Hopes for Renault’s possible return to the American market were stymied when it became apparent that General Motors wasn’t interested in a far-reaching partnership with the brand and its Nissan ally a few years ago. It seems that the French automaker is still very interested in re-entering the U.S. and would consider other possible partnerships. One particular option that popped up at the Paris Motor Show is a purchase of the Chrysler brand if Cerberus were interested in parting ways with it. Interestingly, Chrysler was the automaker that Renault pawned its last U.S. efforts off on.
It wouldn’t be an easy time to enter the U.S. market, as every automaker is currently posting lower-than-hoped-for sales figures, including Chrysler, which reported numbers down by nearly a third. Still, Chrysler has plenty of dealerships in the U.S. and Renault would love to have access to some of them. Plus, Chrysler is rumored to be in search of a new mid-sized sedan platform to build off, something that Renault would be more than capable of providing. Another more costly option would be for Renault to go it alone, producing three brand-new vehicles just for the U.S. We’ll keep an eye on these rumors and report back if anything more substantial breaks.
Definately something that could happen if Chrsyler gets into a bigger hole? Or do they look at Alfa Romeo’s potential success in the US and go at it alone? Although I am surprised that Nissan isn’t piggy backing this. The latest Megan RS concept from the Paris Auto Show is being powered by the Nissan V6.
I hope we get something from Renault in the future. It would be nice to see us get a V6 powered hatchback like this bad boy…
We’ve said it before but it warrants repeating: Renault makes some of the meanest hot hatches in the business. The (very) outgoing Megane RS has been a favorite among the track day crowd and really any European customer looking for a fast ride with sharp handling that can still serve on the daily grind. With the new Megane now out in the open, the big question on the minds of Renaultsport fans is what manner of fire-breathing demon will follow the established favorite they know and love? Clearly this isn’t the answer, but if the production Megane III RS comes even remotely close to this concept car, we’ll have yet another European machine to lust after.
The Renault Megane Trophy concept features a Nissan-sourced 3.5-liter V6 mounted amidship like in the old Renaultsport Clio V6, but producing a prodigious 360hp driving through a six-speed sequential gearbox, all wrapped in a competition-grade body with more wing than the Concorde and more louvers than a Parisian museum tour. Currently the car is just a concept, but could end up going into limited production for a spec racing series. Check it out in the gallery below and rest assured that it looks even more awesome in person.