Future Classics? Renault Megane Trophy R vs R26.R

I finally get the chance to experience a car I've obsessed over for 12 years, the Renault Megane R26.R ... in my mind a true hot hatch modern classic. These days, Renault are still making crazy track focussed hatchbacks just like the R26.R, so I get behind the wheel of their latest, the Trophy-R to see if it also might one day be a modern classic.
The Mégane Renaultsport 230 F1 Team R26 was launched in November 2006 and enjoyed a great success. Using this base, Renaultsport launched an extreme version, the Mégane Renaultsport R26.R.
The limited edition Mégane Renaultsport R26.R made its worldwide debut at the British International Motor Show, 22 July, 2008
Developed from the Mégane Renaultsport 230 F1 Team R26, the R26.R retains the same engine, gearbox and limited slip differential but with a significant weight reduction of 123kg. Achieves new lap record of the Nürburgring of 8m 17s, the fastest for a front-wheel-drive production car.
Features from the world of racing with a carbon bonnet, polycarbonate windows, Sabelt race seats and six-point harnesses. Optional roll cage and titanium exhaust. Priced at £22,990. Limited to 450 examples worldwide, 230 of which came to the UK.
The new MEGANE R.S. TROPHY-R has the same exceptionally efficient 1.8 L 300 bhp engine as the Trophy version (167 bhp/l). So the Renault Sport wizards did not focus on power to enhance performance, they looked elsewhere in three main spheres of development. Drastic reductions in mass. The quest to reduce weight looked at every detail, from the absence of a rear seat to the adoption of (optional) carbon wheel rims, not forgetting the Akrapovič titanium exhaust line. Verdict on the scales: -130 kg lighter than the Mégane R.S. Trophy without options. Completely redesigned suspension, for a more radical result. Front axle with increased
negative camber, lighter rear H axle, specific adjustable Öhlins shock-absorbers, Bridgestone Potenza S007 tyres exclusive to Renault Sport, and high performance braking with optional Brembo carbon-ceramic discs, etc. Aerodynamics improved even further for better support and better circulation of flows (specific underbody fairings and carbon diffuser) and additionally optimised thermal control (NACA air intake, brake scoops, etc.). This expert work has been validated by the stopwatch: a new absolute record for a front-wheel drive production car was achieved on 5th April 2019 by the New MÉGANE R.S. TROPHY-R on the 20.6 km of the Nordschleife at the Nürburgring in 07:40.100. It also clocked up a reference
time of 07:45.389 on the official full lap of the circuit. This is an extreme performance bearing in mind the margin of progress is increasingly narrow at such a level. New Mégane R.S. Trophy-R, an exceptional car, will be on sale by the end of 2019 in the form of a limited series of 500 numbered vehicles.
Subscribe to STG: bitly.com/SubToSTG
Be part of my podcast by becoming a Patreon: / behindtheglass
Want to know where to get great music for videos? I get all of mine here:
www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
----
Thinking of financing a car? Check out the Magnitude finance calculator: bit.ly/2Q7l9sH
----
What I Use To Make My Videos:
Main Camera - amzn.to/2uht3mh
Drone - click.dji.com/ADPsy67DK0cLzXrQ...
Second Camera - amzn.to/2so1XJb
Microphone - amzn.to/2gUJFhc
Main GoPro - amzn.to/2gULjzh
Alternate GoPro - amzn.to/2gJ1BXS
Camera Bag - amzn.to/2gIXMC6
Laptop - amzn.to/2gITvhQ
Editing Software - amzn.to/2gUJylo
----
Follow me on:
Instagram - / seenthroughglass
Twitter - / seenthruglass
Facebook - seenthroughglass
Listen to the Behind The Glass podcast
/ behindtheglass
---
Intro Music - Holismo, Sheldrake by Seiscientosdoce
Channel Art & Intro Photography by Adam Shah [ / adam_shah_ ] & Chris Williams [ / munch997 ]
----
Thanks for watching SeenThroughGlass. If you liked this video you may also like videos by Shmee150, Salomondrin, Supercars Of London, Car Throttle, MrJWW and Petrolicious.

[@williamvanessen1604]

This channel produces some of the best automotive content on the Internet, thank you!

