Wednesday, 16 November 2011 15:21

Euro rally car sticks like ‘limpet’

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RENAULT'S HOTTEST 'hot hatch' – the Megane RS 250 in Cup Trophee form – impressed motor racer Ray Williams and 'celebrity' co-drivers during the recent five-day Targa tarmac road rally, says the brand's New Zealand distributor.

"It was a big surprise," said Williams, after his first-time drive in the Renault. "The handling was light and nimble and it carried the speed through corners well. It was a lively package. It hung on like a four wheel drive."

Williams has driven Porsches, Escorts and others in decades of motor racing.

He says the Renault's combination of limited slip differential for the front wheel drive and the rear suspension geometry provided "limpet-like" road holding. "It braked and turned into corners so well – beautifully balanced."

On the tighter, twisty stages without long straights Williams made times that would have placed the Megane RS 250 in the top ten overall. (The Targa rally is raced on closed roads, but they are all tarmac. It attracts a variety of cars – 50-year-old classics to modern super cars.)

During the five days, Williams had a succession of guest co-drivers – mayors and executives of councils in the areas hosting the race.

"They were blown away," Williams says. "They were usually frightened for the first few corners of a stage because of the speed, but then couldn't believe how fast we were going on back country goat tracks."

Williams drove the 184kW 2L turbocharged car that preceded the event as one of the course 'zero cars' that made sure the roads were safe to use before the competition began.

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