Megane Renaultsport 275 Trophy

So here it is, the new challenger for the title of Fastest FWD Production Car Around The Nordschleife (or FFWDCATN for short).

It’s the new limited edition Megane Renaultsport 275 Trophy and it’s aiming to make the most of a series of upgrades to stamp Renault’s authority back on the ‘Ring title.

Megane Renaultsport 275 Trophy

Upgrades such as an Akrapovic titanium exhaust system, Öhlins Road & Track dampers and specially-designed MICHELIN Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres. An extra 10bhp will help but will they be enough to achieve Renault’s target of a 7:45 lap time?

To be honest it doesn’t matter how the 275 Trophy fares at the ‘Ring. What matters is that it exists and it’s going on sale in the UK. Another special and rare Renaultsport model for us to enjoy.

The 275 Trophy starts off with the differential-equipped Cup chassis. Renaultsport’s engineers have then fettled the engine to find another 10bhp, for a peak of 275bhp at 5,500rpm, while the maximum torque of 360Nm is now available between 3,000 and 5,000rpm. Renault have even found time to test the economy figures – 37.7 mpg and 174g of CO2/km.

The new Akrapovic is described as offering a ‘more raucous bark’, which should be fun, and those Ohlins dampers should prove to be very interesting. Remember the Clio 182 Trophy? That used special Sachs track-focussed dampers to produce one of the best handling hot hatches of all time. That bodes well for the 275 Trophy.

Styling-wise we’re looking at a few cosmetic tweaks. A Trophy logo appears on the grey front blade and there are Trophy stickers over the rear wheel arches. The Recaro seats are covered in leather and Alcantara with red stitching, and there’s an alloy gear knob too. There are some optional 19-inch Speedline Turini wheels to complete the look.

Renault have confirmed the 275 Trophy will go on sale in the UK but are keeping quiet about prices and numbers until June, when the car makes its public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and also when it makes its official attempt at knocking the SEAT Leon Cupra 280 from the top spot.