[@kimi88cz]

Yes, I only wish he didn’t do german accent in every video. It wasn’t funny 3 years ago an isn’t funny now

[@dallasmellsop5488]

Savage geese ftw

[@EwacoolThereviewer]

I remember the old Top Gear episode where Jeremy and Richard twin tested this and the Ford Focus RS. When the review came out, and I was about 9, I loved the Ford because it was bright green and had stupid amounts of power. However, as I've grown up (a bit!), I've come to appreciate how cool the Renault is.

[@supraJZA80s]

They might seem like a rediculous proposition but the key with these cars is they really are track ready out of the box. I have a 275 Trophy-R, don't have to make any changes for a track day except tyre pressures and damper setting. Car will run all day with no issues.

[@adogmcdizzle]

In that respect it’s really like a baby Porsche GT3 RS

[@artemis7240]

If front wheel drive can be considered art, the Trophy-R is art. Purist masterpiece. Replaced my Focus RS with this. Similar on paper based on power-to-weight ratio, in reality they are worlds apart performance and qualitywise. And boy is it tail-happy. Drift mode up yer... Thank you Renault Sport for building my dream car.

[@Thejeroencolman]

expecting my MY21 RS Trophy this month, can't wait. love seeing your content

[@whattheframes7162]

I’m getting back into watching the vids and let me say the quality and the fun of these videos are fantastic and have me glued to the screen. Keep up the good work man!

[@scleeve5650]

Another well put together and edited upload.. I actually like the pop and bangs, especially on a b road going through the gears or on track! Love RenaultSport for continue to make such extreme hatches that's not all about power but driving and feedback.

[@scottlewis3664]

really enjoy your hot hatch content :) glad there is one on the channel now.

[@ToreHansen]

Like that dreams can come true! Cool video as always.

[@andrewdavis2325]

First time I have Commented on one of your videos, absolutely brilliant and hilarious in places. Keep doing what you’re doing, love it.

[@matteosiefert846]

Well, we've got the current Alpine A110, same engine and gearbox, pretty sure it's also a future classic 😌 But these two are pretty epic tbh!

[@cutdepiefails6596]

F4rt ftw

[@sergh8605]

Thank you for all the amazing content. You are awesome

[@jackvisser]

You Do a Great job on the Videos ( TYVM )

[@joshwilletts6852]

Amazing video as always sam 👌🏼

[@agrippa1234]

I also continue to enjoy your channel more than other similar ones because you continue to test and find joy in vehicles/hot hatches/cars that are somewhat within reach of (average) viewers such as myself while others seem determined to collect more super/hyper cars that I will never even see within easy viewing. Don't get me wrong, there's place for both but it seems to have become a battle of collecting rather than enjoying them as we watch those others fret on their channels about how to store them and stare at them rather then regularly driving them...sad

[@CarObsession]

Great edit Sam@

[@jsmakaveli]

Great video mate! Love the fact u got a abarth again. I really want one but don't want to sell my brera as it is my first car and can't get over its looks.

[@wboeren1]

Going strong Sam, i actualy await you videos. That's rare for me.

[@marlborom2c829]

Good job. Relevant content

[@YepYepYepYepYep]

Sick video 👌🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@trerock44]

fan from the US👋🏽 HUGE hot hatch fan and more specifically of these two! been having the thought of moving to somewhere in europe!

[@haakon713]

It took KZbin a week before they recommended me this video, never even received the notification. Now that's weird considering I have watched Sam since before the OG's became the OG's. Most likely I have watched 97% of all his videos for the past two years. I hope KZbin isn't trying to give you a hard time

[@markbaker3391]

Great video! I had an R26 and now have an RS250, both brilliant cars. May not be the fastest in 0-60 stats but make it up in the twisty bits. 👍👍

[@davekelly9407]

Sam, I like that Segway from old to new !

[@TheZmt325]

Have really been enjoying the Sunday morning STG.

[@Trophy_R]

I now own both the R26.R and the Trophy R, both fantastic cars and absolutely still loving them both, Trophy R is absolutely awesome on track and such a nicer car to drive to and from track than the R26.R, do I have a favorite, erm not sure yet.

[@ocanaldomehmeh1893]

Just because of this video you Sir, you are subscribed! A lot of hugs from Protugal!!!

