Autoblog

Renault Mégane Sport Tourer launches in no fewer than 21 flavors

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 18:16:00 EST

2010 Renault Mégane Sport Tourer -- Click above for high-res image gallery

Renault has introduced its new Mégane Sport Tourer, which might rightfully called "Blackjack," because there are twenty-one different versions in the range. That's one car available with four different engines in five different trim levels. It's the antidote to the kind of economic rationalization we've been seeing, but hey, it means you win -- if you're in a country where you can buy one.

The Mégane Sport Tourer starts from £15,485 ($25,553 U.S.) for the Expression 1.6 -- which appears to have a 1.4-liter engine -- to £22,785 ($37,599 U.S.) for a kitted out Privilège model. There's even a TomTom edition if that's how you roll, and you can get all the info on them after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Renault Megane Sport Tourer

[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Renault Mégane Sport Tourer launches in no fewer than 21 flavors

Renault Mégane Sport Tourer launches in no fewer than 21 flavors originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 Aug 2009 18:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ironic Twist: Renault reportedly banned from selling in China over "serious safety risks"

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: China, Government/Legal, Safety, Renault

The Renault Laguna, Scenic, Megane and Megane Coupe-Cabriolet were designed by Renault, built by Renault factories in France, and have all earned five stars in European NCAP tests. They have also all been banned by China's General Administration of Quality Supervision Inspection and Quarantine for "serious safety risks" and inadherence to technical regulations.

Renault didn't even sell a thousand cars in China last year, and the GAQSIQ didn't specify what could have been so wrong with those four cars that they deserved a ban. It has only said that Renaults "have many times revealed quality problems" and urged the company to check its Chinese-market cars thoroughly. We have no idea what the technical and safety issues could be, but based on some of the Chinese cars being sold... well, you know the one about glass houses, right?

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]

Ironic Twist: Renault reportedly banned from selling in China over "serious safety risks" originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Geneva Preview: Renault Megane RS teased

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Renault

In the run up to next month's Geneva Motor Show, Renault has launched a teaser site counting down the days until the reveal of the Renault Megane RS. We captured the image above from the darkened animation and after a few Photoshop tweaks, we were able to tease out some of the design details of Renault's new hot hatch.

The front fascia pulls a few cues from the Megane Coupe Trophy concept from the Paris Motor Show, including the sculpted lip that bisects the air dam, the contoured hood, bulbous fenders and headlamps, which appear to be toned-down for the production version.

The Renault Megane RS will initially be available in three-door form, with a five-door model following later. Power is likely to be supplied by the Renault Megane R.26's turbocharged 2.0-liter, putting out around 250 hp and returning a 0-60 time of around six seconds when equipped with a manual transmission. Brembo brakes, a limited-slip differential and a revised power steering system are all rumored to be included, and sales should begin in Europe sometime this fall.

[Source: Renault]

Geneva Preview: Renault Megane RS teased originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Renault to unveil new Megane RS in Geneva

Noah Joseph — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 16:27:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Renault

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the Renault Megane Trophy concept

Hot hatch enthusiasts know what it means when Renault unveils a new compact car: a new Renaultsport variant will follow. The French automaker's performance division continues to roll out some the hottest compacts in the business, so when the wraps came off the third-generation Megane in Paris this past fall, it was only a matter of time before the tuned-up sport version would follow, and reports now indicate that it'll arrive this March at the Geneva Motor Show.

For this latest generation of Megane, Renault continues to differentiate the sporty three-door from the more utilitarian five-door model, but the RS version promises to raise the bar yet again. Taking cues from the Megane Trophy racer (pictured above) also unveiled at the Paris show, the new Megane RS is tipped to feature a wider track, flared wheel arches, a wing bisecting the front air dam, and a center-exit exhaust. Power is expected to come from the company's 2.0-liter turbo, but tuned to produce 250 horsepower. The requisite chassis tuning, optional limited slip differential and beefy Brembo brakes promise to round out the package.

