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Renault Mégane R.S. Red Bull Racing Rb7: bred for sporty performance
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 July 17, 2012. In France, it is said that good things come in threes. Well, after Clio R.S. and Twingo R.S., Renault has now released Mégane R.S. to mark its successful partnership with Red Bull Racing on the racetrack. The new limited-edition Mégane R.S. Red Bull Racing RB7 will be targeting pole position in more than 24 countries when sales officially begin later this summer.
•An even sportier look and equipment package, including a chequered-flag pattern roof decal, a limited slip differential and the R.S. Monitor system.
•The CO2 emissions of the 2.0 16V 265 engine have been improved thanks to the addition of Stop&Start technology (depending on market).
•Order books open in July in Austria (France: September).
“In step with moves in Formula 1 which is looking to reduce its environmental footprint, we have sought to combine driving enjoyment with even greater respect for the environment. The use of Stop&Start for the engine of our limited-edition Mégane R.S. Red Bull Racing RB7 is an eloquent illustration of this commitment,” observes Irénée Berry, Mégane Renault Sport Product Manager.
Equipment selected for driving pleasure
The limited-edition Mégane R.S. Red Bull Racing RB7 is based on the Collection 2012 version of the model to which a raft of technologies and sporty equipment has been grafted to satisfy even the most exacting drivers. The list of standard features includes a Cup chassis, a limited slip differential and red brake callipers. It continues with the R.S. Monitor which takes its inspiration from the on-board telemetry systems seen in motor racing. It allows purists to adjust the parameters of the driver aids and benefit from the display of data on the dashboard (automatic timing of 0-100kph acceleration, throttle settings, etc.).
Meanwhile, its stunning look is emphasised by the Etoilé Black body colour and the contrasting use of Renault’s Sport’s emblematic Sirius Yellow for the F1-style front blade, door mirror housings and diffuser. The roof sports a black chequered flag pattern decal, while Red Bull Racing’s official logo adorns the sides to highlight Mégane R.S. connection with the world of motorsport and Formula 1.
Mégane R.S. Red Bull Racing RB7’s exclusive sporty credentials continue inside the car with the fitment of Recaro bucket seats, a specific gear lever knob and a numbered plaque.
A car with two personalities: ‘reasonable’ and ‘fun’…
The chief new feature introduced by Renault Sport is the addition of Stop&Start technology for the 2.0 16V 265 engine. The hot hatch benchmark now benefits from optimised fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of just 7.5 litres/100km* (down 0.7 litres/100km) and 174g/km* (down 16g/km) respectively. As a consequence, the eco-surtax applied to Mégane R.S. in France has been reduced by €550, from €1,300 to €750.
Feel like being reasonable? Simple: select ‘Normal’ mode! The Stop&Start system is activated, while the engine delivers a power output of 250hp, plus peak torque of 340Nm. The emergency brake assist and ESC functions are also switched on to deliver a sensation of intense motoring enjoyment in everyday use.
Fancy a little more fun? Switch to the ‘Sport’ mode… The Stop&Start system and emergency brake assist are deactivated and maximum torque climbs to 360Nm. The engine produces an extra 15 horsepower, while the ESC switches to ‘Sport’ mode, enabling the potential of the chassis and engine to be exploited to the full. The pleasure is heightened by the rousing exhaust pitch.
Mégane R.S. Red Bull Racing RB7 rounds off the series of limited-edition versions released to celebrate the brand’s association with the Renault-powered Red Bull Racing F1 team, winner of the Formula 1 World Championship in 2010 and 2011 and leader of this year’s provisional standings.
The Mégane R.S. success story
Introduced in 2004, Mégane R.S. showcases the savoir-faire of the men and women at Renault Sport. It stands out today as the market’s best-selling high-performance C-segment coupé, with more than 15,000 cars sold since the launch of Mégane III R.S. in 2010. It has attracted a following of devotees across the globe, from Europe and South America, to Japan, Australia and South Africa.
The list of ultra-sporty limited-edition Renault Sport Méganes dates back to 2005:
•2005: the first limited-edition Mégane R.S. Trophy featured a Sport chassis, making it a car for the purists.
•2006: Mégane R.S. F1 Team R26 was introduced to celebrate Renault’s Formula 1 world title in 2005.
•2007: the radically sporty Mégane R.S. R26 R established a new record by becoming the fastest two-wheel drive, front-wheel drive car round the Nürburgring’s legendary Nordschleife.
•2011: Mégane R.S. Monaco GP.
•2011: Mégane R.S. Trophy established a new record for the Nürburgring with a lap of 8 minutes and 8 seconds.
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source : Renault Press
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