Insider: 2009 Renault Megane Coupe RS with 250HP to bow in Geneva

Renault's super-hot performance version of the new Megane Coupe that was unleashed at last year's Paris Show will break cover in Geneva on March 3. The Megane Coupe RenaultSport (RS), will be equipped with the same 2.0-liter turbocharged engine as the most powerful version of the current Megane RS, the limited edition R26, but according to Carscoop's sources, the French firm's engineers have performed several upgrades boosting output from 230HP to 250HP. That's 40HP more than the new VW Golf GTI, 25HP more than the Ford Focus ST and 10HP more than the Opel Astra OPC which are the RS's chief rivals.

Power will be transmitted to the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox, while the Megane Coupe's chassis and suspension will be enhanced. A limited-slip differential will also be offered as an option on the standard version. Why, will Renault introduce more than one variants of the Megane RS, you ask? The answer is yes, as our insiders said that the French carmaker will reveal more hardcore versions of the RS, just like it did with the current-generation model.

These hardcore variants will focus on weight reduction and improved handling through a series of measures like the addition of a limited-slip differential and the re-calibrating of the suspension settings, instead of increasing the turbocharged engine's output.

Visually, the 2009 Megane Coupe RS will stand out from the crowd thanks to a bodykit that is said to include new front and rear bumpers, spoilers and flared wheel arches. While the RS might not be as dramatic as the race-prepped Megane Trophy seen in the pictures, RenaultSport's people claim that the hot Megane Coupe will definitely capture our attention with its looks.