It’s the end of an era. Debuting at the 2023 Tokyo Auto Salon in Japan, the Renault Megane RS Ultime is the final model in the French brand’s Renaultsport lineup. As the company shifts focus towards Alpine-branded performance vehicles, this limited edition hot hatch serves as a fitting send-off. With a limited production run of just 1,976 units as a nod to the time, Renault Sport came into being, this car is sure to be a collector’s item.
The Ultime starts off as a Trophy model, with a host of visual upgrades that set it apart. The exterior comes in four striking colors, with matte black graphics finding a place on the front doors and fenders, hood, roof, and back bumper. The “Ultime” monogram has been added on the front, while we can see black accents on door handles, side mirrors, etc. The car sits on wider front- and rear fenders than a regular Megane and is 60 mm broader on the front and 45 mm wider on the rear.
Inside, the Ultime boasts Recaro bucket seats featuring titanium black Alcantara upholstery and RS emblems. A numbered metal plate signed by driver Laurent Hurgon is located at the bottom of the center console, just ahead of the gearbox lever. The only options available for buyers are a sunroof and a head-up display, which will be available only on left-hand-drive cars. An optional custom cover is there to safeguard what will probably become a precious car in the future.
Under the hood, the Ultime features a turbocharged 1.8-liter petrol mill with 300 hp and 420 Nm (309 lb-ft) of torque. It is the same four-cylinder mill we find in the mid-engined Alpine A110. While the press images show the ultimate hot hatch with both a manual and an automatic transmission, the EDC will be offered only in Europe. Renaultsport is installing the Bridgestone Potenza S007 semi-slicks originally developed for the hardcore Trophy R.
The Megane RS Ultime rides on 19-inch Fuji Light wheels, with Brembo brakes featuring red calipers, a lowered Cup chassis, rear-wheel steering, and a Torsen mechanical differential. The Interior features a 10-inch digital instrument cluster and a 9.3-inch infotainment system with a dedicated telemetry system and Bose speakers.
Renault will start selling the Megane RS Ultime in spring and it will supersede both the RS and RS Trophy models. A future collector’s item, the Renault Megane RS Ultime is a true swan song for the French brand’s Renaultsport models, and a fitting send-off as the company looks toward a new future with Alpine-branded performance vehicles.
Source and Images: Motor1