Renault Megane Renaultsport R26.R news - Video clip: R26.Ringmaster - 2008

If you weren't already excited about the Renaultsport Megane R26.R - and if not, why not? - here's a video of the double-hot hatch lapping the Nurburgring in just 8 minutes 17 seconds.

Yes, we know Nurburgring lap-record videos are ten-a-penny at the moment, but just have a listen to the R26.R. How angry does that turbo sound? How good does that turbo sound?

Eight minutes 17 is, by the way, a 'Ring record for a production front wheel drive car. If you're a bit sceptical about those distinctly slick-looking tyres, rest assured that the Toyo R888s are a production option.

You'll find them on the option sheet right above the tick-box reading 'I promise never, ever to go out in the rain'.