Mysterious Renault Sport RS 01 for track only

RENAULT has released images of an all-new racing car to replace its nine-year-old Megane Renault Sport in the Eurocup single-model series, sparking speculation that it might herald a road-going version.

A single image and video shows a mid-engined car with supercar styling similar to the French car-maker’s Alpine concept of 2012, but despite having a body that could conceivably hit the road, Renault says the Renault Sport RS 01 is strictly for competition.

The fresh images throw new light on the mysterious outline of a car partially revealed last month, when Renault said the car would be powered by a Nismo engine producing upwards of 373kW.

It also said the vehicle would be constructed of lightweight carbon-fibre, tipping the scales at a race-car like 1100kg.

Those statistics give the new car a potent combination of Porsche 911 Turbo power and Renault Clio kerb-weight. Performance, therefore is expected to be brisk.

A large rear spoiler dominates the rear of the car, suggesting the heavy downforce, while a single central low-mounted brake light adds another hint at its competitive intentions.

The engine cover of the enigmatic racer wears the name of four-time Formula One champion Alain Prost, but just how much the iconic racing driver is involved with the new vehicle has yet to be revealed.

A front view of the car also has yet to be revealed.

The Eurocup Megane Trophy was a single-make series, which ran as part of the Renault-organised World Series alongside two single-seat competitions, but after a nine year run spanning from 2005 to 2013, the series has not been run this year.

It is now clear that the hiatus is to allow preparation for the new vehicles, which could roll-out for next year's racing season.