Weight saving: a leitmotiv
To guarantee such high performance, Mйgane R26.R was put through a weight-saving programme that saw it shed 123kg compared with the F1 Team R26 version.
To achieve this result, the car goes without a certain number of comfort-related features,
including:
- the rear seats and seatbelts,
- airbags (except driver airbag),
- automatic climate control (available as an option / manual climate control standard),
- rear wiper and wash,
- foglamps,
- headlamp washers,
- the majority of soundproofing material.
Other components that have been modified with a view to reducing weight and optimizing driving ergonomics are:
- the carbon bonnet (a saving of 7.5kg),
- polycarbonate quarterlights and rear screen (a saving of 5.7kg),
- carbon seat shells and aluminium frame (a saving of 25kg),
- six-point harness belts,
- titanium exhaust line (available as an accessory),
- specific lightweight body equipped with roll-cage mounting brackets.
Uncompromising chassis
As far as the running gear is concerned, the front and rear suspension have evolved to deliver
optimal handling and traction efficiency.
The front layout features the now familiar independent steering axis system, although all the front suspension components are specific:
- spring ratings have been uprated from 13.4mm to 14mm/100kg,
- damper calibration is specific as a function of the specific specification of the chassis,
- the brake discs are grooved and not cross-drilled,
- optional TOYO PROXES R888 tyres (225/40 R18), or standard Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tyres (235/40 R18).
- one of the bushes between the lower arm and front subframe has been stiffened.
Regarding the rear suspension, the spring rates have increased from 15.1mm to 16.2mm/100kg, while the damping once again features specific calibration.
For best level traction performance, Mйgane R26.R is equipped with a limited slip differential which has the same transfer rate as that of the F1 Team R26 version (33 per cent).
Driving of a powerful vehicle equipped with a limited slip differential tends to call for certain driving skills because of the torque steer that can occur in certain situations. The combination of a limited slip differential and independent steering axis front suspension minimizes this phenomenon and allows the driver to profit fully from the extra traction and for a more reassuring drive. The car's directional precision under cornering is also improved and allows drivers to re-accelerate both earlier and harder.
Any car boasting such a high level of performance requires a braking system that combines bite with fade-free durability, and Mйgane R26.R's substantially dimensioned brakes employ four-piston Brembo callipers and 312mm vented front discs. Unlike the Cup chassis version, this limited edition model is equipped with grooved discs to ensure even better durability when the car is pushed.
http://seriouswheels.com/cars/2009/top-2009-Renault-Megane-R26-R.htm