RENAULT MEGANE EVO TCR READY FOR GRM

Renault Megane RS Evo TCR ready for GRM – Photo: Supplied

The new Vukovic Motorsport-developed Renault Megane RS Evo was revealed ahead of Balance of Performance testing.

By HEATH McALPINE

The new specification includes a new engine, which promises to deliver increased reliability and durability compared to its predecessor, a lighter weight and an improved aerodynamic package.

The Swiss-based operation headed by Milenko Vukovic worked in close collaboration with former Supercars team Garry Rogers Motorsport on the updated evolution with chief engineer Richard Hollway explained GRM’s Barry Rogers

“We were quite involved in the development of the Evo, particularly from an engineering point of view,” Rogers told Auto Action. “Richard Hollway has had quite a significant amount of input into the engineering work with Milenko on it.

“The focus for Milenko and Richard was to get weight out of the car, so re-engineering certain parts of the cars that may have been heavy. There was a fair focus on getting the car down to that minimum weight because it is important thing to be able to do.”

GRM also investigated the potential of a new axle, but the gains were minimal and one of a similar design to the previous generation is utilised.

“We went through a bit of a project on the front-axle, the potential re-design of that and after testing a few things we reverted to a very similar axle to what was on the existing car,” Rogers said. “A lot of work and effort went into designing a new axle, but it didn’t really give us the gains that potentially we thought.”

Another improvement that has made a significant difference is the position of the rear-wing, which has been moved further back with the tweak making the rear “a bit steadier” according to Rogers.

The delay in the TCR Balance of Performance testing has allowed Vukovic to refine the engine, which was tested by GRM prior to the pandemic. The new 1.8-litre engine is the same as what powers the road-going Megane RS and replaces the bored out 1.6-litre Clio unit that proved quick, but unreliable during the maiden TCR Australia season.

“He’s [Vukovic] spent a considerable time on the dyno getting the engine maps right, so we’re looking forward to putting it in the new car and seeing what it’s like,” Rogers said.

“Reliability and getting the required power out of it is easier.

“The incentives in the TCR car are finding reliability and durability. Speed is important but there’s no point building a rocketship because of the BoP.”

GRM will receive an air freighted engine next week ahead of a test day on June 11.

Rogers confirmed that James Moffat and Dylan O’Keeffe will line-up in two Evo-specification Meganes when TCR Australia returns, which will occur after Balance of Performance testing is complete.

“We’ve got a new engine that Milenko is packaging up for us next week,” Rogers said.

“The plan is to have those new-spec engines in those cars.”

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