Akrapovič and Renault Sport already have a strong foundation together after the Mégane R.S. 275 Trophy and Mégane R.S. 275 Trophy-R were both fitted with lightweight Akrapovič titanium exhaust systems when they were launched in 2014, and a lightweight Mégane R.S. 275 Trophy-R equipped with an Akrapovič exhaust set the lap record for two wheel–drive production vehicles on the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife (north loop) in the same year with a time of 7:54.36.
The latest collaboration between these two performance companies sees the all-new Renault Mégane R.S. Trophy-R fitted with a lightweight Akrapovič exhaust system as standard. Crafted from high-grade titanium, this new system has been created through close cooperation on this exciting project between engineers from both companies. Akrapovič’s skill and knowledge in developing state-of-the-art, lightweight performance exhaust systems enabled the Slovenian company to produce a system for the Mégane R.S. Trophy-R that made the car lighter and also produced a sound in keeping with the performance values of Renault Sport. With the use of special titanium alloys and state-of-the-art equipment, allied with parts cast in Akrapovič’s in-house titanium foundry, including a complex collector in the muffler, the system has been optimised to reduce back-pressure and provide an impressive weight savings, along with giving a unique soundtrack to the car.
Akrapovič has been working with Renault Sport for many years, and exhaust systems from the Slovenian company have been fitted to the Clio R.S. 16, the Clio IV R.S. Trophy, the Mégane R.S. 275 Trophy and Trophy-R, and now the new Mégane R.S. Trophy-R. The latest partnership has produced an exhaust that is lower in weight and has allowed Renault Sport to reclaim the Nürburgring Nordschleife record with the Renault Mégane R.S. Trophy-R and set the record in the front-wheel-drive production car category. The technical expertise from Akrapovič on the exhaust side of the project allowed Renault Sport engineers to improve the car’s power-to-weight ratio. The Renault Mégane R.S. Trophy-R shares the same 1.8-litre 221 kW (300 hp) engine as the Mégane R.S, but the increase in performance is due to its weight reduction of up to 130 kg, increased aerodynamics, and a more radical development of its chassis for road holding. The target for lowering the weight of the exhaust was to bring the entire system down to less than 10 kg, which the Akrapovič engineers achieved—and which also played a big part in Renault Sport reaching its target weight for the car.
The overall aim of Akrapovič was to develop the best possible system for the Mégane R.S. Trophy-R, both for road and racetrack use. Apart from lowering the weight, the other important goal was to highlight the sound that was produced. Using its sound engineering expertise, Akrapovič tuned the exhaust to the perfect tone allowed under the type approval rules for production cars. The sound produced by the system for the Mégane R.S. Trophy-R emphasises high-frequency notes and focuses on a finer sound in high revs, producing the best tone at the highest revolutions of the engine and at the greatest load from the 1.8-litre powerplant. This sound pattern produces a thrilling, sporty soundtrack that pops and crackles as the car performs.
The new Mégane R.S. Trophy-R with its lightweight, great-sounding, first fit from the standard Akrapovič exhaust system will be on sale by the end of 2019 in the form of a limited series of just 500 numbered vehicles.
François Xavier Delage, Chief Vehicle Engineer, Mégane R.S. Trophy-R, Renault Sport Cars:
“This is an impressive achievement by Akrapovič, whose main focus was the reduction of mass. In total, the weight of the complete exhaust system was reduced by just over 6 kg to 9.8 kg; this was within our target of less than 10 kg, and so we were very pleased with that result. The second objective was also fulfilled with a sporty and impressive sound from the titanium exhaust, the development of which was fully mastered and delivered by Akrapovič. In the end, one of the most invigorating exhausts was created from all the ranges that are approved for road use.”
Jaka Klemenc, Chief Technical Officer, Akrapovič d.d.:
“It has been a privilege to work with Renault Sport on another R.S. car and to be involved with the record-breaking success at the Nürburgring. The challenge to produce this exhaust was one that Akrapovič relished, and the added distinction of breaking another record made all the effort even more satisfying. This new exhaust for the Mégane R.S. Trophy-R is very light, which was one of the requirements for it, and it also has great sound. We are very proud of what we have achieved, and we also congratulate Renault Sport on setting this new benchmark.”