2008 British Auto Show: Renault Mégane R26.R

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LONDON, England — With Renault rumored to be preparing a redesigned Mégane III for the Paris auto show in October, the French automaker chose the 2008 British Auto Show to inject one final shot of adrenaline into the outgoing model as it unveiled the performance-oriented Mégane R26.R.

Based on the Mégane F1 Team R26, the new R26.R becomes the de facto flagship of the Renault Sport Technologies range. It uses the engine, gearbox and LSD from the F1 Team R26 but gets its own unique suspension calibration and has shed 270 pounds, thanks to such weight-saving measures as a carbon-fiber hood.

Other features include red 18-inch wheels, a unique spoiler and graphics, a tinted polycarbonate backlight and a race-inspired cockpit trimmed in leather and suede and fitted with six-point racing harnesses.

The limited-edition R26.R will be assembled this fall at the Alpine factory in Dieppe, with total production of only 450 cars. Sales in Europe begin in October, with distribution limited to the U.K., France, Germany, Spain and Switzerland.

What this means to you: An ideal car, Renault says, for track and street. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent