Renault to unveil all-new Megane R.S at Monaco Grand Prix
Nico Hulkenberg will pilot red-hot hatch at famous Grand Prix street circuit ahead of its Frankfurt Motor Show reveal
Renault has chosen the iconic Monaco Grand Prix as its venue to launch the all-new Megane R.S, a high-performance hot hatch that will rival the likes of the Honda Civic Type-R and Ford Focus RS when it goes on sale.
Historically, Renault’s performance models have borrowed elements from its Formula 1 racing programme, such as independent steering axis front suspension and a choice of Sport and Cup chassis, as well as various aerodynamic innovations.
To celebrate this fact, the third generation of its flagship R.S model, the Megane R.S, will be unveiled officially at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany, but it is poised to break cover in Monaco on Friday 26th May, driven by Renault Sport Racing Formula One Team’s Nico Hulkenberg.
The car will sport a yellow and black livery to mark the 40th anniversary of Renault’s involvement in Formula 1.
Although details of the car are scarce, Renault has released one image of the new car, albeit one that is heavily camouflaged, but it does reveal a more aggressive front end, complete with a chequered flag motif built into the daytime running lights.
Development of the R.S version reportedly started at the same time as the standard hatchback, which is currently on sale, and is likely to borrow certain technological elements from said car.
A rear-wheel steering system, which is found on GT models and aids manoeuvrability at low speeds while improving high speed cornering, is tipped to feature.
By Leon Poultney
