Autoblog

Street Legal Racer: Renaultsport launches entry-level rally-spec Twingo

Noah Joseph — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 17:40:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Hatchback, Renault, Specialty

Renaultsport Twingo R2 - Click above for high-res image gallery

For such a tiny car, Renault's punchy little Twingo RS sure has been getting a lot attention lately. First came the launch of the Twingo Gordini edition, reviving a long-dormant racing nameplate for the French automaker. Then Jeremy Clarkson took it for a ride (and a swim) around (and under) Belfast. Now Renault's motorsport division has released the a pair of entry-level rally machines based on the pint-size hot hatch.

Called the Twingo Renaultsport R1 and R2, these are Renault's latest offerings to aspiring rally drivers getting in at the bottom. They pack 1.6-liter 16-valve four-bangers pumping out a substantial 160 horsepower - 27 over the standard RS - driving the front wheels through a five-speed sequential gearbox with a slip-resistant dog clutch and wheel-mounted shift paddles. There's little to distinguish the rally machines from their street-going counterparts, but inside, the interior has been stripped out and fitted with a roll cage.

Upgrading from the R1 to the R2 (which can be performed at any later point, helpful if your team is dependent on prize cash to re-invest into the car) gains Sabelt buckets with six-point harness and a few more bells and whistles. The best part? They're apparently still street legal (in Europe at least) so you can drive it home after the rally instead of loading it onto a truck. A fully equipped Renaultsport Twingo R2 will set you back €38,980, or the equivalent of $58k in American greenbacks...if only it were actually available here. You know the drill: details in the press release after the jump, high-res photos in the gallery below.

Gallery: Renaultsport Twingo R2

[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Street Legal Racer: Renaultsport launches entry-level rally-spec Twingo

Street Legal Racer: Renaultsport launches entry-level rally-spec Twingo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lazareth creates mid-mounted, Range Rover V8-powered Renault Twingo Trophy [*w/VIDEO]

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Budget, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Renault

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

Years ago, on a post-collegiate backpacking trip through Europe, we became strangely obsessed with the Renault Twingo. Going so far as to compose red vin induced Weird Al style poems, "Twingo, Twingo little car, how I wonder why you are." Today, we're having a slightly different reaction to this diminutive Renault.

Mostly because out back you'll find a 3.5-liter Range Rover sourced V8 kicking out 180 horses. That's right folks -- it's a Twingo with a mid-mounted V8. They call it the Twingo Trophy. Obviously, if you drop a V8 into the back of a runt like the Twingo -- even a small V8 -- you've got to perform some fairly serious mods. And French motorcycle builder Lazareth did just that, creating a modern day Renault R5. Albeit one with inboard shocks.

If you look at the pictures, you'll notice both the front and rear tracks got widened, comically so out back. The reason for the latter is a special rear tubular subframe Lazareth had to shoe horn in to deal with all the extra weight and power now suddenly present behind the front seats. They also put some goofy-sized 320 Yokohama slicks on the 18-inch rear wheels. Making the Twingo Trophy all the more ridiculous. But in a good way. We think. How much? About $100,000 give or take. A small price to pay for such a... distinctive Twingo.

*Update: There's a good chance the V8 makes much more than 180 ponies, especially judging by those wrapped headers. Also, we've added a pair of videos after the jump.

Gallery: Renault Twingo Trophy

[Source: Carscoop]

Continue reading Lazareth creates mid-mounted, Range Rover V8-powered Renault Twingo Trophy [*w/VIDEO]

Lazareth creates mid-mounted, Range Rover V8-powered Renault Twingo Trophy [*w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renaultsport launches hardcore Twingo 133 Cup

Noah Joseph — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:20:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Renault

Renault Twingo RS 133 Cup - Click above for high-res image gallery

Hot hatch enthusiasts the world over know that Renault makes some of the best in the business. The Clio Renaultsport, in its various iterations, has a strong following, as does the Megane RS. And with the current iteration of the Twingo, the French automaker has applied its winning formula to a smaller package. Launched a little over a year ago, the Twingo RS packs a 133 horsepower, 1.6-liter 16-valve four-cylinder. And while that may not seem like much, according to accounts from overseas, the little pocket rocket packs quite a punch. Now the boffins at Renaultsport have released an even more hardcore version.

Like the Clio 200 Cup, the Twingo 133 Cup does away with some of the frivolities - stuff like air-con, automatic headlights and independent adjustability for the rear seats - preferring instead to focus on being a tarmac-muncher in a compact package. But the Cup approach doesn't just delete, it also adds: the Cup suspension, already available on the equipped Twingo RS, features 10% stiffer springs, a 4 mm reduced ride height and 17-inch alloys on Continental Sport Contact3 rubber. Black and white trim is also available for a more track-focused look. But the best part about Renaultsport's Cup packages? They actually cost less than the heftier versions: £1,350 (over $2k) less, in this case, than a full-fat Twingo RS with the Cup suspension. Details in the press release after the jump and photos in the gallery below.

