Renault Megane 275 Trophy-R reclaims Nurburgring FWD record

Renaultsport has stuck back at SEAT, with the latest Megane 275 Trophy-R – setting a Nurburgring lap time of 7:54.36. The car set the front-wheel drive record time this weekend, with Renaultsport test driver Laurent Hurgon at the wheel.

The car that set the time was an even more hardcore version of the recently unveiled Megane 275 Trophy, known as the R. Sporting a similar paintjob to the legendary R26.R, the Trophy-R has been stripped out, with the rear seat removed, sound deadening deleted as well as a fitting a pair of lightweight front Recaro seats.

In the pursuit of ultimate weight loss, Renaultsport has deleted the standard radio, air conditioning as well as fitting a lithium ion battery and fitted lightweight 350mm brake discs. Thanks to all this, weight is down by 100kg over the standard model.

Like the 275 Trophy model on which it is based, the Trophy-R gets a new Akrapovik titanium exhaust, as well as the optional Ohlins adjustable dampers with composite springs, and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres as standard.

Just 250 will be produced, although UK cars are limited to 30 units. Order books are open now, with prices starting from £36,430. Watch the full lap video below.