VIDEO: Watch all-new Renault Megane RS hot lap Monaco

Renault Sport's all-new Megane RS has had its first public outing some four months before its official unveiling this September at the Frankfurt motor show.

Completing two fast laps of the Monaco GP circuit, ahead of the F1 race this weekend, the French Golf GTI was driven by current Renault Sport F1 driver, Nico Hulkenberg.

Unfortunately, instead of fully revealing the car, the small hot hatch sported a chequered camouflaged that was created to confuse the eye.

That's said, the video remains revealing once you’ve fast-forwarded to 12 minutes 16 seconds and see the actual car in action.

Surprisingly, the Renault hot hatch lacks the wide wheel arches you might expect from a flagship Rs model. There’s no aggressive body kit or big wing that rivals like the new Honda Civic Type-R come with.

But look closer and you'll notice a completely redesigned front-end and huge rear diffuser hinting at some of the big underbody aero tuning engineers have worked hard on.

Following the fast laps, Renault Sport announced the Megane RS would be available with both a six-speed manual and the firm's dual-clutch 'EDC' transmission – addressing fears among enthusiasts the Ford Focus ST-rival would come with just two pedals.

Confirming an on-sale date of the "first quarter of 2018" Renault Sport didn't reveal what would power its fourth-generation Megane RS.

A safe bet, confirmed yesterday by a senior Renault source speaking to motoring.com.au is the old F4R 2.0-litre turbo – with roots dating back to 1993 – will be ditched for the new 1.8-litre that powers the Alpine A110.

In the bigger heavier Megane five-door the Alpine engine will be boosted from the A110’s 185kW/320Nm to around 225kW/400Nm.

It's likely, once again, the powerful turbo four-cylinder RS engine will be combined with a mechanical limited-slip differential to help efficiently deploy the torque through the front wheels.

All-wheel drive will not be an option.

Instead, the all-new Megane RS will feature Renault’s 4Control four-wheel steering — despite adding as much as 40kg to the kerb weight.

Renault justifies 4Control’s extra kilos with the more agile handling the system offers.

Last October, senior Renault Sport engineers told motoring.com.au that the 4Control wouldn't necessarily be available on all Megane RS models.

Back then they suggested the base car, 'luxury trim' and Cup chassis-equipped cars would come with rear-steer but the range-topping, hardcore Trophy model would miss out for weight-saving purposes.

Now, a senior Renault source suggests that might not happen.

"As far as I know all models now come with 4Control because of the handling benefits".

Despite the weight penalty of the system, Renault engineers are still confident of a near-class best power-to-weight ratio.

Also expect Renault Sport to have a crack at beating the Civic Type-R's rapid 7min 43.80 Nurburgring lap record (for a front-wheel drive production car).

More will be revealed leading up to the September 12 Frankfurt unveil.