Thankfully bereft of the ‘booty shaking’ connotations of the lesser models, the Mégane F1 R26 was built to commemorate the company’s 2006 Formula 1 success. Can La Regie’s halo Mégane relive these past glories on the track at Killarney?

The R26 is distinguishable from other Mégane Sport models thanks to unique graphics on the bumpers, doors and roof (a free option), and red painted brake callipers peeking out from behind the 18-inch alloy wheels.

Backing up these ‘go-faster’ visual cues are an array of mechanical goodies that make the R26 a formidable track-day weapon. First up is a race-honed “Cup” chassis that employs specific dampers, front springs that have been stiffened by 10 percent, and rear dampers with increased travel to improve handling on poor surfaces. Stiffer anti-roll characteristics enhance cornering along with a larger front anti-roll bar and new rear axle with an additional anti-roll bar.

Under the bonnet lies a highly-evolved version of the company’s 2,0-litre 16-valve turbocharged engine, which has been subjected to optimized engine mapping and a modified exhaust system. Mated with a six-speed manual gearbox, this unit develops 169 kW at 5 500 r/min and boasts peak torque of 310 N.m at 3 000 r/min.

In a CAR road test this engine propelled the R26 from 0-100 km/h in 6,79 seconds and on to a top speed of 223 km/h. Renault claims the R26 is capable of covering the standing kilometre in a very respectable 26,6 seconds. The Mégane R26 comes equipped with “Power Start”, a stand still start optimisation feature that enables maximum acceleration without the car losing its grip. The limited-slip differential improves power transfer to the ground and offers secure handling, irrespective of driving style. Providing stopping force for this kind of performance are Brembo four-pot callipers and 312 mm vented discs.

Recaro bucket seats take pride of place in the sporty cabin, along with a leather-clad steering wheel, MP3/radio, automatic climate control, aluminium foot rest and pedal set, and satin chrome-painted door handles. There is also a numbered plaque bearing “World Champion 2005-2006” to remind you of this Mégane’s calibre.

Safety features include Dynamic Handling control system (combining ESP, traction control and steering control), ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution and head curtain airbags in the front and rear.

So the Mégane R26 has all the makings of a worthy track-day tool – can it overcome 17 other contenders in our Killarney hot hatch shoot out?

You can read South African circuit racing stars Hennie Groenewald and Philip Kekana’s track appraisals of the Renault Mégane Sport F1 R26 in the January 2009 issue of CAR magazine, in which we put 18 of South Africa’s hottest hatches to the test at Killarney.

Listen to hot hatch exhaust notes.

Download wallpapers from the Track Shootout here: Batch 1, Batch 2 and Batch 3, or Batch 4.

Watch two Ultimate Hot Hatch Shootout videos

You can also view the behind-the-scenes or the Franschhoek Pass Shootout galleries.

Original article from Car