Renault is celebrating its Formula One partnership with Red Bull with two (very) limited-edition models - the Mégane Renault Sport 265 Red Bull Racing RB7 and its sibling, the Clio Renault Sport Red Bull Racing RB7.
Each is finished metallic black with signature Renault Sport yellow F1-style blade, door mirror housings and rear diffuser. There are RB7 badges on the doors and the roof of each car has a black chequered-pattern decal.
The Mégane RS Red Bull Racing RB7 has a Cup chassis, limited-slip differential and red brake callipers as standard, along with an RS Monitor, inspired by the on-board telemetry seen in motor racing, that allows enthusiasts to adjust the parameters of the driver aids, using the display of data on the dashboard.
It's an electronic on-board driving coach that displays, in real time, performance-related data and information geared to fine-tuning driving styles such as 0-100km/h acceleration timing and throttle settings.
WANNA GET NAUGHTY?
Select 'Normal' mode and the engine comes to life, delivering 185kW and 340Nm. The emergency brake assist and electronic stability control functions are automatically switched on.
Switch to 'Sport' mode and the emergency brake assist is deactivated, the engine kicks out an extra 11kW, maximum torque climbs to 360Nm, the 'free-flow flaps' in the exhaust system open and the threshold of the electronic stability control is raised just enough to let you get out of shape without getting into trouble.
The Renault Clio RS Red Bull Racing RB7, motivated by Renault Sport's 150kW, two-litre engine, is also based on the track-orientated Cup chassis, and comes with the on-board RS Monitor as standard, along with 18” black Interlagos rims shod with Bridgestone RE050A tyres - which established a new front-wheel drive lap record around the Nurburgring's Nordschleife in June 2011.
WELL-KITTED
Each Red Bull Racing RB7 model comes with automatic climate control, automatic headlights, hands-free card, Recaro bucket seats, Renault Sport-badged gear-lever knob, an audio connection box and a personalised numbered plaque.
That's because only 20 of each will be available in South Africa.
PRICES
Mégane Renault Sport Red Bull Racing RB7 Special Edition - R419 900
Clio Renault Sport Red Bull Racing RB7 Special Edition - R299 900
Each comes standard with Renault's five-year or 150 000km warranty, a five-year or 100 000km service plan on the Megane with scheduled services at 10 000km intervals and a four-year or 60 000km service plan on the Clio with scheduled services at 15 000km intervals.