[@Trophy_R]

Also just to let you know that the megane Trophy R is £40.808, wheels are 12k , renaultsport etched there bets and advertised them at 63k including carbon wheels then dropped them to 53k giving people a 10k saving, 4 weeks later they offered them with no carbon wheels for £40.808, only 2 were ever made with the ring pack at 72k

[@monolife7771]

Got rid of my R26 last year. I now have a Mk1 Z4 Coupe. Love both of them.

[@hadrienlf23]

Drove about 10.000km in one, the R26-R is one of the best car i have ever drove, and i tried most of the cars from the 90's and 00's.

[@ian7675]

It would have to be the R.26.R for me, I’ve always loved that car.

[@Alex_Fung]

Another great video! I really wish they sold this in Canada, if they did I might have picked this over my mrk7 GTI.......

[@shanak6253]

Totally agree that the crackle and bangs are quite aweful.. Can’t wait to see the STG HQ! Will you invite PW SOL or AHR and Tony there for a reveal?

[@nathanrunciman88]

@Jayemm On Cars James, where did your 100,000+ subscribers and videos go? Fake account 🤦‍♂️

[@shanak6253]

@Jayemm On Cars Thanks for replying. I can’t wait to see it then.

[@jamesharding3147]

Had an R26 from new back in the day. Wanted the liquid yellow but didn’t want to pay the extra so opted for the white and deleted decals. Absolute weapon (especially coming out of an astra turbo convertible) and sound was much improved by a full custom exhaust. Only issue was those pesky window regulators failing regularly.

[@robbiehulin8001]

In love with these I had a modified abarth age 18 just to afford insurance more recently I had a rs225 which was sadly written off by a lady on a roundabout but meant I could purchase a rs250 absolutely love them both and the RS cars are so so underrated 💯

[@markbaker3391]

Totally agree with you on the underrated point, I had the R26 and now have a RS250, both brilliant drivers cars. May not be fastest in the 0-60 stats but it's all about the twisty bits in these. 👍👍

[@Leeviiii758]

Got to say Sam.. the content is A1.

[@RetroToonsOfficial]

Your Content Are Awesome i Mean I like It

[@YukiTsunoda7]

9:59 *THE 12,000 pound weight saving wheel thing had me for a sec, got now tho all good*

[@simonng2077]

Already classics! Both listed in Evo & Octane’s Greatest 100 coffee table book.

[@kevinjohns3872]

R26.R One of the best cars from the last 20 years. A gilt edged investment for sure.

[@Trophy_R]

Also the R26.R has the same engine and gear box as the R26 however the R26.R is fitted with a short shift to make the gear change shorter, they also stripped 123 kilos from the cars weight.

[@znowell1]

50k!! I'd have every other car you named on your podcast over the trophy R

[@FadhilRamadhan]

Not sure about that price tag but sure it's a very cool and interesting hot hatch indeed

[@lok481]

Most people that test this car really don’t get it but this was pretty impartial and Joe Achilles did a good review also. Yes it’s a lot of money but it’s an all out track car engineered to go fast primarily around corners. People still judge it on the badge rather than it’s achievements, such an accomplished car. I paid over £30m for a used mk3 Trophy R and I didn’t regret it. Such a fast and agile car the lack of weight made it feel alive. Went from that to a Lotus Cup and it was undoubtedly faster but in some ways not as good as the trophy r. I miss it a lot! Also not as expensive as a BMW M Car or a Porsche to run and maintain or fix if you break it.

[@paultaylor9652]

Lovely Jubbly, gotta love a Frenchie

[@tedubadu2536]

Sam what are you thinking, posting just as the Gran Prix starts!?

[@bugattiincroyable]

The R26R is a classic, best FWD in the world 12 years ago.

