Renault unveiled a limited-edition Megane R.S. celebrating the French compact sport hatch’s rich history at the 2023 Tokyo Auto Salon. This collector model crowns a saga that began in 2003.
Megane R.S. Ultime is the last Megane R.S. series and the last model to feature the Renault Sport logo. Alpine, Renault Group’s sports car brand will write the next chapters in this story.
A SINGULAR AND EVEN SPORTIER DESIGN
Megane R.S. Ultime’s exclusive design features Renault Sport’s visual hallmarks, including the double diamond and specific graphics inspired by Renault’s new logo. The stripes are on the roof and the bonnet (except on cars with the optional sunroof), rear bumper, doors and fenders. They are matte black to harmonise with the four available body colours: the Star Black striping (which come as standard) blends in elegantly, the Pearl White has a striking visual effect, the Sirius Yellow brings back Renault Sport’s iconic colours and Tonic Orange creates powerful contrast. The year Renault Sport was established, 1976, is discretely inscribed in the right-hand-side striping.
Megane R.S. Ultime’s bodywork features a 60mm wider front and 45mm wider rear fenders, side air vents, R.S. Vision headlamps, a central exhaust, a shark-fin antenna, a spoiler and a rear diffuser. Many of this limited series’ details are now black: the logos, door handles, window frames, wheels (even the nut covers), fender caps, rear diffuser and the Formula 1 blade on the front bumper, which comes with a glossy finish and Ultime monogram. The gradient effect adds to the vibrant feel.
TRACK DAYS SPIRIT
The standard fittings inside include Recaro bucket seats with titanium black Alcantara upholstery and an embroidered R.S. monogram. Megane R.S. Ultime’s hands-free key card mirrors the diamond pattern on the stripes. The door sills are exclusive and every model has its very own numbered metal plate near the transmission controls, at the bottom of the console. It is signed by Laurent Hurgon, the driver and development expert who worked on Megane R.S. throughout its career and currently holds the Nürburgring, Suzuka and Spa-Francorchamps records.
“Megane R.S. represents 15 years of my work at Renault Sport. Since the Megane II phase 2, we have constantly improved its dynamic performance in order to remain the leader in front-wheel-drive sports cars. The records on the Nürburgring Nordschleife are unforgettable challenges, full of passion, adrenalin and emotion. And now, Megane R.S. Ultime… I am particularly proud to sign the version crowning this wonderful saga.” Laurent Hurgon, driver and development expert at Renault Group.
A FULL PACKAGE
The unrivalled standard equipment in a Megane R.S. Ultime includes many of the specific features in Megane R.S. and Megane R.S. Trophy: the 9.3-inch navigation screen with a Bose Hi-Fi system, 10-inch digital cluster, R.S. Monitor on-board telemetry, adaptive cruise control and 360° manoeuvring aids. The list of options is limited to the head-up display (left-hand-drive only), sunroof (left-hand-drive only) and a custom-designed cover that will thrill fans who have chosen this quintessential collector car.
ALL THE HIGH PERFORMANCE SPECS OF MEGANE R.S. TROPHY
This limited series based on the Megane R.S. Trophy is powered by a 300bhp, 420Nm 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, with an EDC gearbox (for Europe) and Torsen mechanical differential, which propels the car from standstill to 100km/h in just 5.7 seconds. It is fitted with Bridgestone Potenza S007 semi-slicks developed for Megane R.S. Trophy R, paired with Fuji Light 19-inch wheels and Brembo dual-cast brakes with red callipers. The front axle with independent pivots, lowered Cup chassis, hydraulic compression stops and 4CONTROL 4-wheel steering system add up to the ultimate sports car driving experience – on tracks and everywhere else.
