SPY PICS: New Renault Megane RS

Renault’s fourth-generation Megane RS has been spied undergoing testing at the Nurburgring Nordschliefe.

Disguised in the body of the garden-variety Megane GT, the prototype captured by motoring.com.au photographers provides a loose preview to what is set to be the most dynamically-capable RS yet. Hidden within the plain trim of this test mule are Brembo brakes, a centrally-mounted exhaust and wheel-arch add-ons.

Reports suggest the new model will produce more than 220kW of power, offer four-wheel steering and be available in both manual and automatic guises in a step away from its manual-only predecessor.

The new RS will also sit on a larger platform that underpins the regular Megane, a development which is expected to see it offered exclusively in a five-door body style for the first time.

The 25mm lower and 28mm longer body dimensions will also afford more mechanical grip. No surprises then that Renault stakeholders are eyeing off the Nurburgring front-wheel drive lap record from the current holder, Volkswagen’s Golf GTI Clubsport S (called the GTI 40 Years edition in Australia).

Expected under the bonnet of the new Megane RS is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder unit that will produce more than 220kW of power -- well above the third generation that offered between 184kW and 201kW (or 275 horsepower) depending on variant. It will also comply with stricter emission standards.

As before the engine will drive the car’s front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed dual-clutch automatic is also set to be offered for the first time.

The application of four-wheel steering will increase high-speed agility while also improving the car’s low-speed turning circle.

As for acceleration times, the RS’ official launch figure is anyone's guess. The additional horsepower and dual-clutch transmission points to a 0-100km/h in the vicinity of 5.5 seconds -- close to the all-wheel drive Volkswagen Golf R. Renault’s current Megane RS 275 Cup S will dispatch the sprint in 5.8 seconds.

Styling of the new model is also a mystery, though it is expected the new Megane RS will borrow cues from the facelifted Clio when the production version finally arrives next year, following a blobal debut as early as this month's Paris motor show.

Until then, keep an eye out for Renault’s disguised runs at the Nurburgring; the French manufacturer no doubt has some lofty goals in place.