At the end of last week the highly-anticipated Mégane R.S. 265 was launched to the Australian market. The R.S. 265 offers extra features over the R.S. 250 and was inspired by a tender to the Gendarmerir Nationale (the Frence Police) for their rapid intervention vehicle. The Mégane R.S. 265 delivers 15 extra horsepower and 20Nm additional torque over the Mégane R.S. 250.  By selecting the Sport Mode, the driver can benefit from peak power of 195kW and torque of 360Nm for an even crisper acceleration response.  “I am so excited to be launching the Mégane R.S. 265 in Australia,” said Justin Hocevar, Managing Director of Renault Australia. “We have been blown away by the overwhelming customer response to the Mégane R.S. 250 and are actually, currently the third largest market globally for this car.” All Mégane R.S. 265 come standard with Renault Sport’s legendary Cup chassis combined with a limited slip differential.  The Mégane R.S. 265 retains the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission. To deliver the ultimate exhaust note at all revs, the Mégane R.S. 265 benefits from a more open exhaust design and enhanced engine acoustics.  Through a series of subtle exterior changes, the Mégane R.S. 265 delivers a stronger personality and more exclusive feel.  The front end has been designed to be more expressive with the F1-style front blade, characteristic of Renault Sport models, now featuring two rows of six LEDs and chrome highlights.  In addition, the front headlight masks are now sporty black. New 18-inch matt black wheels rims are available along with an optional R.S. Red Design Pack, which comprises red pin-striping for the F1 blade, side protective mouldings and rear diffuser. New interior trims showcase the quality and comfort of the cabin. Depending on the specification level, visible red or yellow stitching on the upholstery, steering wheel and gear lever knob compliments a striking dashboard trim strip and the flamboyant seatbelts, a hallmark of Renault Sport design. A new, distinctive, two-tone light grey and charcoal leather upholstery can be specified as an option on the range-topping Trophy+. Other sporty appointments include a black lacquer finish for the centre console and air vent surrounds, plus a carbon-effect finish for the door panel inserts. For the first time, when the optional satellite navigation is specified, the Mégane R.S. 265 comes with a rear-view camera with park-assist system. To further enhance driver comfort, indicators with highway mode are now standard across the range along with an Air Quality Senor, which monitors the quality of the outside air entering the cabin and automatically activates the air recycling mode when necessary. The new Mégane R.S. 265 is the first vehicle to feature a new user-friendly radio interface, designed in response to customer feedback. In response to customer demand, the Mégane R.S. 265 will now be available in three specification levels from launch; the entry-level Cup, the sport orientated Trophy and for the first time, the range-topping, luxury Trophy+.  The Mégane R.S. 265 remains competitively priced with a host of standard features across the range and a manufacturer’s list price starting at just $42,640, excluding dealer delivery and statutory charges. “The Mégane R.S. 265 represents the best of Renault and Renault Sport. Through subtle changes to the exterior and interior, we have achieved a striking result and a noticeable difference from the Mégane R.S. 250. “We have already seen a strong demand for the new Mégane R.S. 265 and anticipate we will sell out of our 2012 allocation quickly. I would encourage customers to place their orders as soon as possible to avoid disappointment,” said Hocevar. The Mégane R.S. 265 will go on sale nationally on August 28th, 2012.

enault Australia today launched the new Mégane Hatch Sport Edition. Renault has launched a limited version of the Mégane Hatch Sport Edition. This limited run is available with the 2.0-litre petrol engine mated to either a 6-speed manual or CVT gearbox. On top of the current entry-level Dynamique specification levels, the Sport edition will receive 17-inch Schuss alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, rear privacy glass, limited edition trim details and daytime running lamps. The Mégane Hatch Sport Edition represents over $1800 of value for an increase of only $1000 on the recommended retail price. In addition, the Mégane Hatch Sport Edition will introduce a striking new metallic Prussian Blue colour to the range.  The Mégane Hatch Sport Edition has an RRP of $23,990 for the six-speed manual and $25,990 for the CVT, excluding dealer delivery and statutory charges. Boasting a long line-up of standard features including hands-free entry, Bluetooth with audio streaming, cruise control and speed limiter, the Mégane Hatch Sport Edition is the ideal balance of stylish looks, driving dynamics and value. The Mégane range leads the way for Renault Australia, representing 38.6% of total sales in 2012. “We are delighted to be introducing the Mégane Hatch Sport Edition”, said Justin Hocevar, Managing Director of Renault Australia. “This vehicle represents fantastic value to our customers with the inclusion of rear parking sensors, daytime running lights and the new 17-inch Schuss alloy wheels.  The new Prussian Blue metallic paint compliments the alloys perfectly and creates a striking profile for our Mégane hatch. “We are continuing our strategy of creating exceptional value for our customers, which was so successful for us in 2011. We anticipate a high demand for our Sports Edition so I would encourage customers to visit their local dealership without delay.” Only 115 Mégane Hatch Sport Editions will be available in Australia. Mégane Hatch Sport Edition specification:

• 17-inch Schuss alloy wheels
• Rear parking sensors
• Fog lamps
• Leather wrapped steering wheel
• Leather wrapped gear stick
• Metallic grey, electrically adjustable heated door mirrors
• Metallic grey door handles
• Black headlamp masks
• Body coloured side mouldings
• Tinted windows with rear privacy glass
• L.E.D. daytime running lights
• Front grille insert

 

