Skip advert
Advertisement

Renaultsport Megane 265 Trophy

When Renault decided to beat its own Nurburgring lap record for a front-wheel drive production car – held by the much-loved old generation Megane R26.R – they took the standard Megane 250, slightly wound up the boost to release another 14bhp and fitted it with some grippier, Bridgestone RE050A tyres. That’s it. No chassis changes, no cross bracing, no R26.R-style extreme weight loss programme to ditch the radio, sound-proofing or back seat. Just a mildly enhanced version of an already accomplished car that promptly knocked nine seconds of its predecessor’s record with a staggering lap of 8 minutes and 8 seconds.

Specifications

EngineIn-line 4-cyl, 1998cc, turbo
Transmission6-speed manual, FWD
Peak power261bhp @ 5500rpm
Peak torque265lb ft @ 3000-5000rpm
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Cupra Leon VZ review – Spain’s Golf GTI is better than Germany’s
Cupra Leon
In-depth reviews

Cupra Leon VZ review – Spain’s Golf GTI is better than Germany’s

The choice of full-sized front-drive hot hatches now doesn’t include the Civic Type R. Can the Cupra Leon VZ take the top spot?
25 Aug 2026
Lotus Exige V6 (S3, 2011-2021) review – a mini supercar for Golf GTI money
Lotus Exige S V6
In-depth reviews

Lotus Exige V6 (S3, 2011-2021) review – a mini supercar for Golf GTI money

For the S3 generation the Lotus Exige got a lot brawnier, trading the four-cylinder engines it had hitherto utilised for a supercharged Toyota V6
21 Aug 2026
The 2-litre Mazda MX-5 has officially been axed in the UK, for good this time
Mazda MX-5 front
News

The 2-litre Mazda MX-5 has officially been axed in the UK, for good this time

As emissions regulations close in, Mazda has announced the discontinuation of one of our favourite current sports cars on sale: the 2-litre MX-5
25 Aug 2026