[@L.r.e_motorsport]

Not even once did you give a nod to the Megane 3 TrophyR, what was that about, I understand the review was about these two cars, but you made it sound like it had a huuuge leap from R26R to current TrophyR, but the Meg 3 was an epic car, still is

[@g00dfeeling]

Beautiful cars 😍

[@EdgeOfPanic]

Really like the hood scoop on the Mégane 4 RS, reminds me of the R19 16v/Clio 16v&Williams era. I do not want the R26R or the 4 RS Trophy R but the a Mégane 3 RS cup Phase 1, it's in my opinion by far the best looking Mégane. Would also sit really nice in the garage next to it's great great grandfather, my almost as new Phase 2 19 16v (that has a F7R 2.0 16v with low boost turbo conversion)

[@faisalleeds]

Great video Sam. Prefer looking back at the classics. Most modern cars are really disappointing, especially when you factor in the price increases.

[@magnustan841]

That’s inflation for you...

[@bigginhillant]

have had my r26r three years now what a motor

[@Trophy_R]

Had my R26.R 9 years still love it, I’ve recently bought the new Trophy R as well, it’s an immense car and so much faster everywhere than my R26.R

[@bigginhillant]

@@Trophy_R new technology

[@5amH45lam]

It's a future classic, is that older version of the Meganne. It still looks fresh today externally.

[@kevin6666123]

If I recall correctly yes the R26.R was limited but uptake was poor so it was only limited by how many Renault could sell, healthy discounts were to be had at the time but following that prices held rock steady and even increased for the right ones.

[@airwavesfromholland]

If I'm not mistaken the Renault R26R was build earlyer than the Pagani Huayra, so you're telling me that that pagani Huayra sounds like a Renault Megane ?

[@5amH45lam]

With that impressive weight reduction _Renault Sport_ made, it surprises me they didn't replace the roof with a carbon fibre alternative, in addition to switching out the bonnet/hood. (They should've done the boot/trunk lid in carbon fibre, too. And then called it, _le Skunk._ 😏)

[@andreasnellas9430]

great stuff. tired of watching ferraris and paganis that nobody can buy. these cars make sense to normal people.

[@100kmp]

I want both. But if I have to choose it the Trophy R. Why didn't bring the RS275 Trophy R?

[@-LK34-]

Does the trophy R have an OPF filter?

[@stanleymiller5970]

Everyone, cancel your Pagani Huayra orders and just buy a 12 year old Renault. After all they sound the same. Great video Sam looking forward to see the new car you teased on BTG

[@richards4456]

The Megane r26 has aged so well.

[@che7wins614]

Sam, do Honda S2000 next....

[@rdrg7362]

Both!

[@guillaumeb7660]

La Mégane 2 rs est vraiment superbe 😍😍😍

[@xandertje]

Nah mate, clio V6 Will be a future classic

[@gusb6502]

Correction: the clio v6 is a classic :)

[@COD4TUBE67]

@xander already is

[@ToxicSpiker]

@@COD4TUBE67 always has been

[@roxind]

AND a terrible car to drive.

[@Dan-wz9tr]

V6 is an under steering slug........R26R wins

[@lollypop9580]

"Sounds like a Huayra, inside seems to be 2018" it was not Just one coffee, wasn't it ? 😂

[@gaminglegend1211]

Renault R26R is a beast

[@robinmarples5198]

Had a r26 f1, was my first sports car. Regret it à bit still now.

[@gmund.]

I had de chance to review this Trophy R for a media in France, my conclusion was the following : one of the last purest sports cars in current production. Sadly, but what a memory, what a car, this is one of the best hot hatch I ever reviewed

[@busjardine]

I'm too old to wait for a "future classic" to become a classic, lol. I'll take the R26.R 👍

[@gusb6502]

I want one of those but i don’t have the money so im looking at the r25

[@rufusthomas3067]

As an 18 year old I have to admit that my attention is with that Toyota Yaris grmnrnmrnm

[@NoBrakesWC]

Always better having a pair of cars it’s like the 996 GT3 RS and 997 GT3 RS.

[@filipesantiago2182]

Where does the R26 name come from, Sam? Thanks!

[@buzzlacey3681]

The 'R26' is a name for a formula 1 car, it was there 2006 F1 car.

[@lukek9694]

Love an old Renault

[@AznS0ulja]

Surprised Sam didn't mention that they also removed the 4-wheel steering and made it FWD.

[@matthewp9015]

It was always FWD.

[@ianmowbray3284]

Last week there was a BMW M5 comp 2019 20k miles for £67k on autotrader .I know which one I would buy.

