Renault Megane RS 265 launched

And it's highly likely to arrive here before the end of the year. The new version is boosted by an extra 15 horsepower and 20Nm of torque. The extra go comes via a new 'Sport' mode in the Renaultsport Dynamic Management system that changes the exhaust note and frees up all 265 horsepower, close to 200kW.

Among other changes are several new options: Renaultsport 'Red Design Pack' (red striping on front blade, rear diffuser and side protection mouldings), rear parking camera with front parking sensors and Visio System by Renault (lane departure warning and auto high/low beam). One new colour is introduced for 2012 - Arctic White.

The Cup Chassis Pack, likely to be the sole Aussie 265 model, features 18-inch alloys in matt black fitted Michelin Sport 2 tyres, grooved brake discs, limited slip differential, red brake calipers, stiffer springs/dampers/anti-roll bars.

The 265 boasts improved performance stats dispatching 0-100kmh in 6.0 seconds exactly (instead of 6.1 for the 250). Its 360Nm is usefully available across a broad rev band between 3,000 and 5,000rpm.

Renaultsport's wizardry has seen the engine's maximum turbo pressure uprated to 2.5 bar, up by 0.2, together with the air intake being revised to take account of the higher pressure and running temperatures. Elsewhere, the new model retains the essence of the current Megane 250 Renaultsport recipe.

A host of new techo features includes the Renaultsport Dynamic Management system which allows the driver to switch between two power settings.

New for 2012 is carbon grey Renaultsport cloth with red stitching. The seatbelts are red, as is the stitching throughout the cabin, while the door panels have a carbon fibre effect finish. Figure hugging Recaro front seats with a Carbon grey cloth and synthetic leather edging and yellow detailing are available.