France’s answer to the Ford Focus RS: 300bhp Megane

Renault Megane RS being tested on the Nurburgring Nordschleife

Renault was spotted testing prototypes of the new Megane RS at the Nordschleife. The Megane RS will lock horns with the next generation Focus RS which will replace the current RS. Now, the Megane 250 has been an old rival of the Focus RS even though it a bit down on power. However, the new Megane RS will have a 2.0lt unit which will produce as near as makes no difference 300bhp.

Renault Megane RS

To put down all this oomph, the Megane chassis has been tweaked and tuned. A mechanical limited slip differential will be standard. As seen on the prototype, the car gets extra cooling vents for its brakes and engine.

An even hotter version of the Megane RS in the form of the R26R will certainly follow. The current-generation three-door Mégane is likely to be around until at least 2013.