Renault Megane 'Red Bull Special' coming to Oz
Following on from the Megane 'RB7' released in 2011, the latest Red Bull-themed special edition acknowledges the F1 powerhouse's securing of the 2012 Formula 1 World Constructors Championship.
Identified by a special 'Crepuscule Blue' exterior finish inspired by the Red Bull Racing F1 team colours, as well as Red Bull Racing graphics, the Megane RB8 also features Renault's R.S. Monitor on-board data logging system.
The Crepuscule Blue is contrasted by exterior Platinum Grey details, including "F1 blade" grille trim, door handles, door mirror housing and rear lip spoiler. Red Bull Racing graphics at the rear and on the sides are further identifying features, with monochrome laurels on the side windows celebrating the team's 2012 Constructors' World Title.
The limited edition version features a Mégane R.S. Cup chassis, limited slip diff, 2.0-litre 16V 265 4-cylinder engine that puts out around 195kW, and also features Stop&Start economy function (fuel consumption: 7.5 litres/100km / CO2 emissions: 174g/km) and Renault Sport suspension technologies.
Exclusive 19-inch black wheels with grey pin striping are shod with Bridgestone tyres as standard, the same tyres that helped Mégane Trophy to establish a new lap record for the Nurburgring.
Inside, the limited edition model comes with a number of exclusive features, including Red Bull Racing branding on the numbered aluminium sill guards and carpet mats. The same logo appears on the head rests of the Recaro seats, which are trimmed in a new leather/fabric upholstery blend.
On the tech front, the limited edition Megane R.S. Red Bull Racing RB8 features the in-dash, connected R-Link multimedia tablet fitted to all Mégane R.S. models. The system's six functions (navigation, telephony, multimedia, vehicle, systems and R-Link Store applications catalogue) are controlled using either the touch screen display, the voice command function or the joystick situated on the centre console.
Along with R-Link, there is now also the 2.0 version of R.S. Monitor. V2.0 means owners will no longer need to choose between using the navigation or on-board telemetry systems thanks to the TomTom Live navigation system which is incorporated in the R-Link system.
Other updates to the 2.0 version of the R.S. Monitor include a new, more user-friendly and intuitive interface which uses R-Link's seven-inch colour display, special Red Bull Racing home page, 3D displays for selected info, data saving via USB, plus the usual real-time access to power output data, 0-100kph times, etc.
Renault Australia has confirmed the Megane R.S. Red Bull Racing RB8 will be exported to Australia, with 120 examples expected to arrive here in the fourth quarter of 2013.
The _36,000 price Renault (Europe) has quoted for the limited edition Megane equates to approximately AU$50,000, excluding ORCs, but Australian-delivered examples are likely to sell for somewhat more than that, given their limited edition status, and the fact that a standard Megane R.S. retails around the $46,000 mark (drive away) locally.
Images: Renault
