FRANKFURT: The Renault Megane RS is a rival of the Civic Type R that we won’t get

We waited a long time for the arrival in North America of the Ford Focus RS and the Honda Civic Type R, but there are still European models that make purists salivate and who unfortunately will never come this side of the Atlantic.

Think the Renault Megane RS unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Featuring breathtaking lines, the Megane RS is powered by a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine developing 280 horsepower. These horses are sent to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission or an automatic double-clutch transmission.

Several enhancements to the chassis are added. Before the new Civic Type R broke its record, the Megane RS was the fastest FWD car on the northern loop of the Nurburgring, and Renault hopes these changes will allow it to take back its crown.

RENAULT MEGANE IV R.S. (BFB RS) - PHASE 1

RENAULT MEGANE IV R.S. (BFB RS) - PHASE 1

RENAULT MEGANE IV R.S. (BFB RS) - PHASE 1

RENAULT MEGANE IV R.S. (BFB RS) - PHASE 1

Renault Megane RS