Renault is poised to be one of the most prominent car brands at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, with details announced of its star-studded participation, featuring a plethora of iconic heritage cars, the latest performance models, two well-known motor sport legends, plus its stunning A110-50 concept car. One huge surprise is also sure to cause quite a stir. Over the course of the four-day event (28 June to 1 July), the world’s largest celebration of motor sport and car culture, the French marque’s involvement will be centred on celebrating its 110 years of engine expertise. Among its eclectic mix of static and moving cars will be vehicles such as Type K-fitted with Renault’s first four-cylinder engine, which won the Paris-Vienna race in 1902, the Viva Grand Sport from 1935, plus the current Clio and Mégane Renault Sports. The production version of the firm’s striking 100% electric ZOE supermini will also be looking to generate positive vibes ahead of its UK launch later this year. Other exceptional cars will take part in the famous 1.16-mile Festival hillclimb, including the UK premiere of the Renault Alpine A110-50 concept, built to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the famous Alpine A110 Berlinette, a pristine example of which will also be pulling in the crowds in its own right. Joining it will be the RS01 and RE40 Formula 1 cars, the rally-winning R5 Maxi Turbo, Alpine A443 and the current Mégane Trophy race car. The array of vehicles will be driven by Carlos Tavares, Chief Operating Officer of Renault, as well as Alain Prost, Jean Ragnotti and other well-known Renault drivers. Bringing the Renault collection right up to the present day, will be the current Clio and Mégane Renault Sports. Rounding off the impressive French collection gathered together for the four-day motoring extravaganza will be the unique Twizy, which will be available to test drive as part of the Goodwood Moving Motor Show.

Seasoned Targa Tasmania competitor Gavin James and long-time co-driver Tim Kulhanek have achieved an impressive debut in their privately owned Mégane R.S. 250. Competing in the two-wheel-drive showroom category for the first time since the 1980s, James comfortably held his own against the favourites.  As the event unfolded the Renault was trading stage wins with the seasoned competitors.  In fact, in leg 5 TS26 the Mégane R.S. 250 finished first in two-wheel-drive showroom and was equal tenth fastest outright.  James competed for the privately owned Milwaukee Tools Renault Rally team who purchased the Mégane R.S. 250 in 2011. The notoriously testing Tasmanian conditions took their toll on leg 4 when the Mégane R.S. 250 came off second best in an altercation with an inconveniently located lamp post, forcing James to retire. “The Renault RS was on the pace from day one winning the 2WD Showroom Category in the Prologue at Georgetown,” James commented “The RS has so many technical advancements in its chassis and electronics package it answered every challenge as we placed the RS under enormous stress. “Never before have I enjoyed driving such a well balanced and responsive car like the RS. “Showroom production cars are notoriously fickle when driven hard in tough conditions. The Renault RS 250 continually performed beyond my expectations and we can’t wait to campaign the Milwaukee Tools Renault in this year’s Australian Tarmac Championship.” Justin Hocevar, Managing Director of Renault Australia, said: “I would like to congratulate Gavin and Tim on a brilliant Targa event.  It was wonderful to see the Renault right at the pointy end of the field in its first year. “We know the Mégane R.S. 250 is a brilliant car and it is fantastic when we are able to see someone test its ability in such a gruelling environment.  We wish Gavin all the very best and look forward to continuing to work with him in future events.”  

David Coulthard racked up his third win at the Albert Park Grand Prix circuit in Melbourne on March 18, taking out a photo finish victory at the end of a bruising and action-packed encounter in the Renault Red Bull Race Off. While the former Formula 1 GP winner held off V8 Supercar star Rick Kelly by a microscopic 0.04 seconds for victory, getting to the line first required a major amount of determination and race speed. Following a short and spectacular flight by Renault Jet Pack Man helping to line up the cars on the grid, six identical Mégane Renault Sport 250 coupés charged away from the line with Kelly keen to repeat his Saturday victory. He was eagerly pursued by Speedway champion Jason Crump in his first ever weekend of four-wheeled racing, aspirant V8 Supercar challenger Samantha Reid, Crusty Demon’s two-wheeled daredevil Robbie Maddison (who won this event in 2011), and dark horse drift-king Mad Mike Whiddett. After just five frenetic laps of the Red Bull Race Off, each of the Renault’s showed a degree of panel damage raging from race rash to rampant road rage. From the start, mid-corner pushing and shoving saw the lead change several times per lap as caution was flung to the wind and the red mist descended. “I was hit by everybody yesterday (Saturday), but I didn’t hit back,” Samantha Reid said ahead of the finale. “I won’t be so nice today (Sunday).” However, Reid stayed clear of much of the smash and dash carnage to finish a strong fourth. Robbie Maddison seemed to be bent on bending as many rivals’ doors as possible while Jason Crump spent much of the time trying to stay out of trouble, not always successfully. For drifter Mad Mike, not using the handbrake in corners was something of a novelty, but his approach was to nail the throttle all the way round and unsettle the car with a dab of left foot braking.   “That seemed to work,” he said afterwards. “Robbie seemed to think straight lining some of the curves was a better route.” Despite finishing well down the field on both days, Speedway star Jason Crump set the fastest lap of 2.37.6 on Saturday and 2.27.49 on Sunday. The Red Bull Race Off was an entertaining automotive brawl that despite its intensity provided viewers both trackside and on TV with a dynamic demonstration of the Mégane RS 250’s drivability and durability. “The racing was very competitive and perhaps a touch too close for my comfort,” said Justin Hocevar, Renault Australia Managing Director, who commentated on the race for GPTV through only partially gritted teeth. “The Red Bull Race Off did provide great entertainment and a fantastic opportunity for these very powerful and successful road cars to show off their racing genes in a very appropriate environment. “On a weekend when Renault powered a full third of the Formula 1 field, it was wonderful to see our six road cars on track at max attack speed as well. “My congratulations to David Coulthard for returning to take up the Red Bull Race Off challenge and for his narrow yet impressive win.”