2018 Renault Megane RS gets teased in video

THE 2018 Renault Megane RS has been sneakily teased right at the end of a Renault Sport video thanking fans for helping it reach 1 million Facebook followers.

The 1min-9sec video features previous Renault Sport hot hatches animated in the style of video games from their respective eras, and it’s only after the end titles that the shrouded 2018 Megane RS model is shown.

As you’d expect there isn’t too much detail apart from the overall form, with the shape of the Megane’s signature C-shaped daytime running lights, headlights and foglamps shining through the cover being the giveaways that what we’re looking at is indeed the top-tier Megane.

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What is known about the 2018 Megane RS is that it will have four-wheel steering and be powered by a highly tuned version of Renault’s 2.0-litre turbo engine, which is expected to deliver more than 220kW, up from the – about 20kW more than today’s RS 275.

Renault Sport will also likely stick with a traditional six-speed manual gearbox while also offering a seven-speed dual clutch automatic, which would be a first for the Megane RS.

Based on the current Mégane RS 275 Cup S flagship’s 0-100km/h time of 5.8sec, expect the manual to pull mid-fives, a stat which could give some AWD hot hatches a run for their money.

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And it should be in with an excellent shot to steal the Nürburgring front-wheel-drive lap record from the current champion, the Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport S (called the Golf GTI 40 Years here to avoid conflict with the HSV version), while giving the newcomer Honda Civic Type R some healthy competition as well.

The 2018 Megane RS will be five-door only, and a GT-based mule spotted undergoing testing last year provided some visual clues including a lower and wider stance.

The 2018 Renault Megane RS was expected to debut last month’s Geneva Motor Show but with that show already been and gone that’s apparently been pushed back to Frankfurt in September.