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The R26.R moniker sounds like the formula for a new superdrug, and that's exactly what this hot French hatch is. Seven years after its debut and about forty-eight hours before its demise, the quaint-looking Renault Mégane has at last attained eternal dynamic greatness. The Mégane's less controversial successor is already on sale in Europe, but Renault's performance arm (based in Dieppe, France, far from the Paris HQ) is still completing some high-performance derivatives of its predecessor. Based on the Mégane Renault Sport (and the F1 Team 26 version that followed), the R edition adds enough extra punch, poise, and panache to thoroughly upset the European hot hatch fraternity. Output increases only marginally over the Renault Sport (from 225 to 230 hp, and from 221 to 229 lb-ft of torque), but weight drops by 270 pounds (to 2712), despite additions like a roll cage and upgraded brakes. With the optional titanium exhaust, the R26.R loses about another 30 pounds. Thus equipped, it takes only 25 seconds longer to lap the Nürburgring than the new Porsche 911 GT3. Even more notable is the five-second lead it carves out over the 305-hp, European-market Ford Focus RS.

Attending a press event for the Renault Nissan EV - slated for a 2010 U.S. launch - is akin to attending a high-energy cult rally.