Renault Megane sets new FWD ‘Ring record
This French Renault Megane R26.R is a track-ready version of the Megane hatchback. The R26.R will only be available in Europe, and it uses weight-savings to become the quickest front-driver to lap the Nurburgring.
The 2706 lbs car, of which only 450 will be built, uses racing front seats, polycarbonate windows and a carbon-fiber hood. Further weight is saved by removing the automatic a/c, the rear seat, soundproofing, rear wiper, fog lights and all except the driver’s airbag. In turn, it is 271 lbs lighter than the standard Megane R26.
The engine is a 2.0L turbo with 230 hp and 229 lb-ft of torque. Standard features include a manual a/c, re-tuned limited-slip diff, 235/40 tires on 18-inch rims, slotted brakes, six-point harness, stiffer suspension, roll cage and a 6-speed short-shifting manual. The R26.R can do the 0-60 mph run in under 6 seconds and apparently still manage 27.6 mpg.
It managed to lap the Nurburgring track in 8:17 minutes, which makes it faster than the Porsche Cayman S, which can only manage 8:25 minutes. The Volkswagen GTI is already slower than the standard Megane. The R26.R is now the quickest front-wheel-drive car around the track ever.
In other news, the 2010 Chevy Camaro SS manages a lap-time of 8:20 minutes. This is a good demonstration of what a well-tuned front-wheel-drive platform is capable of in the hands of the French.
Tags: renault megane r26.r