Following the launch of the new Renault MEGANE R.S. 280 CUP, the highly-anticipated Renault Sport Track Day has made a comeback with a twist as a night session at the Sepang International Circuit.
A total of 30 Renault Sports owners put their skills and vehicle performance to the test in as many adrenaline-pumping laps around the track as they could complete within the allocated time.
In conjunction with Track Day, TC Euro Cars also conducted a timed run of the All-new MEGANE R.S. 280 CUP EDC prior to the start of the track sessions. The Megane R.S. 280 CUP EDC bettered the previously recorded lap time by three seconds – 2:38 mins vs 2:41 mins by the Megane R.S. 265 CUP – on a stock car with the 19-inch Yokohama AD08R 245/35 tyres, the official tyre sponsor for the event.
The AD08R features world-class technology to provide more grip for unprecedented performance. Rapid reflex twin ribs provide stability during high-speed driving. Steel sidewall inserts resist lateral deflection to provide excellent control and enhanced cornering.
As always, safety is top priority for TC Euro Cars and Renault and only experienced drivers were allowed to drive on the track by themselves while first-time track drivers were accompanied by a professional instructor. Another pre-requisite before the drivers could hit the track was the safety briefing, regardless of whether the participant is an expert or seasoned track driver.
While participants were not racing amongst each other, they were racing against their own record to try and set better lap times – a great way to benchmark their car and personal overall performance.
These track enthusiasts, with their Megane R.S., Clio R.S. and limited-edition Megane R.S. 275 Trophy R, eagerly checked their lap times often, not only to see how they performed against other vehicles, but also to beat their personal records.
Meanwhile, taxi rides were offered for the all-new Megane R.S. 280 CUP around the circuit by professional drivers to prove its track capabilities.
Available with the CUP chassis, the All-new Renault MEGANE R.S. now offers a six-speed automatic Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) transmission in addition to the customary six-speed manual transmission (MT).
The All-new Renault MEGANE R.S. 280 CUP comes packed with added new and enhanced technologies, proven through Renault’s passion for motorsports, to deliver excellent performance, handling agility and stability for a more exhilarating and comfortable drive.
New features and technologies include the 4CONTROL four-wheel steering system – a world first-in-segment technology that further improves cornering efficiency, four rallying-inspired hydraulic compression stops to all shock absorbers, a new four-cylinder 1.8-litre turbo engine that delivers maximum power of 280PS and peak torque of 390Nm – among one of the best in class, as well as a new Torsen mechanical and limited-slip differential.
Another new feature to the All-new Renault MEGANE R.S. 280 CUP is the five-door version, instead of the previous three-door version. There is also a new striking signature colour (Orange Tonic) to choose from, in addition to the classic Liquid Yellow.
For the EDC-equipped variant, Multi-Change Down and Launch Control functions are available in Sport and Race modes, the former allowing drivers to shift down by several gears by pressing and holding down the left-hand shift paddle.
Price-wise, the Megane RS with the manual gearbox retails at RM279,888 while the EDC-equipped version retails at RM299,888, on-the-road without insurance. These prices include a three-year or 100,000km warranty, whichever comes first.