Debut at Geneva
With the launch of Mégane Renault Sport dCi at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show, Renault completes its range of sporting cars with the addition of a high-performance diesel. Aimed at drivers who relish everyday driving, Mégane Renault Sport dCi will also appeal to those who appreciate reasonable running costs. Its 2.0-litre common rail 175hp diesel powerplant and six-speed manual transmission make it as rewarding on the road as some of the finest petrol-powered sports saloons, yet it returns an exceptional combined cycle fuel economy figure of 6.5 litres/100km.
The chassis is fitted with the front and rear suspension from the Mégane Renault Sport, which guarantees cutting-edge sports roadholding. A Cup chassis is also available as an option, for those who would prefer an even more focused drive. Both inside and out, Mégane Renault Sport dCi’s appearance provides clues to its performance. Available with three or five doors, Mégane Renault Sport dCi is built in Renault’s Dieppe factory and will be on sale from April 2007.
Following last December’s launch of the 150hp Mégane GT 2।0 dCi, Renault has an even more potent Mégane diesel on its stand at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show: Mégane Renault Sport dCi. Developed by Renault Sport Technologies, it will appeal to customers who savour the opportunity to drive a high-performance car… but would appreciate it all the more if they could use it every day without paying too much for the privilege. Drivers of high-performance diesels tend to cover a much higher annual mileage than those in petrol-powered equivalents. For them, therefore, it is vital to strike a balance between running costs and performance when they are choosing a new car. This customer sector is growing significantly in western Europe.
The sensational diesel engine
To meet both needs, Renault fitted a 2.0 dCi diesel to the chassis originally developed for Mégane Renault Sport 2.0 T. Already available in some of Renault’s upper-range models, the engine has been tuned to give it an even more sporting character. Packed with all the latest diesel technology, it develops 175hp at 3,750rpm and a generous 360Nm of torque at 2,000rpm. In terms of breadth, its operational power band is similar to that of a petrol engine. The variable geometry turbocharger provides a wide spread of torque throughout the rev range. Piezoelectric injectors are capable of operating up to five times per cycle, which helps reduce engine noise, fuel consumption and particulate emissions. In this application, for the very first time, the 2.0 dCi’s injection pressure has been set at 1,800 bar to optimise combustion and improve the fuel/air mixture. The engine is equipped with an additive-free periodic regeneration filter and two balancer shafts that help to keep noise and vibration levels down to a minimum.
With its six-speed manual transmission, this engine sets new standards in the high-performance diesel sector, with combined cycle fuel economy of 6.5 litres/100km and CO2 emissions of 172g/km.
Two proven chassis
A great deal of attention was paid to enhancing Mégane Renault Sport dCi’s driver appeal. Beneath the skin you’ll find the underpinnings of the petrol-powered Mégane Renault Sport 2.0 T. The standard Renault Sport chassis blends dynamic handling characteristics with the kind of comfort everyday driving demands, but a Cup chassis is also available as an option. This features an ESP system than can be switched off, to allow committed driving enthusiasts to explore the full potential of this potent Mégane diesel.
Independent steering-axis front suspension guarantees precise and efficient handling in all circumstances. The rear suspension is based around a programmed-deflection flexible beam. The suspension has been tuned to suit Mégane Renault Sport dCi’s character and weight distribution. Powerful and fade-free, the Brembo braking system features four discs that are impressive in terms of both diameter (312mm and ventilated at the front, 300mm at the rear) and thickness (28mm at the front, 11mm at the rear). The front discs are also equipped with four-piston calipers. The alloy wheels run on Continental Sport Contact 2 tyres, either 225/45R17 (for the Confort trim level) or 225/40R18 (Luxe). These were chosen for their renowned qualities of traction and grip. The electronically variable power steering has been set up specifically to suit the car’s weight distribution.
In terms of active safety, Mégane Renault Sport dCi is fitted as standard with a dynamic electronic stability programme (ESP), which has also been set up to suit the car’s particular characteristics. Passive safety features are the same as those on any other Mégane – a five-star performer in EuroNCAP crash tests.
Externally, Mégane Renault Sport dCi is almost identical to the petrol version, although the rear spoiler has been removed। Inside, the mood is distinctly sporting thanks to the aluminium pedals, leather steering wheel and seats with increased lateral support.
Dieppe’s sporting know-how
Mégane Renault Sport dCi is built on Renault’s Dieppe assembly line, using shells delivered from the company’s Palencia plant, in Spain. The production system has been modified to the particular requirements of this high-performance diesel and quality control standards are a match for the very best. The Dieppe factory oversees production of all sporting models developed by Renault Sport Technologies.
Available with 3 or 5 doors, Mégane Renault Sport dCi will be on sale from April 2007.
Related entries:
Renault Sport F1 Team Special Edition
Renault Clio Rip Curl Limited Edition
