For fans of petrol power, Renault Megane GT can also be ordered with the 2.0 T engine which delivers maximum power of 165hp (120kW) at 5,000rpm and torque of 270Nm at 3,250rpm. Again mated with a manual sixspeed gearbox, this powerplant takes Renault Megane GT from standstill to 100kph in just 8.3 seconds. Both of the engines available for Megane GT combine excellent driving pleasure, performance and flexibility.


A sports chassis for dynamic handling

While some sports saloons tend to place the accent on performance to the detriment of comfort, Renault Megane GT combines the two. When developing this chassis, Renault's engineers opted for technical solutions that ensured outstanding handling and a particularly effective front suspension layout without detracting from the car's vertical suspension performance.

To this end, Renault Megane GT features specifically tuned dampers for optimized control of body roll whatever the driving style.

Compared with the previous versions of this chassis used for Renault Megane 2.0 T and 2.0 dCi Dynamique, Renault Megane GT's chassis comes with stiffer front and rear anti-roll characteristics aimed at combating body roll under cornering. The ride height has also been reduced by 10mm in order to lower the centre of gravity, while the stiffness of the front and rear springs has been increased by 24 per cent. For optimal steering precision and response, the electric power steering is controlled by specific parameters and the front suspension bushes are stiffer. The ESP has been especially calibrated as a function of the characteristics of Megane GT's sports chassis to ensure a comfortable ride whether driving around town or on motorways, while at the same time guaranteeing perfectly rigorous handling along twisty roads.

Available in three- and five-door form, Renault Megane GT is a new model in its own right and takes over from Renault Megane range's former Dynamique versions as far as these two powertrains are concerned. Its looks mirror its assertive personality. Outside, Renault Megane GT comes with a spoiler and chrome grille surround on the front bumper, as well as side sills, a rear hatch-mounted lip spoiler, specific "dark metallic" 17-inch alloy wheels and twin centrally-positioned chrome exhaust tailpipes with a "dark metallic" GT-badged tailpipe trim. Renault Megane GT is available in a choice of eight body colours, including Metal Blue which is specific to the model.

The inside of the car reveals an unmistakably sporty ambience including enveloping seats and a leather sports steering wheel complete with GT badging, plus an aluminium pedal assembly and footrest. Leather upholstery is also available as an option. The modern, dynamic interior trim features a stainless steel flake finish for the centre console, glove compartment trim and door handles. The background of the instruments is blue-grey, while the upholstery sports run-and-fell stitching and silver-grey seatbelt straps. After its unveiling at the Paris Motor Show, Renault Megane GT will go on sale at the end of 2006 and will be produced at Renault's Palencia factory in Spain.


Megane F1 Team R26 on the front row


Renault takes advantage of the 2006 Paris Show to introduce Megane F1 Team R26. Derived from Megane Renault Sport Cup, the latest version features a limited slip differential for even crisper handling whether driven on open roads or round a circuit. Its 230hp 2.0 T engine, "Cup" chassis and Brembo brakes make it one of the highest performance hot hatches on the market. Its distinctive lines reinforce its positioning as a true sports car.

Building on the success enjoyed by Megane F1 Team since its launch in January 2006, Renault continues in the same spirit with the introduction of Megane F1 Team R26, the name of which refers of course to Renault's challenger in this year's Formula 1 World Championship standings. Developed by Renault Sport Technologies, Megane F1 Team R26 is the sportiest version of the Megane Renault Sport range.

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