Race-ready Renault Megane R26 R revealed early
Click above for gallery of the R26 R
Even though the official launch of the hot Renault R26 R isn't scheduled until the London Motor Show at the end of July, a couple pics of the race-ready hatch have been leaked. Powered by the same 169kW (225 hp) 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder as its sibling, the R26 Megane, the R26 R differs with a serious performance edge. The interior features a roll cage and carbon-fiber seats -- best to match the new carbon-fiber hood. The dual exhaust is upgraded to lightweight and corrosion-resistant titanium alloy. New bright-red 18-inch wheels shod with optional semi-slick tires connect the performance-tuned suspension to the asphalt. Compared to the Megane, the R model trims 125 kg (275 lbs) of weight, bringing it down to a svelte 1,235 kg (2,722 lbs). With a limited-slip differential driving the front wheels, performance is said to include a sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than six seconds, but we bet its true performance capabilities are much more evident carving curves on the track. Production of the R26 R will begin in November. As expected, don't plan on seeing any in the States.
Gallery: 2009 Renault R26 R
[Source: Autocar]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
SeattleJeremy 2:42PM (6/06/2008)
That car is so awkward looking. With it's swoopie rear window, strait up hatch window, and large butt. Just weird.
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psarhjinian 2:57PM (6/07/2008)
It's French, weird is what they do. Sometimes it's a race between them and the Japanese. On an absolute scale, the Japanese are weirder, but the French are weird with _style_.
Seen the Renault Vel Satis?
Rave 4:35AM (7/08/2008)
You yanks just dont get it do you. Ive got the current R26, and it goes like stink round the track. Quicker than cars twice its value. The 'R' will be even quicker. The looks are an aquired taste, but i like them, and its very popular here in the UK, so RenaultSport must be doing something right. You guys dont know what your missing out on.
Ps the States Rock ;)
mk 2:44PM (6/06/2008)
wow that is ugly.
if the back didn't look like a top-hat, and actually followed the dive of the rear quarter windows, into the nicely curved rear end treatment, instead, it would be a cool little car.
Now it looks like a mutated bread-van.
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Vintage 2:51PM (6/06/2008)
What he said.
Torrent 2:52PM (6/06/2008)
YIKES. I feel sorry for Europe.
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Shiftright 2:54PM (6/06/2008)
I agree, but the 5 door version looks much much better, and I actually really like it. The side window graphics on the 3 door look like they're from a different car than the rear window. The top hat analogy is pretty funny and fitting...Maybe a monocle over one of the headlights and paint it beige to turn it into Mr Peanut's ride?
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tankd0g 2:55PM (6/06/2008)
This isn't a new car, the shape is already very popular. The consumer version has a neat hatch on the bottom for chucking things in without lifting up the glass.
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martin 3:03PM (6/06/2008)
no it doesnt, your thinking of the pre 2007 modus with its boot-chute, the megane has a standard hatch tailgate with a sort of floating glass thing going on.
steve-o 3:05PM (6/06/2008)
good thing it has red wheels!
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Rick 3:50PM (6/06/2008)
Whoa, wow, ah, nice rear?
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Soccer Mom 3:11PM (6/06/2008)
A mail-order young French bride for aging American Aztec.
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inteller 3:48PM (6/06/2008)
more like French whore.
Rick 3:11PM (6/06/2008)
2755 lbs is svelt?!? Are you kidding? It's a pig.
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pmiddle5 5:04PM (6/06/2008)
Compared to what other currently available 2 door performance hatch?
Wally 3:17PM (6/06/2008)
That thing better have the aerodynamics of a fart through underwear to look like that.
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Gary Blomquist 3:21PM (6/06/2008)
Crimoney! It looks like a hearse!
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Mi key 3:23PM (6/06/2008)
I wish Nissan had brought these vehicles over here as opposed to the Versa. I 'm sure this would have had much better sales success.
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inteller 3:47PM (6/06/2008)
this looks like a bad screen capture from Forza Motorsport 2.
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SteveJ 7:04PM (6/06/2008)
"AARRGHHH!!! I'm angry because I have such a big bottom!"
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