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Renault is introducing a new version of the Mégane Renault Sport featuring an
even more sporting chassis. The Mégane Renault Sport Cup, entirely dedicated to
the pleasure of driving, benefits from upgraded brakes, recalibrated springs,
dampers and anti-roll bar plus a new electric power assisted steering system.
Modifications include improved support for the body resulting in lower roll
angles (-10%), less pitching during acceleration and less nosedive under
braking. These developments also benefit traction on all types of surface and
cornering potential thanks to a front suspension with greater turn authority.
The dampers, springs and anti-roll bar are adapted to suit an even more radical
driving style than the chassis of the Mégane Renault Sport.
The spring rate of the independent steering-axis front suspension has been
increased by 25% to 42 N/mm. In order to improve cornering potential, the
diameter of the anti-roll bar has been slightly reduced. For the rear
suspension, the spring rate has been increased by 77% to 44N/mm.
The driver aid systems benefit from recalibration. The ESP system may now be
inhibited. However, the system will still intervene should the car suffer a
major divergence from trajectory under heavy braking, otherwise, its
intervention threshold is higher and its operation less intrusive.
The front and rear Brembo disc brakes are drilled to provide better cooling,
optimum operation in wet conditions and a reduction in unsprung mass.
Considerable work has gone into improving the immediacy and rate of response to
brake pedal movement. The diameter of the master cylinder is increased from
23.8mm to 25.4mm, which results in better pedal feel. With such a high
deceleration capacity and taking into account the operating profiles, the EBA
system has been deleted to allow drivers to make the most of the vehicle’s
braking potential.
The new heavily perforated 18-inch wheels result in a saving of 1.5kg per
wheel in unsprung mass. The Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tyres, with dimensions 235/40
R18, match the requirements of the sports chassis. Dunlop and Renault Sport have
developed a special silicon-based tread compound which ensures maximum
efficiency on all types of surfaces. The stiffness of the centre section of the
breaker band improves stability at high speed. The multiple ribs of the profile
meanwhile ensure uniform pressure in the contact patch, providing optimum
adhesion.
The Mégane Renault Sport Cup introduces a new electric power assisted
steering system. A splined “tube-in-tube” sliding joint connects the two
sections of the steering column, replacing the flexible joint of the previous
generation. This provides a more positive feel around the steering centre-point.
Driving precision is improved thanks to the transmission of better feel from the
road surface. The calibration of the family of 16 curves which define the degree
of assistance has been developed to take account of this new feature.
As in the Mégane Renault Sport, the Cup is powered by the F4Rt 2.0 16v
turbocharged engine jointly developed by Renault’s Powertrain Engineering
Department and Renault Sport Technologies. This engine develops a power output
of 165kW at 5,500rpm and a torque of 300Nm at 3,000rpm, with at least 90% of
this torque available between 2,000 and 6,000rpm. The engine is teamed with a
6-speed manual gearbox.
The Mégane Renault Sport Cup will be available in one specification and has a
recommended retail price of $42,990*.
Renault’s managing director, Rudi Koenig, is pleased to add the Mégane
Renault Sport Cup to the line-up.
“This new addition to the Renault Sport range should prove to be a popular
choice with its superior handling and response creating an exciting performance
car,” Mr Koenig said.
*Price excludes dealer delivery and on road costs.
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