Renaultsport Megane 265 Trophy (2011)

Renaultsport fanatics rejoice! Renault have dusted-off the Trophy nameplate for the new Renaultsport Megane 265 Trophy, a 500-unit limited edition model. Set to debut at the World Series by Renault race at the Nurburgring on 18-19 June 2011, the Megane 265 Trophy has been developed to take on hot-hatch rivals including VW Group's Scirocco R and Golf R.

The 2011 Renaultsport Megane 265 Trophy gets a series of engine mods, including a rise in turbo boost pressure from 2.0 to 2.5 bar, and a revised intake. The result is a power kick to 261bhp, from the standard Megane 250's 247bhp. Torque rises to 266 lb/ft, making it the most powerful RS Megane ever. The tweaked engine shaves 0.1 sec off the 0-62mph time (now 6.0 seconds) and top speed goes from 'ou revoir UK license' 156mph to 'yes it's the 265 Trophy, officer' 158mph. The Megane 265 Trophy is officially Renaultsports's fastest ever car.

Helping the RS Megane 265 Trophy's torque-steer limiting front struts and limited slip differential put the power to the ground are a set of Bridgestone Potenza RE 050 tyres wrapped around 19-inch Speedline alloy wheels in brake dust obscuring black. The other exterior clues to this special edition are the red Trophy decals on the doors and front air intake, and LED daytime running lights.

Inside, you'll find standard-fit Recaro bucket seats, Renaultsport yellow seatbelts and trim stitching and the Renaultsport Monitor onboard computer for performance data. Lastly there is the all-important numbered plaque denoting your limited edition status. Just like a Megane Coupe Monaco GP edition, but for people who do trackdays.

Speaking of which, your purchase of a RS 265 Trophy grants you a year's worth of Renaultsport trackday participation in 2012, valued at £650. The perfect environment to test the expanded performance of the new 265 Trophy.