Gallery: Renault Twingo RS 133 Cup

Gallery: Renault Twingo Renault Sport

[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Renaultsport launches hardcore Twingo 133 Cup

Renaultsport launches hardcore Twingo 133 Cup originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Renault to relaunch Gordini performance brand in 2010

Chris Paukert — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 18:27:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Renault, Specialty

While it may seem like an inopportune time to exhume a performance marque, that's just what Renault is up to, says Car. According to the U.K. glossy, Renault will relaunch the Gordini brand in Europe next year with a new Twingo variant. You may recall that it was recently revealed that the French automaker's plans to bring back its storied Alpine product line has been axed, but the decades-dormant Gordini is apparently a different matter altogether.

The new lineup of hot hatches will slot in above current Renaultsport offerings, with the aforementioned Twingo reportedly being followed by Clio and Megane Coupe models. Like the Gordini-tuned cars of yore, the new models are tipped to wear blue paint and white stripes along with various performance upgrades that will make them a likely foil to Fiat's reborn Abarth lineup.

[Source: Car]

REPORT: Renault to relaunch Gordini performance brand in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Mar 2009 18:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renault working on Twingo roadster?

Noah Joseph — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 15:27:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Europe, Renault, Rendered Speculation

Those who mourned the passing of the Smart Roadster may be interested by the reports that Renault is preparing to launch a tiny convertible of its own. The diminutive spider is tipped to be based on the existing Renault Twingo, and feature a manual targa-style deployable roof that can be stowed in the trunk.

The Smart Roadster was never a market success, largely because it was too expensive to build and therefore too expensive to buy. But if the reports are to be believed, Renault is learning from Smart's mistakes and is targeting the affordable Nissan Micra C+C, Opel/Vauxhall Tigra and Peugeot 207 CC for the Twingo convertible's pricing. Sources indicate that the little roadster could bow in Frankfurt in 2010 - only that year's show will actually be held in Renault's home-base of Paris.

[Source: AutoInternationaal via ABG]

Renault working on Twingo roadster? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics & Details Aplenty: Renault Twingo RS

Noah Joseph — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, Renault

Click above for hi-res gallery of the Twingo Renault Sport

After its initial unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show this past March, Renault has finally released full details - including pricing, equipment, and a whole $h!tload of new photos - of the new Twingo Renault Sport. Following the great line of eminently chuckable sport hatches from the French automaker - including the current Clio and Megane Renault Sport models - the Twingo Renault Sport upgrades the existing range-topping Twingo GT with a host of performance-oriented equipment inside, outside and underneath. Power comes from a 133-hp 1.6-liter 16-valve four-banger, and the Twingo RS comes right out of the gate with a choice of two chassis set-ups: Sport and Cup. The latter tightens up the suspension, cuts out 17 kg of weight and offers 17-inch dark anthracite wheels.

You'll recall that while its on-track rivals like Ferrari and McLaren turn their F1 know-how into six-figure supercars, Renault transfers its into sport hatches like this one. Renault Sport's latest offering will sell for just €15,601 in its home market, but includes a special bonus usually reserved for cars ten times its price. For a nominal fee of €1, Renault Sport Technologies is throwing in tutelage in its advanced driving course to show each new owner how to get the most out of their finely-tuned little chassis.

Follow the jump to get the full skinny on the little hatchback that could, and check out the hundred new images joining our live shots in the gallery below.

Gallery: Renault Twingo Renault Sport

[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Pics & Details Aplenty: Renault Twingo RS

Pics & Details Aplenty: Renault Twingo RS originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Aug 2008 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dragonslayer: Renault rolls out the Twingo Extreme

Dan Roth — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Renault

The Twingo still won't take you to mythical Silene, but the UK gets its own specially pimped version of the entry-level Twingo called the "Extreme." Think of it as a Tercel Blackhawk en français, s'il vous plaît. The Twingo Extreme consists of mostly graphics for the exterior, though there's a few extra bits of gear thrown in, too.

Power is provided by a 1.2-liter engine, and Renault throws in specially trimmed wheels, a tachometer, and foglights. ~~Soccer~~ Football fans will undoubtedly choose the flag of St. George graphics for the exterior, and there's also Union Jacks for the door handles and stripes or checkered flags can adorn the outside, too, all for a modest price. MINI has already shown that customization at the dealer level is a popular activity, and we hope that the rest of the driving public soon becomes as smitten with small hatchy-things as we are. If we create enough clamor, they might send us a Jerry Lewis edition or something.

