About a month ago French automaker Renault revealed plans to break the eight-minute mark around the Nurburgring track with a front-wheel-drive vehicle prepped by its performance arm, Renault Sport.

Our first thought went toward a beefed-up version of the Megane->ke1227 as soon as we saw the first teaser shot released by Renault->ke72. Now that the vehicle has been finally unveiled, we got confirmation that the French have been working on a new iteration of the RS Trophy.

Developed specifically to regain its Nurburgring record from the Seat Leon SC Cupra 280, which lapped the iconic track in 7:58.4 minutes, the Megane RS 275 Trophy will be sold as a limited-edition hatchback->ke304 with exclusive features and a slightly more powerful engine.

Renault has yet to announce whether the new Megane Trophy managed to restore its rule on the "Green Hell" and it appears we'll have to wait for an official statement on June 16. Until then, let's have a closer look at the hot hatch->ke304 we won't be seeing in the United States, where Renault isn't likely to return too soon.

Click past the jump to read more about the Renault Megane RS 275 Trophy.

2014 Renault Megane RS 275 Trophy

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Renault Megane RS 275 Trophy
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 275 @ 5500
  • Torque: 265 @ 3000
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

While at first glance the RS 275 Trophy doesn't seem too different from the RS 265, a closer look will reveal a number of exclusive features that makes the former stand out. First up, there's a brand-new body livery that adds a couple of stripes that begin from above the side skirts and go all the way up to the hatch. The stripes, as well as the chequered flag graphics on the doors, come in a Platine Grey color. A new set of multi-spoke wheels finished in satin black and a lowered suspension also change the vehicle's appearance.

Up front, only one change is noticeable - the plastic, splitter-like piece that sits between the LED daytime running lights has turned grey and wears a "Trophy" decal at the center. Around back, only the Akrapovic exhaust, the badge and the smoked taillights will let you know that this is a special edition Megane RS.

Akrapovic exhaust for extra horsepower

Interior

Open the door and the first thing you'll notice is the individually-numbered, Trophy-branded grey sill and the Renault Sport floor mats. But only if the Recaro bucket seats don't capture your attention first. Wrapped in leather and Alcantara, the seats feature red contrast stitching and Renault Sport badging inserted into the headrests.

The sports steering wheel is also covered in Alcantara and benefits from the same red stitching. The rest of the cabin is pretty much standard RS 265, with nearly everything finished in black and complemented by aluminum or gloss black inserts. Not bad for a Renault built with Nurburgring performance in mind.

Recaro sport seats

Drivetrain

As the name suggests, this special edition Megane RS boasts 275 horsepower, exactly 10 horses more than the RS 265. The peak power is reached at 5,500 rpm, while the maximum 265 pound-feet of torque are delivered between 3,000 and 5,000 rpm.

Responsible for the extra output is the titanium exhaust system built by Akrapovic that also helps reduce weight and allows the engine to deliver a more aggressive note while burning gas.

The RS 275 comes with the same chassis tuning as the RS 265 Cup, but customers can select an optional Ohlins Road & Track dampers with steel springs. The system is similar to that used in race-ready Renault Megans and allows the driver to adjust damper settings when hooning their vehicle at the track.

Additionally, the French automaker offers a set of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires specifically developed for the RS 275 with input from Renault Sport.

2015 Renault Megane RS 275 Trophy - Drivetrain/Specifications

Type

two-liter petrol engine

Output (HP @ RPM)

275 @ 5,500

Torque (LB-FT @ RPM)

265 @ 3,000- 5,000


Prices

The limited-edition RS 275 Trophy will retail from €38,000 in France. That's about $52,100 at current exchange rates, but you might as well forget about it because this car won't become available in the United States.

Competitors

Seat Leon SC Cupra 280

Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, the Seat Leon SC Cupra 280 is the most powerful Leon model ever built thanks to its 280 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. All that oomph comes from a turbocharged, 2.0-liter engine that's mated to either a six-speed manual gearbox or an optional DSG transmission. The latter enables the hatch to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds, while top speed is limited to 155 mph.

As we've previously mentioned, the Leon Cupra 280 is the fastest production front-wheel-drive vehicle on the Nurburgring track, after setting a 7:58.4 lap on the famed course in March.

The new model can be had in either three- or five-door body configurations and it's already available in Europe, with pricing starting from £26,940 ($45,703 at current exchange rates) in Great Britain. Unfortunately, the Leon Cupra 280 won't make it to the United States.

Volkswagen Golf R

Unlike the aforementioned hatch, the Volkswagen Golf R will cross to Pond to North America with its entire 296 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Also powered by a turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-pot, the Golf R is faster than the Seat in a straight line, achieving the 0-to-60 sprint in only 4.7 seconds. Top speed is also limited to 155 mph.

Available in three-door and five-door body styles, the Golf R sets itself apart from the regular VW hatch via a more aggressive front bumper with large air intakes, reshaped daytime running lights and a new grille that sports the "R" logo. Around back, a diffuser is in place to reduce lift, while the LED taillights got a smokey treatment.

Interior upgrades over the regular Golf include a set of sports seats adorned by Titan Black cloth centers and Crystal Grey Alcantara bolsters, a special R steering wheel and an R gauge cluster. Customers that are looking for a more premium interior can opt for a Nappa-carbon leather package.

Ford Focus RS

Although Ford has yet to confirm a next-generation Focus RS is underway, several reports and recent spy shots indicate that the Blue Oval is indeed working on a high-performance model. Unlike the previous Focus which came with a 2.5-liter, five-cylinder engine under the hood, the new Focus RS will sport a 2.3-liter four-pot with EcoBoost with the latest turbocharging technology.

The unit is obviously similar to the one fitted in the brand-new 2015 Mustang, but word has it Ford will tweak it to deliver about 330 horsepower. The EcoBoost Mustang will get around 305 horses.

A new front suspension system will also make the Focus RS highly maneuverable, while stopping power will be provided by bigger brakes. The hatch will be launch only with a five-door body.

Conclusion

Although output improvements are minimal and the car's purpose is only related to establishing a new Nurburgring record for front-wheel drive cars, the Megane RS 275 Trophy is somewhat appealing due to its limited run. Can you live without the decals and the optional track-ready setup and tires? Then you might as well forget about it and go with something else. There are plenty of choices out there, with a couple of interesting sports car in the price range.