[Source: Autocar via WCF]

Renault to unveil new Megane RS in Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Paris 2008: Renault Megane Trophy concept

Noah Joseph — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 19:32:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Motorsports, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Renault

Click either image for high-res gallery of the Renault Megane Trophy concept

We've said it before but it warrants repeating: Renault makes some of the meanest hot hatches in the business. The (very) outgoing Megane RS has been a favorite among the track day crowd and really any European customer looking for a fast ride with sharp handling that can still serve on the daily grind. With the new Megane now out in the open, the big question on the minds of Renaultsport fans is what manner of fire-breathing demon will follow the established favorite they know and love? Clearly this isn't the answer, but if the production Megane III RS comes even remotely close to this concept car, we'll have yet another European machine to lust after.

The Renault Megane Trophy concept features a Nissan-sourced 3.5-liter V6 mounted amidship like in the old Renaultsport Clio V6, but producing a prodigious 360hp driving through a six-speed sequential gearbox, all wrapped in a competition-grade body with more wing than the Concorde and more louvers than a Parisian museum tour. Currently the car is just a concept, but could end up going into limited production for a spec racing series. Check it out in the gallery below and rest assured that it looks even more awesome in person.

Gallery: Paris 2008: Renault Megane Trophy Concept

Paris 2008: Renault Megane Trophy concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Oct 2008 19:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

EU patent office reveals production Renault Megane Coupe

Michael Harley — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 14:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Europe, Hatchback, Renault, Rendered Speculation

Click above for gallery of the 2010 Renault Megan Coupe

Recent snooping at the EU patent office yielded an application revealing the 2010 Renault Megane 3-door Coupe. The images (most likely shot of a clay model) show a much tamer production version when compared to the Renault Megan Coupe concept shown at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year. Sleeker than the 5-door Megane shots leaked a couple weeks ago, the coupe's C-pillar differs most noticeably as the window glass sweeps to a clean point as it meets the rear hatch. The best guess is that the coupe will see a range of engines from 1.4-liters up to 2.0-liters rated between 100 and 160 hp, depending on the model. Look for it on sale next year, but sadly not on our shores.

Gallery: Renault Megane Coupe

[Source: EU Patent Office via Carscoop]

EU patent office reveals production Renault Megane Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Sep 2008 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Renault Megane spied undisguised in America

Noah Joseph — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 08:26:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Hatchback, Renault

While French authorities go after the journalists and photographers who obtained images of the new Renault Megane, an undisguised, production-ready example of the vehicle was spied undergoing testing right here in the good old US of A.

The new Megane III was previewed by the Megane Coupe Concept unveiled at the 2008 Geneva show. The production version will be officially launched in October at the Paris show, where we'll be on hand to bring you live shots, hopefully without test crews trying to block the car.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Renault Megane spied undisguised in America originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Jul 2008 08:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

London 2008: Renaultsport Megane R26.R

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Misc. Auto Shows, Renault

While most of our recent hot hatch affection has been aimed at the Ford Focus RS, Renault brought its own racy three-door to the London Motor Show party, and now we're torn. Admittedly, the Focus RS is easily the more suitable day-to-day driver - it's got a full interior and air conditioning -- but the Renaultsport Megane R26.R has all the kit for a serious track-day assault. Hell, it even has two Rs in its name.

With the new Megane slated to appear at this year's Paris Motor Show, Renault wanted to give the current model a fitting send off. To that end, it took the existing Megane F1 Team R26, left the engine, gearbox and limited slip differential intact, modified the suspension and hacked off 271 pounds from its curb weight. The diet included the removal of the rear seats, passenger side airbag, climate control, fog lamps, headlight washers, rear windscreen wiper and the majority of the soundproofing material. In exchange, the R26.R received a carbon fiber hood, polycarbonate quarter and rear windows and a titanium exhaust.

Inside, the Renaultsport hatch makes the RS look positively pedestrian, with a set of carbon fiber Sabelt seats, six-point harnesses, leather and suede swathed steering wheel and gear knob, and an optional four-point roll cage. While output remains the same, at 230 hp and 229 lb.-ft. of torque, the stripped R26.R lapped the Nurburgring in 8:17 - a new lap record for a front wheel drive production car.

Only 450 examples will be made available when sales begin in the UK, France, Germany, Switzerland and Spain this October. And unlike the Chevy Camaro, Renault released a video of the R.26R doing it's thing around the 'Ring... three seconds faster. Check it, along with the press release, below the fold.

