Renault Megane RS Trophy-R
The Renault Megane RS Trophy-R is the most extreme front-wheel-drive production car ever created by Renault Sport. Setting the Nurburgring Nordschleife FWD lap record at 7 minutes 40.1 seconds in 2019, the Trophy-R demonstrated that Renault Sport could still produce the world's fastest front-wheel-drive hot hatch, building on the legacy of the Megane III Trophy-R that held the record before it.
The Trophy-R was based on the Megane IV RS Trophy but received comprehensive weight-saving measures and performance upgrades. The rear seats were removed entirely, and numerous components were replaced with lighter alternatives. Carbon fiber was used for the diffuser, front bumper reinforcement, and various interior components. A lithium-ion battery replaced the standard lead-acid unit. Total weight savings amounted to approximately 130 kilograms.
The engine was the M5Pt 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 300 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque. While the same basic engine as the Trophy, the Trophy-R's reduced weight significantly improved acceleration and agility. The 0-100 km/h time was reduced to 5.4 seconds, and the car's behavior through fast corners was transformed.
The suspension was completely reworked with Ohlins Racing adjustable dampers featuring hydraulic bump stops — a technology borrowed from WRC rally cars. These hydraulic bump stops provided progressive resistance at the end of suspension travel, preventing harsh impacts during aggressive driving. The front limited-slip differential, already featured on the Trophy, was retained.
The most headline-grabbing upgrade was the carbon-ceramic front brake discs, making the Trophy-R the first hot hatch to feature ceramic brakes. Developed with Brembo, the 350mm carbon-ceramic discs saved 2.7 kilograms of unsprung mass per corner while providing superior fade resistance during extended track sessions. Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, developed specifically for the Trophy-R, provided enormous grip.
The Trophy-R was produced in extremely limited numbers, with only 32 units allocated for some European markets and approximately 500 total worldwide across all markets. Each car was individually numbered and built at Renault Sport's Dieppe facility.
The Nurburgring record of 7:40.1 was set by development driver Laurent Hurgon in standard-specification car, demonstrating that the Trophy-R's performance was accessible to skilled drivers without requiring professional racing experience. The time was over 14 seconds faster than the previous record held by the Honda Civic Type R.
The Megane IV RS Trophy-R represents the farewell of Renault Sport as we knew it. With Renault's pivot to electric vehicles and the rebranding of the performance division, the Trophy-R stands as the ultimate statement of a philosophy that prioritized lightness, chassis dynamics, and driving engagement above all else.
Extremely limited production makes verification critical. Check build number against Renault Sport records. Carbon-ceramic brakes are expensive to replace. Ohlins dampers require specialist service. Check for track damage as almost all will have been used on circuits. Lithium-ion battery condition. Carbon components should be inspected for damage. Unmodified examples will be most valuable long-term.
Approximately 500 total units worldwide, with only 32 allocated to some European markets. Built at Renault Sport's Dieppe facility. Nurburgring FWD record of 7:40.1 set by Laurent Hurgon. First hot hatch with carbon-ceramic brakes. The last model developed by Renault Sport before the brand's restructuring.