Press release after the jump

[Source: Renault]

Continue reading Dragonslayer: Renault rolls out the Twingo Extreme

Dragonslayer: Renault rolls out the Twingo Extreme originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Jan 2008 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Renaultsport Twingo 120

Noah Joseph — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 19:02:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Europe, Hatchback, Renault

Anyone who knows hot hatches knows that Renault is king. While other championship-winning automakers put their racing experience into six-figure supercars, Renaultsport puts its into grocery-haulers to turn out such splendidly chuckable pocket-rockets as the Clio 197 and Megane 225. Evidently firmly entrenched in the belief that good things come in small packages, Renault's performance racing division is turning its attention to the company's latest - and smallest - little Euro-runner, the redesigned Twingo.

These candid spy shots show that the Twingo has clearly been hitting the gym, with flared wheel arches and new bumpers. Power is tipped to come from a reworked version of the Twingo GT's 1.2-liter turbocharged four, massaged to produce 120 hp, 20 more than stock and hitting the magic 100-horsepower-per-liter mark. That'd be good for a 0-60 run in about 8.5 seconds, and with an anticipated UK price tag of around £12,500 it'd make a solid competitor to the likes of the Suzuki Swift Sport, Fiat Panda 100HP and Ford SportKa.

Speculation says it will be unveiled at the upcoming Geneva show in March, and based on the apparent readiness seen in the spy shots, we'd call that a good bet and will bring you more from the show floor in three months' time.

[Source: Auto Express]

Spy Shots: Renaultsport Twingo 120 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Jan 2008 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Renault to show Twingo C+C at Frankfurt

Alex Nunez — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 08:02:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Convertible, Europe, Renault

Autotriti, a Greek automotive website, is reporting that Renault has a surprise up its sleeve for the Frankfurt Motor Show. That surprise is said to be a Twingo Coupe + Cabriolet. Visual differences between the C+C and the Twingo hatchback will be extensive -- so much so that the instrument panel could be the only carryover. Mechanically, it will share very much with the hatchback (platform, powertrains, etc.). In lieu of a complex, folding roof, a hinged unit will revolve back, a la the Ferrari Superamerica, where it will be stowed in (or atop, perhaps?) the cargo area. It would be built in France, and not Slovenia like the hatchback, and according to the Autotriti report, a €15,000 price tag would be attached. Until Renault says something to confirm this, take it with a grain of salt. Click the "Read" link to visit the Autotriti website, which has three renderings of what might be on taps for Frankfurt.

[Source: Autotriti via Car Spy Shots, BlogAuto]

Rumormill: Renault to show Twingo C+C at Frankfurt originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jul 2007 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Twingo's dash features rubber grass

Chris Tutor — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 17:02:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Renault

click above image for high-res version

We're filing this under "Wish I'd thought of that."

Renault, in its redesigned Twingo (appropriately named New Twingo), is offering an option it calls "Grass-mat" dashboard trim. Essentially, it's a toothbrush turned bristles-up that holds all those gadgets we love so dear in our cars. The rubber fingers sit in a divot in front of the steering wheel, looking much like an abnormally blue sea anemone ready to coddle your Nemo-like iPod in motionless safety. No more digging under the seat for the phone that went flying in turn three, no unsightly Velcro on dash and phone, no more mining the seats for change at the toll booth. Genius.

Click on the above photo (or here) for an up-close, high-res look at the Renault's rubber grass, and click here to see what a New Twingo looks like.

Thanks for the tip, James!

[Source: T3]

New Twingo's dash features rubber grass originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Mar 2007 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Motor Show: Renault New Twingo

Alex Nunez — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 16:03:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Renault

Click image for 32-photo hires gallery

We got a peek at the New Twingo earlier this week thanks to info that leaked in advance of the Geneva show. Now that the car's been formally introduced, we have more info on Renault's baby hatch. The New Twingo is based on the last-gen Clio architecture, comes in three trim levels, has a pair of engine options, and is designed to be fun yet economical and versatile. Our favorite is the GT (shown above) which has 100 horses worth of giddyup coming from its 1.2L turbo engine. Combined fuel economy on it is over 39 mpg, and a 75-horsepower NA 1.2L is also available.

A look at the interior photos in the gallery show that the cabin's a bit plastacular, with a center-mounted instrument cluster used to facilitate easy production of either left or right-hand-drive versions. The sportier Dynamique and GT models get a tach affixed to the steering column, while a digital display shows key information like the car's speed and fuel gauge. The glovebox can be equipped with a proper USB connection that allows browsing and playback of music libraries on hard drives, MP3 players, and iPods. All four seats slide fore and aft independently, and the front passenger seat flips down to increase overall storage capacity and provide an additional arms-length-away place to keep stuff in the form of the seatback's netting. There's even a weird-looking rubber storage thingy that fits in the car's dash-top cubby. Bluetooth connectivity is also available, which seems pretty impressive for a car like this. Buyers, if they're so inclined, can even dress the car up through the application of one of four available decal sets, which add an artsy flavor to the little hatch's exterior. So, say goodbye to the friendly/quirky-looking old Twingo (above right). It's matured into a car that looks to be a lot more practical yet just as endearing to its followers.

