According to EVO magazine, the R26-R will use the same 2-litre turbocharged engine but will feature a shorter-throw gearchange and revised suspension settings.
To save weight they’re binning the rear seats and adding a carbonfibre bonnet, polycarbonate rear windows, a thinner exhaust system and one-piece carbon-shelled bucket seats, saving a massive 125kg over the standard R26. As a result expect improved acceleration (0-60 in only 6.0 seconds!) and even more nimble handling.
The Megane R26 is already renowned for it’s incredible cornering abilities thanks to its limited-slip differential, so the R26-R will definitely be a contender for the title of best hot hatch.
Details are due to be confirmed in July at the British Motor Show.