Nurburgring laps records are a matter of pride for automakers. No sooner does one OEM set a record lap time in a particular category, does another come along to beat it. This week we have the Renault Megane Trophy-R Nurburgring record.

Click here to watch our very own Nurburgring lap video also conducted in a Renault Megane RS.

A new RS

The Renault Megane Trophy-R Nurburgring record was used to announce a new model addition to the brand’s RS range of products. It was driven by Laurent Hurgon to a record time, for a front-wheel-drive production car, of 7 min 40,10 seconds on the demanding Nurburgring Nordschleife. This most hard-core version is referred to as the Renault Mégane RS Trophy-R.

Click here to read our review of the Megane RS Cup.

The Megane RS Trophy-R has 224 kW of power on tap from its turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine. More importantly, its mass has been reduced by 130 kg with improved aerodynamics and suspension helping it to achieve that impressive time.

Renault Sport employed the services of several high-performance specialists to fine-tune the package for the Renault Megane Trophy-R Nurburgring record. Partners in the project included Akrapovic for the exhaust, Brembo for the brakes, Bridgestone for the footwear and Öhlins for the suspension.

A royal debut

The Mégane RS Trophy-R will make its public debut on May 24 as part of the build-up to the Formula One Grand Prix 1 in Monaco. Renault Sport F1 pilots Daniel Ricciardo and Nico Hulkenberg will be tasked with driving duties before sliding into their F1 machines. This new model will go on sale in Europe before the end of 2019, as a limited edition of a few hundred units.

You can see the entire Renault Megane Trophy-R Nurburgring record in the official video below.