20.2.12
Wheelsology
Open for customer ordering from today, Renault’s new performance flagships, Megane
Renaultsport 265 Cup and 265 are priced £24,825 and £26,025 on-the-road. The key improvement on the second phase of the French brand’s halo model is a 15 hp hike on its predecessor, plus an extra 20 Nm torque, both released through the car’s Renaultsport Dynamic Management programme.
Compared to the previous model, the Renaultsport 265 boasts improved performance statistics, dispatching 0-62 mph in six seconds exactly (instead of 6.1), with a top speed of 158 mph, up by an extra 2 mph. In everyday driving, its 360 Nm is usefully available across a broad rev band between 3,000 and 5,000 rpm. Its impressive power-to-weight ratio is also a hefty 191 hp per tonne.
To achieve these gains, Renaultsport’s wizardry has seen the engine’s maximum turbo pressure uprated to 2.5 bar, up by 0.2, together with the air intake being revised to take account of the higher pressure and running temperatures.
Elsewhere, in either Cup form or with the optional Cup chassis specified on the range-topping 265, the new model retains the essence of the Megane Renaultsport’s award-winning recipe, including the critically acclaimed Cup chassis (stiffer springs, dampers and anti-roll bar and grooved brake discs), mechanical limited slip differential, Brembo brakes, as well as the innovative PerfoHub independent steering axis front suspension set-up, which virtually eliminates torque steer.
The brand new Megane Renaultsport 265 range features a host of technological features, most notably the set-up for the Renaultsport Dynamic Management system which allows the driver to switch between two power settings. The default is 250 hp/340 Nm of torque for five per cent improved fuel consumption, while turning on the Sport mode boosts the Megane up to 265 hp/360 Nm of torque for the ultimate Renaultsport experience. The Sport mode is activated simply via the ESC button and also enhances the car’s exhaust note.
Rounding off the equipment improvements, three new items appear on the options list. The first, Renaultsport ‘Red Design Pack’, apes much of the style of the limited edition 265 Trophy, with red striping on the front blade, rear diffuser and side protection mouldings for £350.
The second introduction is the Visio System by Renault which recently debuted on Scenic 2012, priced at £300. Assuming the driver has unintentionally lost concentration, possibly through fatigue, the system features a lane departure warning giving an audible and visual warning if he or she unintentionally crosses white lines in the road without indicating. The system can easily be switched off when not required. In addition, the new addition also incorporates an automatic high and low headlight beam when conditions allow. Not part of the system, but still of benefit in the new model is a ‘lane change function’ which is likely to prove ideal with motorway driving, giving three flashes to other road users simply through a quick flick of the indicator stalk.
The final addition in the trio is the option of a £360 new rear parking camera, combined with front parking sensors, to help protect Megane Renaultsport 265’s potent styling when manoeuvring and parking.
Naturally, a Cup Chassis Pack will be available on the more luxurious 265. Priced at £1,350 including VAT, it offers 18-inch alloy wheels in matt black, 235/40 R18 95Y Michelin Sport 2 tyres, grooved brake discs, limited slip differential, red brake callipers and stiffer springs, dampers and anti-roll bars.
As with the rest of the range, Renault is also the only manufacturer to offer TomTom Live services on the optional Carminat TomTom Live satellite navigation system as part of a fully integrated system. Customers also benefit from a three month free trial upon activation on the time-saving real-time system which also features Google search and weather functions.
In the rare moments when it is being driven sedately enough to be glimpsed, the Megane Renaultsport will be instantly recognisable through its striking interior. The Renaultsport 265 standard upholstery is carbon grey Renaultsport leather, with red seatbelts and red stitching visible throughout the cabin. Recaro front seats with a carbon grey leather upholstery and yellow seatbelts are also an option on the 265 and a new carbon and silver grey bi-tone leather upholstery is available as an option.
New for 2012, the Renaultsport 265 Cup standard upholstery is carbon grey Renaultsport cloth with red stitching. The seatbelts are red, as is the stitching throughout the cabin, while the door panels have a carbon fibre effect finish. Figure hugging Recaro front seats with a Carbon grey cloth and synthetic leather edging and yellow detailing are an option on the 265 Cup, while the seatbelts are also yellow with these seats.
Renaultsport enthusiasts can also look forward to several new design alloy wheels.
> 18-inch ‘Tibor’ matt black for the 265 Cup and when the optional Cup chassis is selected on the 265
> 18-inch ‘Tibor’ satin anthracite fitted as standard to the 265
> 19-inch ‘Steev’ Speedline in a diamond cut finish as an option
> 19-inch ‘Steev’ Speedline in a gloss black finish with a red rim and Bridgestone RE050A tyres as an option
One new colour is introduced on the new range, Arctic White.
4+ package available on Renaultsport
Renault recently revealed details of its 4+ deal for February which unusually includes all models across the Renaultsport range. This comprehensive customer care package offers buyers a four year/100,000 mile warranty, four years/48,000 miles free routine servicing, four years roadside cover and the availability of up to four years finance (HP, lease or PCP subject to status). The package will not only offer Renaultsport customers peace of mind, fixed running costs and affordable monthly payments, but also improve resale value as it is transferable to the next owner free of charge.
The headline Renault Selections PCP offer for the new range is a tempting £419 deposit/£419 per month over four years for the 265 Cup version and £439/£439 for the 265.
Posted in: New Launch,Renault
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