Click above for high-res gallery of the Renault Twingo Sport
This is another in a long line of European cars we just can't buy in the States, but that we'd give our left lug nuts to drive on a daily basis. The recently unveiled Twingo Renault Sport joins a group of euro cars that combine economy and fun, with an emphasis on sporty looks and handling to match. If this sounds like your kind of thing, you'll be upset to know that it still isn't coming here. For masochists, you can read more about the Twingo Sport in the press release after the jump, but the short version is that this third Renault Sport model is based on the new Twingo that was unveiled here in Geneva last year. Checking the Renault Sport box on the order form adds a 133-hp 1.6L motor to the tiny hatch. Add in Renault's expert chassis tuning and the whole package should guarantee an exciting ride... for Europeans.
PRESS RELEASE:
TWINGO RENAULT SPORT
EXPERIENCE THE RENAULT SPORT THRILL
Renault Sport Technologies profited from the international launch of the latest R28 Formula 1 single-seater in Boulogne-Billancourt, near Paris, France, today to take the wraps off Twingo Renault Sport. Renault's new, affordable, high-performance car slots into the Renault Sport range alongside its bigger sister cars, Clio and
Mégane Renault Sport.
Twingo Renault Sport is a genuine hot hatch with looks to match and was designed to deliver both enjoyable roadholding and genuine sports performance. Its efficient, balanced chassis has been mated to a fiery but flexible 133hp engine to form a package that is sure to appeal to all those who seek sporting sensations and
driving pleasure during everyday motoring.
Unmistakable sporting credentials
Renault has produced an affordable high-performance car which sits alongside Clio and Mégane Renault Sport in the Renault Sport range. Twingo Renault Sport's compact proportions and incisive, assertive styling are redolent of the Twingo Concept show car which was unveiled at the 2006 Paris Show. Twingo's existing lines are underpinned by a more curvaceous, athletic stance and the newcomer's sporty calling is further emphasized
by its wider front and rear wings, profiled sills and spoiler.
Driving pleasure and sporting sensations during everyday motoring
Twingo Renault Sport is the response of Renault Sport Technologies' experts to a two-pronged challenge, namely to deliver sports performance while at the same time ensuring that the new car is easy to use on a day-to-day basis. Twingo Renault Sport's chassis is both responsive and finely tuned to provide precise, balanced sports handling, while specific work on the pitch of its new 133hp 1,598cc engine reveals its punchy
temperament.
[Source: Renault]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
zamafir @ Mar 5th 2008 1:27PM
They really just need to make a plus version and spin the design off into a few kids shows. it's like a car... that's a puppy... or something.
Bancho @ Mar 5th 2008 2:20PM
A car that size with a motor that strong should be a lot of fun to drive.
Scorch @ Mar 5th 2008 2:39PM
Yawn, based on the last two days of posting it looks like the only cars at Geneva 2008 were dressed up economy cars and $1,000,000+ supercars. Can automakers come up with something for those of us who need something bigger than a Fiat 500 that has less than 500 hp?
What a sad state the auto industry is in. I'm absolutely dreading the day when I have to trade in my regular sized car and have nothing to choose from except an assortment of ugly little hatchbacks. It doesn't matter what kind of racing strips or badges it has on it, its still an economy car.
Dazza @ Mar 5th 2008 2:57PM
Europeans generally pay the equivalent of between US$6.50/gall and US$8.50/gall for unleaded and whatsmore, deal with horrific urban traffic congestion. Economical yet powerful supermini models have a tremendous draw as a result. This is the motor industry acting positively, and far from being sad, offers interest to those interested in seeing the latest automotive technology crammed into a small vehicle.
Travis @ Mar 5th 2008 3:21PM
to any Automakers who are reading this:
I'm buying a car next year. I will be buying whichever "hot-hatch" is smallest, fastest, and most fun to drive priced between 18 and $23k. I don't need a 4 (or 5) door, 250hp, 3000lb+ car. 90% of the time I'm driving it, it's just me. The other 10% of the time I'm with my wife, who doesn't need a total of 4 seats and 60 cubic feet of storage space. No kids, no dog, no boat to tow, no lumber to haul, etc. Right now my choices are a Mini and... a Mini. If you want my business, bring over something like this, or the Abarth 500, or any other small hatchback with a turbo'd 1.5 or 1.6l engine and a sport suspension.
Thank you.
Rafal @ Mar 5th 2008 5:08PM
Cute?!? Autoblog you are making fools of yourself, this is as cute as the new Aveo You don't like.
Talwar @ Mar 8th 2008 4:52AM
Specs taken from www.renault-sport.com and translated (loosely) by me.
98 kW/133 hp @ 6 750 rpm
160 Nm @ 4 400 rpm
5 speed manual (JR5)
Rs Twingo is 10mm lower than GT and 30% stiffer.
Tire size 195/45 R16 (bright rims).
Optional Cup package drops the car additional 4 mm and stiffens it additional 10 %, tire size is 195/40 R17 (dark rims).
It seems that Gt has ground clearence of 120mm, so Rs has 110mm and with cup 106mm. That's pretty low.