Renault Megane GT Turbo – A Monster in Sheep’s Clothing
Let’s not beat around the bush. The Renault Megane GT Turbo is a bred-in-the-bone, dyed-in-the-wool, honest-to-goodness modern day monster. Do not be fooled by its wholesome curves and innocent good looks. When the day is done and the moon is full, the Megane GT Turbo sheds its sheep’s clothing (whether hatch or coupé) and races the streets of the urban jungle.
Like every respectable little monster, the Megane GT Turbo was cooked up in a lab by mad scientists. Enter Renault’s master of Formula 1, Rob White, and engineering swami, Gaspar Gascon. Their terrifying creation owes its inspiration to the Megane RS, which itself redefined the term “hot hatch”. The resulting Megane GT Turbo has a 1,998 cubic centimetre heart of solid aluminium, hosting 4 cylinders and 16 valves of pure, pulse-racing power.
Sporting torque of a blinding 340Nm at 3,500rmps, the Megane GT Turbo can all but disappear between one blink and the next. Good for those iconic, out-the-corner-of-your-eye silver screen flit-byes. Going from 0 to 100km/h in just 7.6 seconds, aiming for a top speed of 240km/h and with a power potential of 162kW, there is little the Megane GT Turbo cannot outrun.
Once a monster like the Megane GT Turbo gets going, it’s hard to find the wherewithal to stop. Which is why our mad scientists fitted it with enormous, heavy duty 320mm ventilated front disc brakes (and another 260mm set at the rear). The ABS comes standard, as does the Electronic Brake Assist, Anti-Slip Regulation and Stability Program. With the added benefits of variable power steering and masterful Macpherson suspension, the Megane GT Turbo won’t lose the plot or come undone before the night is won.
And because owning a monster can be a frightful weight on one’s conscience, Renault has added peace of mind with a reinforced structure and full complement of airbags and features worthy of its five star Euro NCAP crash test-rating.
How brave are you, when all is said and done? Grab your torch and pitchfork, if you dare, and head on down to your dealer for a test drive. But be warned! When the Megane GT Turbo seizes the day, it goes for the throat!
