Renault Megane smashes Nurburgring FWD record

Renault Megane smashes Nurburgring FWD record

French carmaker Renault has announced that its limited edition Megane Renaultsport 265 Trophy has broken the front-wheel drive lap time record at Germany's infamous Nurburgring circuit.

The racing hatchback, which is the most powerful road car that Renault has ever built, didn't just beat the record; it shaved a whole nine seconds off it.

Front-wheel drive connoisseurs may not be surprised to hear that the spritely Megane also held the previous record, as set by the Renaultsport R26R version in 2008.

The new edition of the Megane Renaultsport boasts an extra 15 bhp and it was kitted out with special Renaultsport tyres for the record-breaking lap.

Laurent Hurgon, development driver for Renault Sport, described the Nurburgring as a "legendary course" with "uncompromising" terrain.

"Its length and layout, which is very different to that of a conventional circuit, make it a unique and technically demanding challenge," he said.

Written by Craig Salter