French car maker Renault’s hot shop, RenaultSport, has revealed teaser images confirming it will launch a new high-performance Megane RS hot hatch on June 16th.
An image of the exhaust pipe and a cryptic Twitter hashtag, #UNDER8, have been revealed.
The ‘UNDER8’ phrase refers to Nurburgring road circuit lap times, one of the most crucial performance benchmarks for fast cars in the modern era, and breaking under the eight minute mark at the high-speed 20.8km road circuit has only been achieved by one front-wheel drive hatchback, the 206kW Seat Leon Cupra 280.
Previously the Renault Megane RS 265 held the record for the fastest front-wheel drive vehicle around the famous ‘Ring.
The Spanish hot hatch recorded a time of 7mins 58.4secs, beating the previous record holder, the Renault Megane Renaultsport 265 Trophy’s 8mins 7.9secs by almost 10 seconds – a significant margin.
However the latest announcement is a clear signal that RenaultSport isn’t taking Seat’s challenge to its Nurburgring supremacy lying down, and it’s expected to launch a very special, very fast Renault Megane RS model on June 16.
There has been talk of a new Twingo RS model, possibly powered by a 285kW V6 seen in the Twin’Run concept, and as we previously reported from the Geneva motor show, Renault designer Laurens van den Acker said he hopes aftermarket tuners will make a go-fast Twingo.
However it seems a go-fast Twingo will have to wait, as RenaultSport focuses its attention on a rock-solid Megane.
The teaser poster shows several aftermarket parts suppliers' logos, and as well as being fitted with a loud Akrapovic exhaust system, Ohlins suspension and Michelin tyres are also expected, brands often associated with high performance motorcycles.
As Renault revs up for another record-breaking attack on the Nurburgring circuit, Honda is still sticking to its guns that the new Civic Type R, launching in 2015, will become the fastest FWD hottie around the Nurburgring.