Renault has expanded its range of performance models with the introduction of GT 220 versions of the Mégane Hatch, Coupé and Sport Tourer.

The GT 220 is based on the Megane GT Line TomTom, but delivers up to twice as much horsepower and has even more dynamic driving characteristics thanks to stiffer springs and dampers and larger front brake discs from Renaultsport.

The GT220 is powered by a 2.0-litre 16-valve turbocharged engine that develops (yes you guessed it 220 hp) and 340 Nm of torque, which is delivered to the front wheels via a “slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission”. The GT 220 has a 0-62 mph time of 7.6 seconds and will run out of puff at 149 mph. According to Renault, the car will deliver in terms of economy and efficiency too, with Stop & Start technology as standard; the GT 220 will return 38.7 mpg on the combined test cycle, with CO₂ emissions of 169 g/km.

The Renaultsport-tuned chassis on the GT 220 includes specific front and rear dampers that use the calibration and valving based on those used on Mégane Renaultsport. From its more powerful sibling, the GT 220 also uses the same rear bump stops. The steering calibration differs to that of the mainstream Mégane to take into account the GT 220 versions’ specific tyres and chassis settings – 18-inch ‘Serdard’ alloy wheels that are fitted with 225/40R18 Dunlop Sport Maxx TT tyres.

Stopping power is provided by ventilated 320 mm front discs (up from 280 mm on GT Line) and 260 mm solid rear brake discs together with firmer, more progressive servo-assistance thanks to the fitment of the Mégane Renaultsport’s master cylinder. The GT 220 also features Renault’s Anti-Skid Regulation (ASR) and Understeer Logic Control (UCL) advanced driver aid systems, plus ABS anti-lock brakes with EBD emergency brake assist.

In terms of appearance, a special GT bumper design has been added, with a reshaped central air intake and an integral gloss black cross bar that carries the number plate. At the rear, the bumper has a lower section which incorporates an anthracite-coloured aerodynamic diffuser. The specification and colour choices for the GT 220 mirror what is available with the GT Line models, including the option of bespoke Malta Blue paintwork with anthracite grey and polished detailing.

The interior has clearly been influenced by Renaultsport with its sports seats and upholstery, a thick leather-rimmed steering wheel with thumb indents and stitching detail, as well as analogue dials and aluminium pedals. The interior door handle pulls, outer air vent surrounds and the dashboard have been finished in polished carbon.

Standard equipment includes dual-zone climate control, cruise control, speed limiter, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, LED daytime running lights, fully integrated Renault R-Link satellite navigation, Bluetooth, a USB connection, a rear parking camera and an uprated Arkamys 3D sound system.

When it comes to the standard equipment list the GT220 doesn’t disappoint, boasting a host of features that include dual-zone climate control, cruise control, speed limiter, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, LED daytime running lights, fully integrated Renault R-Link satellite navigation, Bluetooth, a USB connection, a rear parking camera and an uprated Arkamys 3D sound system.

So how much will this ‘entry level’ sporting hatch cost? 
Prices are as follows: the Hatch starts from £23,245, the Coupé from £24,230 and the Sport Tourer from £24,245.
The car comes with a four year or 100,000 miles warranty (first two years unlimited mileage). There is also a three-year paint warranty and 12 years’ cover against corrosion.

Autosport International is Europe’s largest indoor pre-season motorsport event and this year was a big one for the show as it celebrated its 25th Anniversary at the NEC in Birmingham.
The show offers an extremely diverse range of performance cars catering for every type of motor enthusiast.
From classics through to Supercars, even the smaller bespoke car manufacturers are given the chance to make a name for themselves.
In 2015 Autosport seen the unveiling of several new and exciting performance cars from Britain and further afield.

Performance car makers Ariel – makers of the Atom – recently revealed a new ATV, their new Ariel Nomad seen its first public outing at Autosport 2015. The light weight all-terrain vehicle is powered by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder VTEC engine and is tuned to produce 235bhp. It will sprint from 0-60mph in 3.4 seconds, has a top speed of 136mph and will set you back £30,000 – winch included.

You may also remember my article last week about my test drive of Zenos Cars first sports car the E10, which was unveiled at last year’s Autosport Show.
For 2015, Zenos has revealed their new turbocharged model in the form of the E10 S.
It’s powered by a mid-mounted 2.0-litre Ford EcoBoost engine producing 250bhp, has a 0-60mph time of less than 4.5sec and a top speed of 135mph – prices start at £29,995.

Noble unveiled an open-top version of its M600 supercar, dubbed the Speedster. The M600 Speedster prototype has seen the company leave their love of the traditional manual gearbox behind, as the new Speedster has now adopted a six-speed semi-automatic transmission (though it is a prototype).

Track car specialist Radical unveiled their latest performance car at ASI15 – the RXC Spyder. According to them it’s the “most advanced, powerful, and aerodynamically-developed” open racing car yet.
Powered by a high-revving 3.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 producing 440bhp, the RXC Spyder doesn’t come cheap at £131,940. Radical are now taking orders and deliveries are expected from early this year.

Autosport International also hosted the unveiling of the first Lister Jaguar ‘Knobbly’ reincarnation.
The reborn ‘Knobbly’ is built to the very same specification as the original 1958 ‘Knobbly’, using the late Brian Lister’s original drawings and manufacturing jigs.  It is powered by a race-prepared Jaguar D-Type 3.8-litre straight-six, producing 330bhp.
It will reach 0-60mph in just 4.3 seconds and has a max speed of 181mph. Priced at £295,000; the Cambridge built ‘Knobbly’ is also eligible to compete in all historic racing events worldwide.

British car manufacturer Keating Supercars also unveiled their latest model, which they hope to shatter the current world speed record with.
The Keating TKR has an estimated top speed of 335mph – that’s 0.5 Mach if you were wondering!

In addition to the unveilings at the NEC, there were motoring celebs to meet, activities to take part in and numerous live performance shows to watch.

One of the live performances even resulted in a new world record, featuring Alistair Moffatt – a master instructor at Stunt Drive UK.
He took back the parking world record from Chinese stunt driver Han Yue, who managed to squeeze a Mini into a gap that was only 8cm longer than the car. Moffatt beat the record by managing to slide a Fiat 500 into a space just 7.5 centimetres longer than his car.

Other attractions included the Autocar display, live automotive art with Popbangcolour, the Renaultsport RS.01. and the Formula 1 grid.

Our full gallery of pics from Autosport International 2015 can be found on our Flickr.