Renault is trolling Honda once again. After beating the Civic Type R’s record at the fearsome Nurburgring Nordschleife, the Megane R.S. Trophy-R has done it again, this time at the legendary Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium.

Recording a time of 2 minutes 48.338 seconds, the Megane R.S. Trophy-R bested the Civic Type R’s record by more than 5 seconds.

Continuing a long tradition for Renault Sport, the Megane R.S. Trophy-R owes its performance to a focus on three key pillars: weight reduction, aerodynamics, and suspension. Limited to just 500 examples globally, the Megane R.S. Trophy-R is around 130 kilograms lighter than standard Megane R.S. Trophy (excluding options) thanks to a radical weight-weight-saving program.

Plus it features a redesigned undertray and more aggressive rear splitter that generates greater downforce. Finally, the overhauled suspension benefits from more negative camber at the front, a bespoke H pattern rear axle, and Ohlins two-way adjustable dampers.

Power is provided by the 300-horsepower turbocharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder that drives the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox and Torsen limited slip differential.