Renault R26.R French hatch on video
That is the sad message from Renault Australia on the hottest hatch yet from the French maker, the R26.R.
“All the cars are pre-sold. We won't even be able to get one to display at motor shows,” says Craig Smith of Renault Australia.
Yet the Renaultsport R26.R is a serious happening for Renault, which has used the go-faster Meganes as a big showroom attraction. Two Renaultsport Meganes have been a limited-edition sellout in Australia and the company is just about to put a Renaultsport Clio into the local line-up.
The R26.R is developed from the existing 230 F1 Team R26, named after the company's Formula One racer, and has a big track focus. The cabin has a full rollcage, racing seats and harnesses.
There's more, from a carbon-fibre bonnet to polycarbonate windows to cut weight by 123kg for a significant performance boost using the regular R26 turbo motor. Side and curtain airbags, the sound system, airconditioning and heated rear window have been removed.
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