TARGA: motoring's Targa Renault lives

It’s no secret: Renault is serious about upping its brand presence in Australia. With a recently announced deal to sponsor AFL club Port Adelaide Power, the local operation is seeking to elevate the brand into the mainstream conscience.

An expanded F1 footprint has added to the critical mass and underlying local efforts is a renewed commitment to motorsport in Australia—at all levels. Keystone entries into the Australian Rally Championship and the purchase of the Renault Sport Megane Trophy racer signify this intent; however, it’s the official entry of Renault Sport Australia into the gruelling tarmac rally marathon that is Targa Tasmania which has grabbed much of the attention.

But we're biassed. Why? Because motoring.com.au is directly involved as a sponsor of the team -- as well as providing one of the drivers... The Team Renault Sport motoring.com.au Targa squad will be headed by Channel 7 personality Grant Denyer and our own Editor-in-Chief, Mike Sinclair, has been tasked with piloting the other ‘works’ entry.

The Targa Tasmania class structure allows for manufacturers to demonstrate their wares via ‘Showroom’ classes. It's these classes that have attracted growing popularity in recent years. They allow only minimal modification and thus arguably best display the talents of the car/crew combination. With Renault Sport’s Megane RS 265 being the hot-hatch of choice on the road, it was a natural progression for the company to prepare two for entry into the Targa 2WD Showroom class.

“With the rules in 2WD Showroom being so strict, we felt it was the perfect opportunity to truly showcase the Megane’s capabilities,” explained Renault Australia Marketing Director, Chris Bayman.

On the surface, it may appear that preparing a vehicle for the rigours of Targa Showroom competition wouldn’t be too difficult. The reality is far more complex. To this end, Renault Sport joined forces with the internationally-acclaimed Walkinshaw Performance to prepare the Megane RS 265s for competition.

“We have some incredible engineering minds within the business, so to have the opportunity to work with Renault on projects such as this is a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate our capabilities,” General Manager Tony Harris told motoring.com.au.

Charged with leading the build process, Walkinshaw Performance Project Engineer Rob Davis [no relation!] is one such mind.

“Renault Sport was keen to showcase the potential of the Megane RS 265, with minimal modifications from the road version,” he explained.

“As such the finished product-- despite the roll cage and other safety requirements—has retained as much of the stock specification as possible.”

Much of the development work has completed within Walkinshaw Performance’s walls and includes key tweaks to maximise performance, reliability and safety within the Showroom regulations.

“We stripped the car down, supplied and fitted a full welded, FIA-approved roll cage and fitted the interior with a fire extinguisher, six-point harnesses and Velo HANS-compatible seats. An ignition cut-off switch and all the normal safety items [bonnet catches, etc] have also been fitted,” explained Davis.

The cage itself is a work of art. It mimics the design Renault Sport uses in its factory built N4 spec tarmac rally Meganes which compete in national titles across Europe. Local expertise has been incorporated with significant side intrusion protection added.

Though the rules allow a full chrome-moly cage, high-strength steel has been used. The trade-off -- cost versus weight.

Demonstration runs at the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix meant Davis' build schedule was modified. After the cage was installed, the cars were reassembled with standard mechanicals to allow the F1 appearance.

“A Targa-style event is quite unique,” Davis told this writer.

“With only eight tyres available over six days of competition, the car needs to be able to manage its tyres well, perform on a variety of surfaces in variable weather, and be not only fast, but easy to drive... Reliability is paramount.”

The Brembo brake package which comes standard on the Renault Sport Megane RS 265 has been deemed more than capable for the task.

Davis has planned an upgrade to a Ferodo DS3000 racing brake pad and higher boiling-point fluid. The team will carry pre-matched sets of rotors and pads to the Tassie event ("just in case": Davis)

The Megane's standard dampers and springs, on the other hand, will be replaced. A new set-up has been developed by Walkinshaw Performance in conjunction with noted rally expert and former Australian Rally Champion, Murray Coote.

“The suspension is bespoke to this build. Low-speed bump and rebound adjustability has been built in to enable specific tuning as required,” explains Davis.

Interestingly a near-stock spring rate has been retained to cope with the myriad bumps, dips and jumps the crew will have to contend with at Targa. Dunlop will supply tarmac rally-specific ‘R-Spec’ rubber for the event.

In the weeks ahead, as Targa approaches, the Walkinshaw crew will lift the bonnet and optimise the Megane's giant-killing turbocharged 2.0-litre four.

“In terms of improving engine performance, our hands are tied by the regulations,” explained Davis.

Plans include a stainless-steel turbo-back exhaust that is, as dictated by the rules, a maximum of two per cent larger than standard. Most effort, will however, be expended on the engine tune. We'll update more on this as the event approaches...

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