Gallery: Renaultsport Megane R26.R

Continue reading London 2008: Renaultsport Megane R26.R

London 2008: Renaultsport Megane R26.R originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

French auto-journo hauled off for espionage

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:18:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Budget, Europe, Government/Legal, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Renault

If you're in France, the phrase caveat emptor can probably be joined by caveat reporter after police raided the French magazine Auto Plus. The po-po were called last August to begin an investigation because the magazine published detailed photos of the coming Renault Megane, which Renault said wasn't supposed to hit showrooms for another three years. The raid was the next step in the Sherlock Holmes treatment.

Renault, of course, says that it is not after the press, it's simply trying to protect its intellectual property. The shots are so clear, and there are so many of them -- including the interior -- that it's obviously an inside job. The press, of course, feels that this is an attack on its freedom. The French press and the French government are engaged in a complicate dance, and this doesn't help things.

The police removed one reporter and a passel of computers. They don't want the reporter, though, they want the source. Auto Plus will have to wait to find out how much of that ever gets returned. But since the photos are out, we might as well take the time to say it's a nifty looking little car.

[Source: Reuters]

French auto-journo hauled off for espionage originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Carlos Ghosn goes to Russia, returns with a new AvtoVaz

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 20:32:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Etc., Hatchback, Renault

Relentless deal maker Carlos Ghosn has never stopped looking for any partnership that would give Renault a plum position in a profitable market. Already close to a Nissan deal with Chrysler working on Renault and Nissan deals in the Middle East, his latest paramour is in Russia. Ghosn has secured himself and four Renault managers seats on the board of AvtoVaz -- the company which, as you're all aware, is more popularly known for the name of its signature vehicle: the Lada.

Ghosn's idea is that Russia will be the hottest thing going in two years, so he needs to book his place now. Renault will take a 25-percent stake in AvtoVaz, and the board members from Renault will be focused on technology and cost-cutting issues. AvtoVaz will still be led by its Russian majority shareholders -- one of which is the State -- but will benefit from the expertise of one of the most efficient men in the business. To boot, they are also in talks with Renault about assembling Logans and Meganes. Who knows -- if Russia really does become that important and AvtoVaz proves itself with the hatchbacks, perhaps it'll get a shot at a Lada GT-R?

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Carlos Ghosn goes to Russia, returns with a new AvtoVaz originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Feb 2008 20:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: streamlined new Renault Megane

Noah Joseph — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Europe, Hatchback, Renault

With the Clio and Laguna having recently undergone complete replacement, Renault is now turning its attention to its middle range, and the automotive paparazzi have caught camouflaged mules undergoing testing on the open road.

Scheduled to bow at next September's Paris show, the third-generation Megane is expected to do away with the current model's sharp creases in favor of a smoother silhouette. The spy shots show that the current Megane's distinctive upright curved rear glass will give way to a more streamlined greenhouse, drawing on the lines of the new Laguna sedan. The range is anticipated to include three-door and five-door hatches, an estate wagon, a two-door coupe and a hardtop convertible. The new Megane's normally-aspirated 1.4-liter base engine is expected to be replaced by the Clio's 1.2-liter turbo, but otherwise the engines should carry over from the current model's, ranging all the way to the 225-horsepower turbo Renaultsport version.

[Source: Auto Express]

Spy Shots: streamlined new Renault Megane originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jan 2008 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

The Fast and the Frugal: Megane Renault Sport dCi launches

Alex Nunez — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 09:05:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Renault

Click image for photo gallery

It's safe to say that most (if not all) of us here at Autoblog have not driven any Renault automobiles lately. This writer remembers when such awesomeness (sarcasm alert) as the mighty Alliance and Fuego were available at local dealerships. The fact that you're probably more likely to see an Enzo over a running Alliance driving down the street nowadays tells you pretty much all you need to know about the fine nature of that era's Renaults.