The full New Twingo story is laid out in detail, courtesy of Renault, after the jump.

[Source: Renault]

Gallery: Renault New Twingo

Continue reading Geneva Motor Show: Renault New Twingo

Geneva Motor Show: Renault New Twingo originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Mar 2007 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Leak Peek: Say hello to the new Renault Twingo

Dan Roth — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 03:02:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Renault

click the picture above for a gallery

Continuing on its established theme of versatility and efficient use of space is the new Renault Twingo, set to be unveiled today in Geneva. This is the production version of the recent Twingo Concept, and it hasn't been watered down very much for production. As we suspected, the panoramic roof didn't make the cut, but overall, it's quite close to what we saw in Paris. The central gauge pod the Twingo introduced to the world makes a repeat appearance outfitted with digital displays. The analog tach attached firmly to the steering column (what, no hose clamp?) is a nice touch. The little A-segment Twingo should be a hoot to drive, if only we here in the States were lucky enough to see city cars. The top powerplant will be a 100-hp 1.2 liter four cylinder turbo, and although this Twingo gains a little bit in some dimensions, it should offer good entertainment value.

[Source: km77]

Continue reading Leak Peek: Say hello to the new Renault Twingo

Leak Peek: Say hello to the new Renault Twingo originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Mar 2007 03:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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World's Most Beautiful Autos named

Chris Tutor — Sun, 05 Nov 2006 13:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Coupe, Budget, Minivan/Van, Performance, Wagon, Contests, Etc., Hatchback, Supercars, Bentley, BMW, Chevrolet, Ford, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Nissan, Porsche, Volkswagen, Volvo, Ferrari

As part of the 22nd Annual International Automobile Festival, a team of judges has chosen its Most Beautiful Automobiles of the World for 2007, and no, the U.S. did not come home with a trunk of gold medals in this competition. We Americans will just have to be content with our two silvers.

On the other hand, many of the pageant-winning cars can actually be found on these shores.

List of winners after the jump.

Correction: Looks like I got my international "Most Beautiful Automobiles of the World" contests mixed up. The cars listed on the jump were chosen at the 14th Annual "L'Automobile più Bella del Mondo" competition, Oct. 27th in Milan, Italy. The Annual International Automobile Festival is in France in January when their choice for most beautiful is announced. So it looks like I need someone to translate French and Italian for me cause Google ain't gettin' it. I'm chalking the Scania truck mixup to translation as well. Mulligan?

[Source: Virtual Car via Carbody Design]

Continue reading World's Most Beautiful Autos named

World's Most Beautiful Autos named originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Nov 2006 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Motor Show: Renault Twingo Concept

Frank Filipponio — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 09:54:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Budget, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback

Although our guy Noah just posted info on this a few days ago, we now have some live pics and a full press release for this funky fun concept. Renault has introduced its new Twingo concept at the Paris Motor Show, foreshadowing the much-anticipated replacement for the popular supermini. The Twingo concept has some typical show car features that won't likely make it to production, but several might. Styling mimics that of the new Clio.

Powered by a 1.2-liter turbo four producing 100 hp, the not-quite-eleven-foot-long Twingo should be zippy. Cool features like frameless door windows and a panoramic glass roof are classy and chic. Four bucket seats surround a center console that houses docks for electronic gadgets and an auxiliary USB port. The instrument pod is center-mounted too. The concept also packs a TV and internet-enabled car PC.

(Follow the jump for more info and pics.)

Continue reading Paris Motor Show: Renault Twingo Concept

Paris Motor Show: Renault Twingo Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Sep 2006 09:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renault Twingo concept: loaded with tech, in time for Paris

Noah Joseph — Wed, 27 Sep 2006 12:03:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Gadgets, Budget, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback

Renault has released images of its new Twingo concept car just in advance of the Paris Motor Show. Previewing the upcoming replacement for the tiny Panda-class supermini, this concept is laden with a lot of features, many of which are likely not to make it to production, and some that might. Styling follows the familiar path of the new Clio.

The sprightly little three-door hatch is powered by a 1.2-liter turbo four producing 100 hp. It features frameless door windows and a panoramic glass roof which melds into the windshield. Inside are four bucket seats (which, considering you couldn't squeeze a fifth in there even if it had a bench, could make it to production). In the center console you'll find docks for electronic devices and an auxiliary USB port. The instruments are center-mounted as well. The car also packs a TV and internet-enabled car PC.

(Follow the jump for more pics.)

[Source: Motor Authority]

Continue reading Renault Twingo concept: loaded with tech, in time for Paris

Renault Twingo concept: loaded with tech, in time for Paris originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Sep 2006 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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