This Could Be The Most Extreme Renault Megane Ever Created

The result is what you see here: the Renault Megane RX, which will be competing in the 2018 FIA World Rallycross Championship. Based on the Renault Megane IV, Prodrive will be designing the car at its UK headquarters ready for its racing debut for French driver Guerlain Chicherit, who has set up his own team to enter the 2018 season.

Prodrive says the Megane RX will have a "bespoke 2.0-liter turbocharged engine", but didn't disclose any other specifications. However, going by regulations of the Supercar WRX discipline it will be entering, expect it to weigh around 1,300 kg, and produce 600-hp and 660 lb ft of torque. It should also be capable of achieving 0-60 mph in less than two seconds. And because driver aids such as traction control aren't permitted, it's safe to say it will be a bit of a handful in the corners. Newcomer Guerlain Chicherit will be facing the likes of Rallycross regulars Ken Block and former Top Gear host Tanner Foust, but this man shouldn't be underestimated.

He's conquered the Dakar Rally, and is the first driver to perform an "unassisted backflip" in a Mini. Such skills should come in handy, since cars do frequently get airborne in rallycross. "It has long been an ambition of ours to compete in the FIA World Rallycross Championship," David Richards, Prodrive chairman said. "It is the fastest growing motorsport series in the world and gives us the opportunity to use all our engineering experience to create a car capable of winning the world title. Guerlain is obviously a very talented driver and we look forward to working with him and developing a race car that both he and Renault will be proud of."