New Renault Megane R.S. – the Renaultsport hot hatch Megane – debuting in Monaco this weekend

The new Renault Megane R.S. – the Renaultsport take on the Megane – will debut at the 2017 Monaco Grand Prix this weekend, driven by Nico Hülkenberg.

Although the proper public debut of the new Renault Megane RS is planned for September at the Frankfurt Motor Show, there have been rumours that it will appear first at the Monaco Grand Prix. And Renault has now confirmed their Renaultsport debut at Monaco this weekend.

Renault plan to have F1 driver Nico Hülkenberg take the new Megane R.S. round Monaco’s street circuit ahead of this year’s Grand Prix, suitably attired in Renault’s yellow and black livery as a high profile teaser for the hot hatch’s proper arrival a few months later at Frankfurt.

Despite trumpeting the arrival of the Megane RS at probably the most high profile motorsport meeting on the planet, Renault don’t seem keen to dish up any proper details on what the new RS will bring to the table. But we have a few morsels from the rumour mill.

Despite claims the new RS will be 4WD to give the Focus RS a bit of a run for its money, it seems likely Renault will stick with FWD, just as Honda has with the new Civic Type R.

Under the bonnet is likely to be getting on for 300bhp, which will either come from a new 2.0 litre turbo or, possibly, a version of the 1.8 litre turbo from the Alpine A110, and probably come with rear-wheel steering.

Visually, there’s a new more aggressive front end including ‘chequered flag’ running lights, bigger back bumper, and a likely widened track with big arches.

It’s entirely possible the Megane R.S.’s outing at Monaco will be just a showcase, with no real details on what’s on offer until September in Frankfurt. But it will certainly be on show this weekend.