30.03.2009
We first saw Renault Sport’s new Mégane Trophy at Geneva earlier this month, now Richard Meaden gets the chance to drive it at Paul Ricard circuit in the South of France (Weds 1st April).
It looked awesome under the bright lights of Palexpo, unfeasibly low and wide and visibly more extreme than the race car it replaces. We’re offering you the chance to keep track of Richard’s drive, with real-time pictures and updates during the day. We’d also like to hear your questions and feedback, so make sure you connect to us with Twitter.
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Renault Sport Mégane Trophy – key facts:
New Renault Sport Mégane Trophy on track with its predecessor
Engine – V6, 24 valves, 3498 cm3, 360 bhp @ 7000rpm/390Nm @ 4500rpm. Developed by Nissan Motorsport using their experience in the Japanese GT Championship and based on the V6 power unit used in the Vel Satis and Espace, this Mégane Trophy’s powerplant shares most of its components with the production version except for semi-wet cylinder liners, stronger connecting-rod bolts and competition spec camshafts, valves and manifolds.
Transmission – the Mégane Trophy is fitted with a 6-speed, semi-automatic sequential gearbox and steering wheel mounted paddles. It is fitted with a longitudinally aligned gearbox incorporating a limited slip differential.
Aerodynamics – the rear diffuser generates 50% of the rear downforce, but the Mégane Trophy’s only adjustable aerodynamic feature is the rear wing.
Suspension – the Trophy features double wishbone suspension with sachs adjustable twin-tube shock absorbers, which are sealed by Renault Sport to ensure equality in its one-make championship. Cars are fitted with 6-piston AP Racing calipers at the front (on 356mm vented discs), and 4-piston calipers at the rear (on 330mm vented discs) fitted with carbon brake pads.
Dry weight: 955kg
For more information visit the Renault Sport website
The Journey: Setting out with DR’s Art Director Neil Carey to drive the new Renault Sport Mégane Trophy at Circuit Paul Ricard in Southern France;
Just boarding private jet on way to Paul Ricard
It’s pretty small in here!
Here’s the Megane. Quite a beast…
It’s a right handful. Hopefully the real car will handle better when I drive it tomorrow…
At the track: Driving the new Renault Sport Mégane Trophy at Circuit Paul Ricard;
Hmm, woke in the night to hear rain hammering against the window. Not what I had hoped for today…
Here we are. And yes, it is chucking it down with rain.
Our car being prepped. Looks awesome doesn’t it?
Car being warmed-up. Sounds awesome, looks awesome. Can’t wait to drive it
I was all strapped in when the session was stopped, so I’m now due in the car in around an hour from now.
Say hello to my new best mate
And Neil’s made a friend too
About Eds
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10 Comments
Tony
March 31, 2009Is this car front or mid engined?
Tony
March 31, 2009Is this car front or mid engined?
Tony
March 31, 2009Twitter is stressing out a bit right now, so this feature is temporarily disabled.
There’s handy eh?
Tony
March 31, 2009Twitter is stressing out a bit right now, so this feature is temporarily disabled.
There’s handy eh?
Steve
March 31, 2009@Tony – Renault describe it as “rear centrally mounted”, which makes it mid-engined in my book. There really wouldn’t be any room in the front, it was lower than ‘knee’ height when I stood next to it.
Steve
March 31, 2009@Tony – Renault describe it as “rear centrally mounted”, which makes it mid-engined in my book. There really wouldn’t be any room in the front, it was lower than ‘knee’ height when I stood next to it.
Steve
March 31, 2009Originally Posted By TonyTwitter is stressing out a bit right now, so this feature is temporarily disabled.
There’s handy eh?
Twitter does have a few availability issues from time to time, but when you consider how rapidly they’ve grown (in such a short space of time), then it’s not surprising. The Twitter display on our sidebar is transferred via the Twitter API and this is usually the first thing to go down, but if that happens try clicking on the ‘Follow us on Twitter’ button which will take you to the native Twitter webpage which you will usually find is still functioning.
Steve
March 31, 2009Originally Posted By TonyTwitter is stressing out a bit right now, so this feature is temporarily disabled.
There’s handy eh?
Twitter does have a few availability issues from time to time, but when you consider how rapidly they’ve grown (in such a short space of time), then it’s not surprising. The Twitter display on our sidebar is transferred via the Twitter API and this is usually the first thing to go down, but if that happens try clicking on the ‘Follow us on Twitter’ button which will take you to the native Twitter webpage which you will usually find is still functioning.
Richard - DR
March 31, 2009We survived the flight out, despite the jet being smaller than an MX-5. Landed at Le Castellet airport, which is right next to Paul Ricard. Lydden Hill it ain’t…
Just discovered tomorrow is a full World Series by Renault test, so we’ll be sharing the track with all the regular Megane Trophy nutters. It’s also forecast to rain. Keep your eyes peeled for more Tweetage tomorrow. Wish me luck…
Richard - DR
March 31, 2009We survived the flight out, despite the jet being smaller than an MX-5. Landed at Le Castellet airport, which is right next to Paul Ricard. Lydden Hill it ain’t…
Just discovered tomorrow is a full World Series by Renault test, so we’ll be sharing the track with all the regular Megane Trophy nutters. It’s also forecast to rain. Keep your eyes peeled for more Tweetage tomorrow. Wish me luck…