Autoblog

Renault announces facelifted F1-inspired Twingo R.S.

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Renault, UK

There are two additional performance versions of the Renault Twingo joining the base model introduced earlier this year: the Twingo R.S. and Twingo Gordini R.S. They are set apart from the donor hatch by a lower bumper element meant to mimic the nose of an F1 car (Mercedes-Benz once did something similar with its sporty cars). The rear bumper is also reshaped, getting a diffuser and "aerodynamic extensions," and the tailgate is topped by a spoiler.

Flared wheel arches set the tone along the flanks of the R.S., but the optional Design Package and 16-inch wheels add contrasting accents, and the Gordini R.S. swaps for 17-inch diamond-effect black rims. Yellow stitching, white and gloss-black inserts highlight the interior, and an optional telemetry system called R.S. Monitor can highlight your driving. Under the hood is the familiar 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 133 horsepower.

Both machines go on sale this month in France and will roll out 19 other countries in March, the U.S. not among them. The Twingo R.S. will require €16,900 ($22,187 U.S.) of your hard-earned cash in France, while the top-flite Gordini R.S. needs €18,100 ($23,762 U.S.). Follow the jump for the press release and more info.

Continue reading Renault announces facelifted F1-inspired Twingo R.S.

Renault announces facelifted F1-inspired Twingo R.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sacré Bleu! Renault pawns its heritage with base Twingo Gordini

Noah Joseph — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Hatchback, Renault

Renault Twingo Gordini - Click above for high-res image gallery

The name Gordini used to mean something to fans of nimble, spritely European cars. Not unlike Fiat's Abarth, Gordini was an officially sanctioned tuning garage whose iconic blue-and-white versions of otherwise humble Renault saloons were offered with factory support. Gordinis won races and rallies by the truckload and remain revered by enthusiasts, many of whom were disappointed by the manner in which Renault revived the nameplate.

Whereas Fiat brought Abarth back out of obscurity to produce a range of exquisitely desirable hot hatches, Renault used the Gordini name for a special trim package and little more. We first saw Gordini versions of the Clio RS and Twingo RS - two hot hatches already respected for their giant-slaying capabilities - but now, Renault has announced that the Gordini name will be used for the top spec of the ordinary, run-of-the-mill Twingo, as well.

The new Gordini line will replace what was the GT trim level, applying the legendary blue paint scheme with offset pair of white racing stripes to the bland econo-hatchbacks. We can only hope European buyers will have enough respect for the model to opt for the black or white color options with silver stripes, instead, and let Amédée Gordini rest in peace.

Gallery: Renault Twingo Gordini

Gallery: Renault Gordini archival photographs

[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Sacré Bleu! Renault pawns its heritage with base Twingo Gordini

Sacré Bleu! Renault pawns its heritage with base Twingo Gordini originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Nov 2010 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2010: Renault Clio and Twingo get the Gordini treatment

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Renault

Renault Clio Gordini R.S. - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's amazing what a little paint and a few stickers can do for a small car. To illustrate that point, take a gander at the special Gordini edition Renault Clio and Twingo in the gallery below. Granted, the improvements reach much deeper than just those stickers, but the matte blue paint, white accents and white decals give these little runabouts a purposeful look and signal to the world that they are the top-of-the-performance-heap Gordini editions.

For those who need a refresher, Gordini is the name of a legendary Renault racing engineer. Amédée Gordini brought Renault some rally racing glory in the mid-'60s with the iconic R8 Gordini. Renault recently revived the name, reestablishing it as the top rung trim level on its already racy Renault Sport (R.S.) editions. Mechanically similar to their R.S. counterparts, they are mainly distinguished by retro styling touches (like the classic French racing blue paint scheme with white stripes) and an extra dose of exclusivity. Plus, they just look badass.

The first product in the new range, the Twingo Gordini R.S. had already debuted last November, but here at the Geneva Motor Show, the company unveiled their Gordini edition Clio as well. We have galleries of both cars for you below, the Mini-sized Twingo and the slightly larger Clio. Both cars have the performance upgrades found on R.S. models, with larger wheels, Brembo brakes, Conti SportContact3 tires, diffusers, heat extractors and that great livery. Check out the little "G" confetti in the stripes - classic.

Gallery: Geneva 2010: Renault Twingo Gordini R.S.

Gallery: Geneva 2010: Renault Clio Gordini R.S.

Geneva 2010: Renault Clio and Twingo get the Gordini treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renault introduces Twingo Gordini R.S. hot hatch

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Renault

Renault Twingo Gordini R.S. - Click above for high-res image gallery

A few weeks back, Renault announced plans to revive the classic Gordini badge for its new high performance variants and now, the first model has been unveiled. Based on the automaker's smallest model, the Renault Twingo Gordini R.S. should prove to be mighty quick, with a 133 hp 1.6-liter engine to twist its 17 inch front wheels, along with an uprated suspension package and brakes.

Outside, the Twingo is coated in the historic blue hue that adorned French racing cars in the days before corporate sponsor colors took everything over, and buyers can also opt for pearlescent black to go with the white accents. Renault is displaying the car at their "Christmas in Blue" exhibit in Paris through the holidays and deliveries will start in March. Pricing hasn't been announced, but it will surely come in at a level that would make American consumers blanche for such a small car.

Gallery: Renault Twingo Gordini R.S.

[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Renault introduces Twingo Gordini R.S. hot hatch

Renault introduces Twingo Gordini R.S. hot hatch originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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