2011 Renault Megane RS N4

The Renault Mégane RS 250 is now to give rise to a rally car, N4, intended for private teams and drivers. It is noted for its striking design and having won acclaim for the quality of its chassis and engine. Developed for racing on asphalt, it is set to establish a new standard.

The engine performance of the 2.0-litre 16V turbo engine has been enhanced with an optimised electronic engine control system. Despite regulatory restrictions, the Mégane Renaultsport N4's engine puts out 265hp and torque of 470 Nm. It is linked to a five-speed H-pattern gearbox.

Renault Sport Technologies has sought to design an innovative, reliable and high-performance package that also takes on board the notion of cost control at every stage of development. The intention is to make Renault Mégane RS N4 accessible to all drivers, and be both easy to handle and economical to run. Like all of the vehicles in its rally range, Mégane Renaultsport N4 is to be sold by Renault Sport Technologies in the form of a kit comprising all the specific parts.

Benefiting from the assuredly sporty look of Mégane RS 250, the N4 version also features the front bumper with an integrated F1-style aerodynamic blade. The centrally-positioned exhaust outlet and rear diffuser also emphasize its shared pedigree with the Mégane Renaultsport. The 18-inch alloy wheels, fitted with BFGoodrich tyres, means the aggressive overall lines have been retained.

In the cockpit, once seated in the Sabelt bucket seats, driver and co-driver will find the production dashboard and central console. In addition to the standard equipment, the dashboard on the Renault Mégane RS N4 also features an LCD screen which provides all the essential information on how the engine is running, as well as a tripmaster and LEDs for optimised gear changes.

AXLES AND SUSPENSION SYSTEMS

• Front: PerfoHub independent steering axis suspension, Öhlins double-piston shock absorbers, 3-way adjustable + hydraulic rebound
• Rear: Programmed deflection, torsion beam suspension with coil springs, Öhlins twin tube shock absorbers, 3-way adjustable + hydraulic rebound
• Discs: 355 mm ventilated discs (front) and 290 mm solid grooved discs (rear)
• Calipers: Four-piston one-piece (front) and double-piston one-piece (rear)
• Handbrake: Hydraulic