The 80s ended a long time ago, however, and we admit that there are some modern Renaults out there that we'd love to get our grubby little mitts on for an extended test drive. One of those cars launched just this week in the Megane Renault Sport dCI. Sporting a 175 horsepower 2.0L turbodiesel that generates 266 lb-ft of torque from 2000 rpm, the hot hatch combines its inherent fun factor with fuel economy in the neighborhood of 36 mpg. It's available in both three and five-door body styles with either a standard Sport or more aggressive Cup chassis. Sport chassis cars, as shown above, have body-colored mirrors. The Cup chassis rides have darker wheels and metallic mirrors, which you can see in the gallery below. The only visual difference between the gasoline and diesel-powered Megane Renault Sport models is the lack of a roof-mounted rear spoiler on the dCi. Other than that, it sounds like it's just as enjoyable to own and drive. Details in full can be found in the press release after the jump.
[Source: Renault]

Gallery: Megane Renault Sport dCi

Continue reading The Fast and the Frugal: Megane Renault Sport dCi launches

The Fast and the Frugal: Megane Renault Sport dCi launches originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Apr 2007 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ripped from the Sports Page: Renault Megane L'Equipe

Alex Nunez — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 17:56:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Renault

Click image for hi-res gallery

If you'd have told us that a carmaker was doing a special edition model named after a newspaper, we would have, without hesitation, asked you which Japanese manufacturer was behind the madness. After all, the Japanese are the kings of the odd special edition, so this would not seem the least bit outlandish. As it happens, we'd have been dead wrong.

It seems the French are just as capable of pulling a special edition out of left field (sports pun fully intended). This explains the Renault Megane L'Equipe, named for the eponymous sports daily. The cars receive edition-specific decals and upholstery, as well as the 16" alloys shown, fog lamps, and creature comforts like an MP3-compatible CD player. Power comes from a choice of 1.4L (100 hp) or 1.6L (110 hp) gasoline engines, or a 1.5L diesel pumping out 85 or 105 horses. Why people (other than some fanatical readers) would choose this car kind of eludes us. I mean, we love the New York Daily News sports section, but don't think we'd be signing up for something like a Mike Lupica Edition sedan from some automaker...

[Source: Renault]

Gallery: Renault Megane L'Equipe

Ripped from the Sports Page: Renault Megane L'Equipe originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Mar 2007 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Geneva Motor Show: Renaultsport Clio F1 Team R27

Noah Joseph — Sun, 11 Mar 2007 17:52:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Renault

Click on the image above to jump to our gallery of 16 high-resolution images

Enthusiasts and consumers may contend that F1 racing provides only negligible benefit to road cars, but automakers evidently think otherwise, as more and more buy into the top-tier motorsport each year. Each has its own way of bringing its racing success to the road: Ferrari makes nearly-unobtainable supercars; McLaren's even more so. Renault, on the other hand, translates their immense success on the F1 circuit into some of the hottest hatchbacks on the market (even if they're not currently offered stateside).

Renaultsport launched the Clio F1 Team R27 edition to coincide with the racing team's launch of the R27, the Formula One single-seater they'll be fielding in the 2007 season that kicks off in a week. The new hot hatch made its public debut at the Geneva motor show last week. Along with special decals and a "Sirius yellow" finish, Recaro racing buckets, lightweight 17" anthracite rims and a few other special touches, the Clio R27 gets an upgraded "Cup" suspension. The limited series goes on sale this month, and once it's been sold out, the Cup suspension will be made available on the "ordinary" Clio Renaultsport.

The Clio R27 follows on the same formula as last year's Megane Renaulsport F1 Team R26, featuring the same livery and treatment, which was displayed alongside the new Clio R27 and the new F1 car on the Geneva show floor. Check out all the action in our high-resolution image gallery below.

Gallery: Renault R27 F1 at Geneva 07

Related posts:

Geneva Motor Show: Renaultsport Clio F1 Team R27 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Mar 2007 17:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

eBay Find of the Day: Fernando Alonso's Renault

Noah Joseph — Sun, 17 Dec 2006 16:21:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Auctions, Europe, Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Renault

Want to own the Renault that Fernando Alonso drove during his second championship-winning season? It's up for sale on eBay. Unfortunately, the Renault in question is not an F1 car, but a road-going Renaultsport Megane which Alonso drove for some promotional events, being sold out of Barcelona, Spain.

