Renault Introduces Fastest Model Ever; Megane Renaultsport 225 Trophy

Hatchbacks are for the most part a dirty word in the United States, but over in Europe they are a thriving section of the automotive market - and enthusiasts community.

We've waxed and waned on Car Throttle about how any car with an added door on the back - wagon or hatch - is pretty much doomed to failure. This writer isn't a particular fan of all of them either, but there are exceptions. They can be cool - witness Renault and its Megane Renaultsport. For now though, that is a car we can only drive in games like Need For Speed and Gran Turismo.

The top tog in the Megane stable is the Renaultsport 250. As its name implies, it makes 250 horsepower. Renault is intent on one-upping that model with a limited-edition run dubbed the 265 Trophy. The car makes its mark as the fastest road-going Renault in history, bumping its horsepower level up 15 to 265. What can an extra 15 horsepower do for you?

Well it can shave .1 seconds off the 0-62 mph time, now at 6.0, and bump top speed to 158 mph from 156. 500 units of the car are set to be built, with orders opening up on June 20th in the United Kingdom. First deliveries will start in late July, and pricing checks in at £27,820 OTR (about $45K USD at current exchange rates - ouch!).