Mégane RS 265 Red Bull RB8 Limited Edition Set to Fly
Renault is celebrating the fourth consecutive victory of the Red Bull Racing Formula 1 Team in the Formula 1 World Championships for Drivers and Constructors by releasing the new RB8 Limited Edition, based on the award-winning Mégane RS 265 sports coupé.
Only 120 of the new RB8 Limited Edition cars will be available, all finished in exclusive Dusk Blue paint with Platinum detailing.
The new RB8 carries subtle Red Bull Racing branding, and features body-hugging 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.
Many have hailed the Mégane RS 265 as the ultimate hot hatch, so the arrival of a new Formula 1-inspired and Red Bull Racing-branded Limited Edition is set to ensure it flies from Renault dealers in (lap) record time.
The exclusive Dusk Blue finish takes its inspiration directly from the race team’s famous colours, while Red Bull Racing graphics at the rear and on the flanks are further hallmarks of this Limited Edition car.
Exterior Platinum-coloured detailing for the front F1 blade, the door handles, the electric, heated, folding door mirror housings, the rear diffuser and roof-mounted spoiler contrast with the striking Dusk Blue paintwork.
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 Nürburgring. These high-performance tyres are fitted to 19-inch gloss black ‘Steev’ alloy wheels with an exclusive aluminium border finish.
The new 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, while sporty red stitching highlights are used on the steering wheel and centre armrest. The carbon fibre effect dashboard also boasts red highlights and is bisected by a grey centre band. The sporty effect is completed with red seatbelts.
Further sporty details include alloy foot pedals, gloss black centre console and insert in the leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a platinum-finished Renaultsport gear knob.
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, the 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.
The RB8 Limited Edition version packs the same fundamental features as Mégane RS 265 that has been on sale in Australia since August 2012.
It features such go-faster goodies as 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 potent 2.0-litre-turbocharged 195kW (265hp) engine with Stop&Start for the ultimate in performance and economy.
This is the first Mégane RS 265 to offer Stop&Start. Up to now, this fuel saving system has been available only on the Mégane GT 220 Sport Wagon, new Mégane 1.2 Expression Hatch and Clio IV manual transmission models.
The RB8 Limited Edition is aimed at Red Bull and Formula 1 enthusiasts and goes on sale in Australia today, with a Manufacturer’s List Price of $49,990 plus on road and statutory costs.
“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 Mégane RS 265 has been exceptionally well-received in Australia by sporting car enthusiasts, and we are confident this new RB8 version will enhance that level of excitement still further.
“Renault Sport F1 and Red Bull Racing have formed an unbeatable partnership over the past few seasons, and there’s no better way to celebrate Renaultsport powering the World Driver’s and Constructor’s Championships’ winner than with a special edition of our best driver’s car.
“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,” he says.
Alan Zurvas is the founder and editor of Gay Car Boys, Australia's leading LGBTQI+ automotive publication. Before launching GCB in 2008, Alan's automotive writing was published in SameSame.com.au and the Star Observer. With over 16 years of hands-on car reviewing experience, Alan brings an honest, irreverent voice to every review — championing value and innovation over brand loyalty.
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