02 Mar 05
Renaultsport Megane 225 Trophy
Skulking at the side of the Renault stand was the Megane Renaultsport 225 Trophy. Available to order from mid-March, it is influenced by the Megane Trophy race car, and is more performance-focussed than the standard Megane Renaultsport 225 launched last year. Only 500 Trophy Meganes will be offered - but with its features to be offered as a 'Cup Chassis' option pack later in the year - it has modified suspension, new Brembo brakes and unique Dunlop tyres, though the 225bhp 2.0-litre turbo engine remains the same.
Renault claims reduced body roll and pitching under acceleration or braking, and improved cornering on all surfaces with reduced understeer. The ESP stability programme can now be switched off - a bonus for enthusiastic drivers - with its intervention threshold set higher and its operation less intrusive. Brake Assist has been deleted, given the improved performance of the new cross-drilled brake discs. The new 12-spoke, 18-inch anthracite-coloured alloy wheels are each 1.5kg lighter, and the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 235/40 R18 tyres give increased wet traction and grip. Renault has also revised the car's steering for increased feel and feedback under cornering - these improvements will also feature on the regular Megane range from late 2005.
The Trophy will come in a unique 'Nimbus' grey metallc paint, with new sports seats, blue seatbelts and blue stitching to the leather trim. Cabin detailing is in carbonfibre, and each car will have an individually-numbered plaque on its dashboard. Standard equipment will include ABS, cruise control, eight airbags, tyre pressure monitoring and climate control, though the six-CD autochanger and special carpet mats are now optional, along with xenon headlamps. UK prices are yet to be announced.
