Renault Megane RS 265 Red Bull RB8 now available
"We are delighted to celebrate the fourth consecutive Formula 1 World Championship victory for Sebastian Vettel and the Red Bull Racing Team with the release of this latest Red Bull Limited Edition Mégane RS 265," says Justin Hocevar, Managing Director of Renault Australia.
"The new RB8 Limited Edition Mégane RS 265 is available now, and if previous Limited Edition models are any guide, they won't be in the pits for too long," Hocevar added.
Exterior
Externally, the RB8 Limited Edition is finished in exclusive 'Dusk Blue' paint, inspired by the F1 team colours, while platinum-coloured detailing and subtle Red Bull Racing branding also distinguishes the new model.
Other features on the limited edition include Recaro front seats, the latest R-Link Multimedia system and TomTom Live navigation system, Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tyres (from the RS 265 Trophy 808), plus the latest on-board RS Monitor v2.0.
The Mégane RS 265 Red Bull Racing RB8 is shod as standard with the same Cup chassis and Bridgestone tyres that helped Mégane RS 265 Trophy establish a lap record at the Nurburgring. These high-performance tyres are fitted to 19-inch gloss black 'Steev' alloy wheels with an exclusive aluminium border finish.
Powerplant, Brakes and Suspension
Go-faster goodies include road and race ready stiffer springs, dampers and anti-roll bar, a limited slip differential, grooved brake discs with red Brembo front callipers, and the 2.0-litre-turbocharged 195kW (265hp) engine with Stop&Start for the ultimate in performance and economy.
Most of these features are from the Mégane RS 265 that has been on sale in Australia since August 2012, but the RB8 Limited Edition is the first Mégane RS 265 to offer Stop&Start. Previously, this fuel saving system has only been available on the Mégane GT 220 Sport Wagon, Mégane 1.2 Expression Hatch and Clio IV manual trans models.
Interior
Inside, the RB8 Limited Edition version comes with several exclusive features, including Red Bull Racing branding on the numbered aluminium kickplates and floor mats. Renaultsport branding appears on the headrests of the black leather Recaro front seats (fitted with red seatbelts), while red stitching highlights are used on the steering wheel and centre armrest. The carbon fibre effect dashboard boasts red highlights and is bisected by a grey centre band.
Other interior details include alloy foot pedals, a gloss black centre console and insert in the leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a platinum-finished Renaultsport gear knob.
Tech and Driver Aids
The multi-media system's functions (satellite navigation, telephony, multimedia, vehicle information and system settings) are controlled using either the 7-inch touch screen display, voice command function or the joystick situated on the centre console. The satellite navigation provides turn-by-turn instructions including eco-routes, and drivers or passengers may customise the R-Link home page.
Along with R-Link, there is now also the latest version of RS Monitor, which fans of sporty driving will particularly appreciate. Drivers will no longer need to choose between selecting a car with navigation or on-board telemetry systems, now that the satellite navigation system is built-in on all of these RB8 cars.
The RS Monitor delivers a new, more user-friendly and intuitive interface, which uses R-Link's 7-inch colour display to provide information on:
-GPS tracked lap timing
-Special Red Bull Racing home page
-Certain information displayed in 3D form
-Plus the usual real-time access to power output data, 0-100 km/h acceleration times, and G-Force read-outs, etc.
In addition, drivers can save performance data to a USB stick, via a port in the car.
On sale now, the RB8 Limited Edition carries a Manufacturer's List Price of $49,990 plus on road and statutory costs.
