This spy shot shows that Renaultsport is working on developing its Megane hot hatch, developing it to compete with the next generation Focus RS on its way. The main objective for Renault is to close the gap between the power output of the cars, with hopes to gain up to 300 hp on the 2.0-litre engine.

For the moment, the Megane RS lags behind the Focus RS with about 50 hp less and most modifications will be completed at the mechanical level. The chassis will be very similar and the limited slip differential which was originally borrowed from Nissan, should be able to support more power.

The design of the new Renault Megane RS will be pretty much what it is now, although this spy shot shows that extra cooling for the brakes and engine will be taken into account. In the future a lightweight model could appear with plastic windows and carbonfibre panelling, but it would be destined for an end-of-generation limited series production.

Renault Megane RS spy shots

Source | Autocar

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The production of the Ford Focus RS may be ending in the UK, but they’re going to do it with some real pizzazz by offering the last buyers of the car, a hot looking set of limited edition World Rally Championship wheels. The 19-inch, white-finished alloy wheels will be available at £500 per set and naturally will only be available to British customers

David Calder, Product Manager at Ford of Britain said: “The demand for Focus RS has been astounding. In barely a year since launch, we have sold almost our entire UK allocation – thanks in a large part to this Focus RS continuing the proud tradition of combining high-performance with practicality and affordability. We expect demand to be high for these last cars and we’re giving customers the chance to personalise them with this exclusive option.”

The only problem will be deciding if the wheels look better on the Ultimate Green, Frozen White or Performance Blue finishes?

Source | autoblog.it

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The Ford Focus RS has the Renault Megane R26.R in its sights, as it gets back to pursuing records in the category of hot hatches, on the Nurburgring.

The French rival completed the Ring in 8′16″9 last year, and the 300 hp of the Focus RS will put itself to the test, with 70 hp more. Apparently a test car with 250 hp and Continental road tyres made 8′27″ on the track, so hopes are high for the Focus RS.

According to Ford, based on these figures, the Focus RS could get round in 8′15″ with standard tyres, reduced to 8′12″ with semislick options. We’ll wait and see what happens at the Nurburgring in spring.

Continue reading: Ford Focus RS looks to the Nürburgring for a record in the hot hatch segment

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Here’s the first official video of the new Ford Focus RS and while we think you’d actually need to drive this snappy hot hatch to get a feel for its 300hp (and it may have been nice to have the lights on in this video), we’ll wait for dynamic footage to get a good idea of the 265km/hr top speed.

Continue reading: Ford Focus RS: first video

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The hot-hatch segment is really heating up as details on the Ford Focus RS escape from the guys at Ford Austria, and we’re left totally speechless. The arrival of the new Ford Focus RS sees a maximum speed of 265 km/hr, totally dispelling any ideas we had about nifty city cars that are easy to park.

The first half of 2009 should finally see the Focus RS available on the market, and in Austria at least, it will cost 39,000 euros. In addition to the peel-your-face-off-the-seat speed, acceleration is said to measure 5.9 seconds to reach 100 km/hr. Colours include Performance Green, Indianapolis Blue and Frost White.

The old Escort Cosworth looks like it just found its true heir.

Continue reading: Ford Focus RS: 265 km/h of maximum speed

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Although it’s unkown as to whether these are the official photos, some similarity to the teaser shots can be seen: the two vents or bumps on the bonnet, the threatening nose, and the spoilers. It’s just a shame about the colour though, which diminishes its nasty look. After a series of interminable rumours and speculation, the Ford Focus RS has revealed itself in the flesh - in the extreme.

The pics look more like something from the world of ‘tuning’ and are a little garish for our liking. Its ‘dynamic’ philosophy (300hp with 2.5 turbo on the front wheels, with differential electronics), should be able to do some damage to hair pin bends and corners.

Via | CarScoop

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