An even hotter version of Renault's hot hatch, and one that lives up to the hype
Theoretically, this is a chance for Renault to exploit its intimate (but perhaps not always widely appreciated) relationship with the dominant Formula 1 team of this decade.Practically, the Red Bull Racing RB8, a right mouthful of a limited edition model, is an equipment-ladled version of every motoring scribe's favourite hot hatch – the Megane 265 Cup. Considering the manufacturer's status as engine supplier to the Austrian (but Milton Keynes-based) constructor, some might find it a little disappointing that nothing has occurred under the bonnet. But we've never found ourselves wanting more from the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine since Renault unlocked 261bhp in the standard car.The same could be said of the Cup chassis, which, aside from the addition of stickier Potenza RE050A tyres, also remains determinedly unfettled. The differences then are chiefly cosmetic, then, and easy to spot. The car gets a special Twilight Blue colour scheme (derived from the F1 cars) and a light coating of Red Bull graphics on the flanks and rear.There's more branding inside, although being on the kickplates, mats and headrests (on nicer seat upholstery), it's considerately restricted to places where you don't have to stare at it for long. Renault would prefer your eyeballs to focus instead on the updated R-Link infotainment system that is included as standard and features v2.0 of the Renaultsport Monitor software.
An even hotter version of Renault's hot hatch, and one that lives up to the hype
Theoretically, this is a chance for Renault to exploit its intimate (but perhaps not always widely appreciated) relationship with the dominant Formula 1 team of this decade.Practically, the Red Bull Racing RB8, a right mouthful of a limited edition model, is an equipment-ladled version of every motoring scribe's favourite hot hatch – the Megane 265 Cup. Considering the manufacturer's status as engine supplier to the Austrian (but Milton Keynes-based) constructor, some might find it a little disappointing that nothing has occurred under the bonnet. But we've never found ourselves wanting more from the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine since Renault unlocked 261bhp in the standard car.The same could be said of the Cup chassis, which, aside from the addition of stickier Potenza RE050A tyres, also remains determinedly unfettled. The differences then are chiefly cosmetic, then, and easy to spot. The car gets a special Twilight Blue colour scheme (derived from the F1 cars) and a light coating of Red Bull graphics on the flanks and rear.There's more branding inside, although being on the kickplates, mats and headrests (on nicer seat upholstery), it's considerately restricted to places where you don't have to stare at it for long. Renault would prefer your eyeballs to focus instead on the updated R-Link infotainment system that is included as standard and features v2.0 of the Renaultsport Monitor software.