[@mha2263]

That's why I wait a few years whenever the M version of the new 3 or 5 series comes out, same goes for the AMG and Audi RS counterparts

[@thatsbod1041]

Actually Sam that's not quite right about the R26R engine. Although they didn't add bhp each engine was hand built to precise spec so each part was weighed, measured & balanced. The engine was in fact blueprinted.

[@Trophy_R]

Sorry but your wrong, it’s standard R26/225 engine, I’ve owned an R26.R for 9 years and I’ve forgotten more than you know 😀

[@thatsbod1041]

@@Trophy_R fair enough fella I was only going by what an engineer from Renault sport told me back in the day but he could will have been pulling my leg when he was showing me the specific marks on the block which would confirm it was blueprinted. I certainly wish I owned one but couldn't afford it then or now 👍🏻

[@ravenmaster6364]

26r for me ❤👍👍

[@LukaszRox]

Love them both, but it's a shame that there aren't all three gen of Trophy and they're straight comparison. Cheers from Poland

[@markbaker3391]

Autocar did a good video on this, search "Renaults Nurburgring Specials"

[@davidd4531]

R26.R here. I think the Trophy-R doesn’t go far enough to justify a £50k price tag. I wonder how many will sell and what kind of buyer will bite the bullet.

[@Trophy_R]

I bought the new Trophy R to go along side my R26.R, love them both

[@malysz141]

Please repaint wall in your studio, its kind of messy behind you

[@theborth]

We saved 130kg and then put a spare set of wheels in the back.???

[@deltaecho8968]

Any childhood hero you've not met Sam??

[@darthvaper6745]

Santa

[@theoldtimerbarn7891]

no doubt the R26R

[@davidlewis9639]

Odd that the trophy r has all that weight saving but they left the rear grab handles for a car which has 2 seat 🤷‍♂️

[@MajorAMinor]

Probably so as to keep making sense for the extra wheel carrying space, to be able to take in and out the wheels for track days comfortably through the rear doors. I doubt too many people ever use it though.

[@brae1088]

siiiiiiccckkkkk

[@jamespugh]

Trophy R . Is must have. But not here in the USA we don't get munch small European hatch cars

[@ochexavier]

How is it you understand the purpose of the set up of the track focused megan build but complained about the new black series being to harsh

[@deltaecho8968]

Notification Squad!!

[@darthvaper6745]

So all the weight saved from the bonnet was added by a pointless roll cage?

[@fud1376]

I've just noticed..When did you stop wearing cap's....Ha !!

[@jamesbelluk2721]

Hi mate, I’ve just done a review on a Porsche 996 turbo on my channel. I’d really appreciate any feedback and advice!

[@R-Tap]

After today Renault F1 are creeping up even more. Danny Ric must be 🤔

[@littlebastard_]

r26r the first

[@jeancharlesrabaux5658]

Pourquoi tout et une question d argent et pas de coueur 😮

[@calvinhowells6916]

Think i'd buy a Cayman GTS for £50k instead of a Megane.

[@Trophy_R]

You can buy a GTS cayman and on track it will still be slower than the megane, also 2 years later you’ve just lost 20k

[@calvinhowells6916]

@@Trophy_R What and the megane won't depreciate? Are you ok??

[@Trophy_R]

@@calvinhowells6916 what I’m saying is if you buy the new trophy R your buying a limited number car, yea it may lose a little in the 1st year or 2 but it will hold it’s money much better than a brand new Cayman GTS will for sure

[@car-enthusiast3141]

My rs 280 edc farts every gear shift and the best part is that when someone cuts us in the lane I overtake them and give a fart shift in their face 😂 *timing* .

[@jamesharding3147]

I have an rs280 cup and do the exact same thing. Massively childish (as the wife reminds me) but I absolutely love it!

[@car-enthusiast3141]

@@jamesharding3147 yeah me too I love those farty shifts and crackles everytime I break 🤣.

[@iaintdonknow]

Just buy a classic Mini if you want a 'Hot Hatch' at 18. Way cheaper, fun, you learn from it. If your mommy and daddy don't want to pay for it, you could buy it yourself or put a good roll cage in!

[@darthvaper6745]

Get a Kia Picanto GT, find some real tight twisty hill roads and you will truly giggle...its not even fast!!!