Renault Megane RS 280 Cup Improves on Previous Lap Time At Renault Sport Track Day in Sepang
Kuala Lumpur, 15 October 2019 – The highly anticipated Renault Sport Track Day returned with a night session at the Sepang International Circuit, with the all-new Renault Megane RS 280 Cup improving on a previous lap time set by another Renault Sport hatch.
The Renault Sport Track Day comes following the launch of the Megane RS 280 Cup earlier in the month of August 2019. At the Track Day, TC Euro Cars conducted a timed run for the Megane RS 280 Cup EDC which bettered the previous lap time recorded by the Megane RS 265 Cup by three seconds – 2:38 vs 2:41.
Available with the “Cup” chassis, the all-new Renault Megane RS offers a six-speed automatic Efficient Dual Clutch (EDC) transmission along with a six-speed manual transmission (MT). It is powered by a new four-cylinder 1.8 litre turbo engine that delivers 280 PS and 390 Nm of torque to all four wheels through the 4CONTROL four-wheel drive system. There is also a new Torsen mechanical and limited-slip differential as well as rally-inspired hydraulic compression stops for the shock absorbers to improve road handling.
The new Megane RS 280 Cup is also a five-door hatch instead of the previous three-door version. This makes the hot hatch a more practical car if you have a family. The car used for the timed run was a stock car with the 19-inch Yokohama AD08R 245/35 tyres, which was the official tyre sponsor for the event. The AD08R tyre features rapid reflex twin ribs that provide stability during high-speed driving. The steel sidewall inserts also resist lateral deflection to provide excellent control and enhanced cornering ability.
For the EDC variant, Multi-Change Down and Launch Control functions are available in Sport and Race modes. The Multi-Change Down function allows drivers to shift down by several gears by pressing and holding down the left-hand shift paddle on the steering.
The Renault Sport Track Day saw a total of 30 Renault Sports owners put their skills and vehicle performance to the test around the Sepang circuit. The participants were however, not racing each other but were racing against their own record to try and set better lap times each round, which is a great way to benchmark their car and personal overall performance.
As usual, safety is a top priority for TC Euro Cars and Renault and only the experienced drivers were allowed to drive on the track by themselves while first-time track drivers were accompanied by a professional instructor. Another prerequisite before hitting the track was the safety briefing which everyone had to attend regardless of track experience.
In terms of pricing, the Megane RS retails for RM279,888 for the MT and RM299,888 for the EDC, on-the-road without insurance. These prices include a three-year or 100,000km warranty, whichever comes first.
