is the French performance division's all-new 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder which also powers the forthcoming Alpine A110 coupe . In the heavier Megane RS, the wick has been turned up from 185kW/320Nm to a more substantial 205kW/390Nm – the torque figure being delivered from just 2400rpm.

Purists will be delighted to learn transmission choices for the new Meganw RS are a six-speed dual-clutch 'EDC' automatic transmission or, pleasingly, a traditional six-speed manual with rev-matching down-changes.

Renault will release full performance data shortly but, thanks to a claimed 'class-leading' power-to-weight ratio, the small hot hatch should sprint from zero to 100km/h in 5.8 seconds and top out at more than 250km/h.

While all-wheel drive is lacking, to boost agility, the Megane RS will come with a specially tuned version of the Renault's 4CONTROL four-wheel steering system.

As usual, Renault will offer the Megane RS with either a 'Sport' chassis or a hardcore 'Cup' version, both coming with all-round hydraulic bump stops. A Torsen limited slip front differential is offered with the Cup chassis.

As well as the choice of suspension, the Renault Sport flagship will also come standard with configurable driving modes, with drivers able to select 'Eco', 'Normal', 'Sport' or 'Race' modes.

The Megane RS will go on sale in all markets — including Australia — in the first quarter of 2018. In order to equalize the fight with the Volkswagen Golf GTI, expect a local retail price around $50,000. All models will run 355mm front discs with Brembo calipers and there's also optional bi-material aluminium and cast iron brake discs for those with track days in mind.

Oh, and there'll be an evil Renault Megane RS Trophy model kicking out 224kW (300hp) and 400Nm for a bit of extra sizzle. This more will come "before the end of 2018" says Renault Sport and "will incorporate a number of technologies geared to performance".

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