THE latest version of the Renault Megane R.S. Trophy-R has demonstrated its performance by setting a new lap record for front-wheel-drive cars at the legendary Nurburgring in Germany.

The super hot Megane, which is due for release before the end of the year, completed a lap of the Nordschleife circuit in just seven minutes 40.1 seconds - an average speed or more than 100mph.

Renault says only a few hundred examples of the new Megane R.S. Trophy-R will be built and each will be powered by the same 300bhp engine as used in the regular Megane R.S. Trophy.

The R model gains its extra speed thanks to a 130kg reduction in weight and upgrades to its aerodynamics and chassis.

The car is fitted with an Akrapovic exhaust system, has Brembo brakes, Bridgestone tyres, Öhlins shock absorbers and Sabelt bucket seats.

It is the third time a Megane R.S. has claimed a record at the Nurburgring since 2008 when a Megane R.S. R26.R completed the circuit in eight minutes 17 seconds.

In the latest run, the Megane was driven by racing driver Laurent Hurgon who had previously set a time of seven minutes 54.36 seconds in the third generation model in 2014.

Prices for the new Trophy-R are still to be announced but the R.S.Trophy model is currently priced from £33,535.