Leaked Image Reveals Renault Megane RS Engine Bay
A leaked photo confirms the new Renault Megane RS engine bay, showing a 1.8-litre turbocharged unit likely shared with the Alpine A110, ahead of its Frankfurt debut.
A leaked photograph has revealed the engine bay of the upcoming Renault Megane RS, confirming the use of a 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The image surfaced online ahead of the car’s official debut at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, settling speculation about the powerplant that will drive Renault’s latest hot hatch.
Previous generations of the Megane RS used a 2.0-litre engine, but the new model adopts a downsized 1.8-litre turbo unit. This engine is closely related to the one found in the Alpine A110, where it produces 249 hp and 320 Nm of torque. For the Megane RS, Renault is expected to push output closer to 300 hp, positioning the car directly against rivals like the Honda Civic Type R.
The leaked image follows earlier unofficial reveals of the Megane RS’s exterior and interior, leaving little unknown ahead of its public unveiling. Renault has already confirmed that the new RS will feature four-wheel steering, a development of the system used on the Megane GT, and will again offer a Cup chassis for buyers seeking a sharper set-up. These technical upgrades suggest Renault is aiming to reclaim the Nürburgring front-wheel-drive lap record, recently taken by Honda.
Engine details and technical expectations
While the exact Megane RS output remains unconfirmed, the 1.8-litre turbocharged engine marks a shift from the outgoing 2.0-litre unit, reflecting Renault’s move towards more efficient, lighter powertrains. The Alpine A110’s version of this engine is already known for its strong mid-range performance, and the RS application is expected to deliver even more power. The likely use of this engine also aligns with Renault’s broader platform and component sharing strategy across its performance models.
- 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine
- Estimated 300 hp output for Megane RS
- Four-wheel steering system
- Cup chassis option
With the Frankfurt Motor Show launch approaching, most major technical and design details of the new Megane RS have now been revealed through leaks. The last remaining questions are likely to be answered when Renault officially presents the car to the public in September.
