2018 Renault Megane RS teaser video

A single image of the new Renault Megane RS, covered by a cloth at the end of a video promoting one million fans of the Renault Sport Facebook page, has signalled the beginning of Renault's teaser campaign.

A video game-style montage shows an evolution of the Renault Sport lineage beginning with the 1983 R5 Turbo and ending with the current hatch range of Megane, Clio and Twingo racing down a moonlit road.

However, the final scene is set in an illuminated parking garage showing the covered new RS high-performance model with a caption saying "coming soon 2017", suggesting a reveal later this year and a 2018 on-sale date.

2017 Renault Megane RS teaser

The most highly strung variant of the latest Megane range is reported to continue to use a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that supposedly churns out even more grunt than the 202kW produced by the third-generation RS275 Cup Trophy version.

The new RS is thought to be front-wheel drive (FWD) only but will employ the four-wheel-steering setup shared with the current range-topping Megane GT variant.

British publication Autocar has speculated that a six-speed dual-clutch automatic will also be offered alongside the traditional manual, also suggesting a September launch at the Frankfurt motor show.

The new generation Megane is not offered as a three-door in any variant, meaning the new RS will come only as a five-door, with the longer wheelbase likely to improve handling but impose a weight penalty.

The only detail revealed by the teaser video is that the new RS will share the same headlight design as the new Megane hatchback and Koleos SUV ranges, however a sporty body kit is a certainty on such a car.

The RS was once the fastest FWD car around the Nurburgring before being knocked off by the Honda Civic Type R in 2015 and the Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport S last year. There is every chance Renault will seek to regain that title with the new car.

Since the previous Megane RS hit the market in 2009 Renault has produced more than 30,000 units for sale around the world.

Further images and details can be expected to filter out in the lead-up to the car's unveiling later this year.

Will the new Megane RS be fast enough to regain the crown of fastest front-wheel drive around the 'Ring? Tell us what you think in the comments below.