Retired F1 cars sell for millions, and usually aren't available for purchase until several years later so as to avoid rival teams buying the car and dismantling it for the team's secrets. Billing this as "the next best thing" would be a bit of a stretch, especially considering the €21,500 mark-up over the cost of any other Megane RS for an asking price of €50,000. That's pretty steep, especially considering that you can pretty much bet the car was driven hard, as the 19,000 kilometers on the odometer were racked up partially at special events shuttling celebrity guests around the track.

Good thing Alonso's selling it the hot hatch, 'cause you can bet his new team McLaren-Mercedes (for whom he just began testing) will be putting something better in his driveway.

[Source: eBay via Motorpasion]

eBay Find of the Day: Fernando Alonso's Renault originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Dec 2006 16:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Sportif: Renault launch the M�gane GT

Noah Joseph — Fri, 13 Oct 2006 08:32:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Renault

It seems Renault never tires of making sporty versions of their hatchbacks, and it seems we never tire of reporting on them. Mégane buyers looking for something a little spicy, but not quite as scorching as the Renaultsport versions, now have another choice: the Mégane GT.

Whereas the latest Renaultsport Mégane packs 230 chevaux, the GT offers either the turbo 2-liter with 165 hp or Renault-Nissan's latest 2-liter dCi diesel with 150. Compared with its more plebian stablemates, the GT version gets a sporty body kit including revised front end, side skirts, more pronounced wheels arches and rear lip spoiler. Also part of the package are twin chrome-tipped exhausts exiting close to the center with a chrome plate, lowered ride height, chrome around the front grille, honeycomb filling the front airdam and 17" rims.

The model applies the same sort of treatment from the Laguna GT to the sportier hatchback, available in three-door or five and priced to sell. The gas-powered version will hit sixty in 8.3 on the way to a top speed of 137 and returning 36.7 mpg, while the diesel takes 8.7 seconds, tops out at 130 and gives you an impressive 51.4 mpg.

All around the Mégane GT seems to present a well-rounded package with quirky French styling that almost makes us want to move across the pond. Almost, but not quite.

Press release plus another shot after the jump.

[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Sportif: Renault launch the M�gane GT

Sportif: Renault launch the M�gane GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Oct 2006 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Paris Motor Show: Renault M�gane F1 Team R26

Noah Joseph — Tue, 03 Oct 2006 17:34:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback

While Renault grabbed our attention at the Paris Motor Show with such exciting concepts as the Nepta gull-wing cabrio, Twingo supermini and Koleos crossover, they also revealed a new suped-up version of their ageing hatchback: the Mégane F1 Team R26.

The R26 takes its name and inspiration from the Renault F1 team's 2006 car, with which Fernando Alonso and Giancarlo Fisichella have been contending for the title. The sporty Renault uses the same 2-liter turbo four as the previous Mégane F1 Team car released last January, and ups the ante with a new limited slip differential. Power is up to 230 hp thanks to revised mapping and a new exhaust, driving through a six-speed manual, good for a 0-60 sprint in 6.5 seconds. Compared to the regular Mégane, this version has special dampers, anti-roll bars and a stiffer suspension for sportier driving.

Visually the R26 edition is differentiated by special badging, red brake calipers on the four-pot Brembo brakes, 18-inch anthracite-finish alloys, and racing buckets inside. The most attention-grabbing, though, are the no-cost-option checked decals, that, with yellow paintjob makes it look more like a taxicab than a hot hatch.

(More photos and press release after the jump.)

Continue reading Paris Motor Show: Renault M�gane F1 Team R26

Paris Motor Show: Renault M�gane F1 Team R26 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Oct 2006 17:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Renault plans more power for Megane RS

Stuart Waterman — Fri, 02 Jun 2006 14:34:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback

With the launch of the 197 hp Clio Renault Sport, Renault is working on a horsepower upgrade for its bigger sibling, the Megane Renault Sport (shown at right in five-door trim).

What Car? reports that Renault's engineers have massaged the 2-liter 16-valve turbo four in the Megane to yield 250 horsepower - a 25 hp boost from the current edition of the Megane RS. To help manage the extra power, the FWD Megane is said to be getting a new powertrain management system

The fortified Megane RS will be launched later this year at the Paris Motor Show.

[Sources: What Car?, Renault]

Renault plans more power for Megane RS originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Jun 2006 14:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments