As the next-generation of Renault's C-segment car is revealed at Frankfurt, design chief Laurens van den Acker confirms forthcoming hot versions
The fourth-generation Renault Megane, due in 2016, will again spawn performance-focused Renaultsport variants, high-ranking company sources have confirmed.
The standard Megane, which is based on the same underpinnings as the Nissan Pulsar, is being revealed at today’s Frankfurt motor show.
When asked about the possibility of a new Renaultsport-fettled Mégane, Renault design chief Laurens van den Acker said: “Yes, of course there will be one.”
He went on to say that designing performance-oriented models involves “priorities that I, as a designer, need to respect”.
“From a design point of view it is quite interesting, but if I was being facetious I'd challenge whether it is a car that even needs to look good. The only codes that matter are whether it is fast, light and drives well.
“As a challenge, I'd ask if a Clio 3 RS is the best looker? It's not a pure beauty but it is a striking machine. Is a Renault 5 Turbo handsome? Not in the traditional sense but I'd love to have one in the garage,” he said.
The next performance variant is likely to have different handling characteristics from the current Renaultsport Mégane, because the base car is 25mm lower than the car it replaces, has a 28mm-longer wheelbase and has wider tracks at the front and rear.
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