Frankfurt show: New Renault Megane RS to get EDC

AFTER showing a camouflaged version of its new Megane RS to the public at the Monaco Grand Prix on the weekend, Renault has announced the fourth-generation hot hatch will be offered with a choice of manual or efficient dual-clutch (EDC) automatic transmission.

Previously only available with a six-speed manual gearbox, the EDC transmission in the new-generation Megane RS will mark the first time the flagship French hatchback is accessible with a self-shifting unit.

The new transmission will likely be the six-speed unit sourced from the Megane’s light-hatch Clio RS sibling, which abandoned its three-pedal configuration in its current iteration.

Driven by Renault Sport Formula One driver Niko Hulkenberg around the Monaco circuit, the camouflaged Megane showed some new design tweaks that set it apart from its regular siblings, including an aggressive front bumper, Renault Sport-themed foglights, low-profile tyres and large alloy wheels.

Aside from the extra flourishes it largely retains the style of the standard Megane which lobbed in October last year, including its distinctive headlights which it shares with the Koleos SUV.

Powertrain details have yet to be revealed, but the new RS is reported to use an updated and more potent version of the current model’s 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, sending power to the front wheels and aided by four-wheel steering.

Other rumours suggest it will use an uprated version of the 1.8-litre turbo-four from the Alpine A110, which makes 188kW/320Nm.

The Megane RS is slated for a full reveal at the Frankfurt motor show in September, ahead of an on-sale date some time in 2018.